09 11 15 by UT Media Center

THE GOLDEN TICKET 13,283 400 ≈1,400 102,455

Tennessee facing student ticket shortage Tanner Hancock News Editor

IT’S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE! SEE PAGE 1B FOR ALL THINGS VOLUNTEER FOOTBALL

Volume 130 Issue 17

The Volunteers are ranked for the first time since 2008. Bob Stoops is once again downplaying the SEC. Tennessee football is (for the moment) undefeated. The hype surrounding Saturday’s game is real, and the students can feel it. All that’s left is to go to the game. But with the record-breaking 13,283 student ticket requests received for the Saturday’s matchup, many volunteers have been left either confused or bitter over the current ticket system. Katie Clay is in her fifth year at Tennessee and prides herself on the fact that she didn’t miss a single game last year. Despite that, Clay was initially denied a ticket for the Oklahoma game in the first round, despite her long attendance record and seniority. That’s because Clay, like every other student at Tennessee, is subjected to a weighted lottery system for the first round of student requests. Students with more “loyalty points” have a higher chance of

being chosen in the first round, but are not guaranteed tickets, granting younger students and students with fewer loyalty points access to Neyland. If student demand for tickets exceeds the allotment for the first round, as was the case for the Oklahoma game, those students denied tickets in the first round may request another in the second, which is arranged in order of loyalty points. Dean of Students Melissa Shivers said the current ticket system rewards students who frequently attend athletic events without completely excluding those who don’t. “It’s incredibly important for our students to have the opportunity to participate during their four-year experience,” Shivers said. Students receive loyalty points when they attend games with a student ticket, but for every loyalty point accumulated over the year, only one-third of the sum carries over to the next year — meaning going to multiple athletic events last year doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a spot in Neyland Stadium this year. Further, loyalty points for other athletic events, such as basketball or women’s soccer, are not applicable for football games and do not carry over.

See TICKET on Page 4A

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Student tickets requested for the Oklahoma game

Tickets allotted for the Florida game

Tickets requested for the Florida game

Fans inside Neyland stadium

Friday, September 11, 2015

INSHORT

The Daily Beacon • Friday, September 11, 2015

Around Rocky Top

Students plant American flags in memory of all the victims of 9/11. Justin Keyes • The Daily Beacon

THE DAILY BEACON STAFF

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Jenna Butz Managing Editor: Bradi Musil Creative Director: Katrina Roberts Chief Copy Editor: Hannah Moulton, Kevin Ridder News Editor: Tanner Hancock Asst. News Editor: Heidi Hill Sports Editor: Jonathan Toye Asst. Sports Editor: Taylor White Arts & Culture Editor: Megan Patterson Asst. Arts & Culture Editor: Michael Lipps Online Editor: Cara Sanders Multimedia Editor: Hayley Brundige Photo Editors: Esther Choo, Hayley Pennesi Design Editors: Justin Keyes, Lauren Ratliff Copy Editors: Jordan Achs, Clint Graves, Altaf Nanavati, Sterling Martin Editorial Production: Meggie Briggs, Laurel Cooper, Hannah Marley, Alexis Porten Training Editor: Troy Provost-Heron

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CRIME LOG 9/6/15 G10/C2/1500 Phillip Fulmer Way/Phillip Fulmer Entrance

At approximately 4:15 p.m., a UTPD officer responded to 1500 Phillip Fulmer Way to assist two other officers with a suspect carrying a large knife on school property. The suspect was arrested for carrying a weapon on school property.

9/7/15 Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha/1820 Fraternity Park Drive/Kitchen Area

Around 1:38 p.m., UTPD officer Lt. Doty advised another officer of a burglary that occurred at 1820 Fraternity Park. Once the second officer made contact with the occupants, the officer was advised of a burglary which occurred last night between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. An item was stolen from the house kitchen area. One of the complainants reported there were two white males dressed like pledges in the kitchen around 10:30 p.m. The officer gave the complainants a UTPD case card.

CAMPUSNEWS

Friday, September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

UT Recycling kicks off football season with “zero waste” goals Kevin Ridder Copy Chief Big Orange game days are aiming to look a little greener this season. The Zero Waste Game Day Initiative, started last fall by UT Recycling, aims to make every home football game a zero waste event, meaning at least 90 percent of game day waste is diverted away from landfills and into recycling or compost bins. For Sarah Murray, Outreach Coordinator for UT Recycling, this zero-waste goal is just the beginning, citing last season’s accomplishment that diverted approximately 50 percent of game day waste from landfills. “In the future, we hope to convert all of campus into a zero-waste zone,” Murray said. “But for now we’re focusing on game days due to the enormous crowds it draws.” According to UT Recycling’s website, landfill waste from in and around Neyland stadium last season averaged in at around 21 tons of waste per game, adding up to roughly 147 tons of waste in the landfill from the 2014 season. UT Recycling manager Jay Price said students play a huge part in decreasing the amount of waste accumulated on campus. “We need everyone to do their part --- every bit counts, every person counts,” Price said. “Everybody is generating waste, and everybody needs to do the best they can to minimize it.” Taking steps forward from last season, UT Recycling has some new strategies in mind to help make orange green, including placing 30 compost and recycling receptacles in the first concourse of Neyland Stadium. These ‘Zero Waste Goalies’ will help redirect waste away from landfills and into recycling bins. Depending on the success of the effort this year, Murray hopes to extend the recycling efforts to future seasons. In an effort to engage with the fans

even more, Murray stated that they will be promoting the Zero Waste Game Day initiative through a social media outreach program called “Get Caught Green-Handed.” Those who post photos via social media capturing recycling or composting in the stadium will be eligible for prizes when they use a specific game hashtag. Two grand prize winners, Murray elaborated, will win a football signed by head coach Butch Jones. Price also emphasized UT Recycling’s need of volunteers to help The Zero Waste Game Day initiative plans to make all home games zero waste events. further the Zero Photo Courtesy of Sarah Murray, UT Recycling Outreach Coordinator Waste Initiative. To sustain their operations, at least 30 volunteers are necessary, but Murray hopes to attain at least 50 to 60 volunteers depending on student involvement. “If you are unable to volunteer, keeping a green mindset is crucial,” Murray said. “We urge students and fans alike to utilize the proper waste receptacles.” Outside of Neyland Stadium, Murray said students can help by taking strides to make their events zero-waste. “It’s very simple --- there are even maps and guides available on the website to help students find how and where to recycle,” Murray said.

CAMPUSNEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, September 11, 2015

TICKET continued from Page 1A Certain low profile games, such as Tennessee’s match-ups with Western Carolina and North Texas, however, may carry higher loyalty point rewards to increase student attendance. Tim Boruff, associate director of administrative services, said in past years, the student ticket system never encountered problems due to relatively small demand for tickets. Given the high demand for student tickets in recent weeks, however, UT administration has been forced to reanalyze whether the current ticket system is indeed the most efficient. “It’s never been a problem in the past because the football team has gone through some struggles,” Boruff said, stating that despite the demand this semester, the current system is still working “as it was intended.” Boruff has worked with Dean Shivers over the past several weeks to analyze other SEC school’s student ticket system and determine whether or not a better model could be implemented. At Mississippi State, students can play a flat $55 rate at the beginning of the season for all the home games. The University of Kentucky has a similar season ticket package for $40, with single tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. After examining these various models, Boruff said his confidence in current system remains strong. “It gives at least the students that are coming in as freshman an opportunity,” Boruff said. “It obviously leans more heavily towards the juniors and seniors, but that doesn’t mean they

won’t get passed up.” While Clay was eventually able to redeem an Oklahoma ticket in the second round, the very idea that a freshman might be able to receive a ticket when a fifth-year senior can’t troubled her. Rather than deny other students opportunities, though, Clay said she hopes the university will strive to make the games more inclusive of everyone. “I guess it’s to make it more fair for everyone to get a chance, but if that’s the case make the student section bigger,” said Clay. “If the football team is getting better, and we’re paying over $7,000 a year to go to school here, we should at least get the opportunity to go to the sporting events.” In line with her train of thought, Chris Robinson, junior in psychology, said that “loyalty should actually mean loyalty,” when it comes to the points and subsequent benefits students receive for attending home games. “People who go often to sporting events should be the ones who get preferable seats,” he said. To say that everyone shares Clay’s and Robinson’s situation would undermine those students who, for whatever reason, can’t make it to the stands every Saturday. Krystal Tran, junior in management, spent every gameday last year in Neyland Stadium. But instead of cheering alongside her friends, Tran was working a catering job and subsequenlty not collecting loyalty points. Left with all the love for the team but none of the points to prove it, Tran said she feels the loyalty points system works unfairly against those whose obligations keep them away from the stadium at kickoff time. “I would probably do away with loyalty points,” Tran said. “People who work don’t actually get the chance to go.”

Game day parking hits Strip Heidi Hill Assistant News Editor A parade of Big Orange and big wheels is about to roll through Knoxville’s streets. As campus prepares for UT’s first home game, construction on Cumberland Avenue has prompted the city of Knoxville to shift its traditional game day parking from the Strip’s gravelly streets to public lots in downtown and near Old City. Locales in Poplar Street Lot, City Council Building Garage, Locust Street Garage, State Street, Dwight Kessel Garage and Civic Coliseum are just a few areas that game-goers can park their cars to avoid tickets and tow trucks. Despite the far trek to join fellow fans in the “Vol Nation,” the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project has provided both residential and out-oftown fans a chance to compare rates online and to prepare early for their arrival for Saturday’s

game against Oklahoma. Anne Wallace, project manager for the Cumberland Avenue’s construction project, said it is precisely this early planning which prompted the distribution of online maps detailing rates and locations for public parking. Knoxville Area Transit will also be open for those who prefer not to make the trek to Neyland Stadium from the farthest public parking locations. “We are encouraging folks to leave early because there are so many planning to attend this game in particular; and because the Vols are ranked this year, we want people to plan ahead and give themselves extra time,” Wallace said. As the city’s main vein for game day and campus traffic, Cumberland Avenue, as confirmed by Wallace, will remain open as a one lane street in both directions, citing alternative routes via Joe Johnson and Seventeeth Street. UTDAILYBEACON.COM SEE MORE ONLINE

ARTS&CULTURE

Friday, September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Local fair proves tradition never dies

Courtney Anderson Contributor

The renowned Tennessee Valley Fair is coming to town from Sept. 11-20 to celebrate 96 years of family fun. This year’s theme is “Homegrown Happiness,” therefore, the fair will be aiming to attract families who have been coming to the fair for decades. With countless years of operation, the fair definitely has had a long history of bringing people and their families from different backgrounds together in the form of a celebration. Marketing Director Sarah Carson is glad to see families continuing this tradition. “It’s really cool to see people who came here 50 years ago,” Carson said. “Now they’re bringing their grandchildren.” Carson expects approximately 150,000 people to attend the fair over the 10-day period this year. With this amount of attendees, it is certain that many local families will be joining in on the excitement. Damian Messer, news director of 90.3

WUTK “The Rock,” has been to the fair over a dozen times since he was in high school. He now has a family of his own, and he is more than happy to be bringing to them to fair. “I’m going to bring my little girl to the fair,” Messer said. “I’ve got my beautiful wife who’s going to be there more for the country contests. It’s just a great tradition and it’s nice being in a big place like this that has these traditions and carries them on year after year.” The fair is introducing a variety of new exhibits and contests to highlight the unique aspects of the region and of East Tennesseans themselves. New attractions include a Power T Lego exhibition, the “Cookies and Canvas” art activity, the “Quilt for a Cause” live quilting event, “Crazy Cakes and Baby Bouquets” and more. New contests include the “Cut It Out” crafting competition, the “Sassy Stitches” cross stitching competition and the Medal of Honor student photography and art competitions. In addition to traditional contests, the fair is holding many pageants this year for girls ranging from 9 months to 21 years old. Despite the wide variety of attractions, the

“

My absolute favorite thing is the concerts. We have a really great lineup this year.” Sarah Carson, Marketing Director

feature Messer is looking forward to the most is the music. “That’s the big draw for me,” Messer said. “For me, it’s all about the musical acts.” Carson would agree. In her five years working with the fair she has found the concerts are most fun for her.

“My absolute favorite thing is the concerts,” Carson said. “We have a really great lineup this year.” That lineup includes Vanilla Ice (Sept. 11), Chris Lane (Sept. 12), The Fairview Union (Sept. 13), Big Daddy Weave (Sept. 14), Dustin Lynch (Sept. 15), REO Speedwagon (Sept. 16), Trace Adkins (Sept. 17), Warrant (Sept. 18), JT Hodges (Sept. 19) and Lonestar (Sept. 20). The fair is also accepting applications for local artists to perform in the Pepsi Community Tent for the entirety of the fair. Those interested in seeing the acts must have a fair admission ticket to attend the concerts. There’s also a list of prices for reserved seats on the Tennessee Valley Fair website, which are the seats fairgoers should consider if they want to be close to the stage. Admission prices are $10 for every adult age 12-65, $8 for people over the age 65, $6 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger. Prices for “All-You-Can-Ride” wristbands are listed on the site. Ride tickets are $1.25 each or 20 tickets for $20.

VIEWPOINTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, September 11, 2015

“Keeping up” should not be part of your college experience

McCord Pagan Adding Context

It seems like just last year I went to my first home football game. It was 2011, and a terrible storm paused our eventual win over Montana. We had so much rain and lightning we were ushered up into the covered part of the stadium and waited it out. Everyone was pushing into each other while still attempting to stay together as a group. It was chaos. Looking across the river, I saw waves of rain come crashing towards us, obliterating any view of downtown. Even the Henley Street Bridge and the BB&T building downtown were invisible to the naked eye as the wind and the rain swept through Knoxville. But in the midst of the confusion, as sweaty, angry fans were elbowing each other just to have room to breathe, two young college students forced their way through the crowd, carrying a third. The barely conscious girl’s head was rolling to the side, her open eyes unable to comprehend what was going on around her. The smell of liquor filled the hole they created as they rushed through. I never saw the trio again, but it was clear she had alcohol poisoning. Drinking and tailgates are part of almost every college football fan’s experience, and as such, police have found it easier to look the other way than to enforce our dry campus policy on game days. It makes sense. If police arrested everyone drink-

ing on campus for game day, Neyland Stadium would be half empty on Saturdays. But this isn’t a column about our ridiculous dry campus — it’s a column for new students. I would be a hypocrite if I told you not to drink before football games. But now on my fifth year, believe me, games are more fun when you can remember them. If you’re still reading this and find that nothing I’m saying is relevant to you or your friends, then congratulations. Please, carry on with your life because what you’re doing is working. But to those new to the college scene, realize you don’t have to “keep up” when drinking and that being sober(ish) for a game is a normal choice. While I’m probably not allowed to encourage underage drinking in this column, it would be wrong not to acknowledge that for many students under 21, drinking is a perfectly normal activity that a dry campus policy has not and will not stop. So the best thing I can do is ask you to be smart. At the risk of sounding like a helicopter parent or a First Year Studies instructor, there are ways to enjoy yourself in college without being drunk. Even when you do drink, remember to control yourself and realize what you’re consuming and how much of it you’ve had. I’m by no means telling you to be boring and sit in your dorm every weekend. For many students, going

out is part of the college experience. But this weekend, as tailgating tents go up and beers are cracked open, just remember that moderation is a thing. That girl at the Montana game wasn’t the first or last person I saw that year succumb to alcohol. As a former freshman, I understand the fear of missing out. You think that all the upperclassmen are drinking and partying when you’re just watching Netflix on a Friday night. So when you do get invited out, you naturally want to be kid who can handle their liquor, the one that deserves to be invited out again. But when you feel you have to keep up, you not only put yourself in dangerous situations, but you are selling yourself short. No one should care about how much you can drink. They care if you’re fun to hang out with and can carry a conversation. While drinking is many times part of the experience, your value as a person is much more important than your ability to do a keg stand. So this weekend, let’s tailgate, have a good time and watch the Vols beat Oklahoma at home. Just be sure you remember the game.

dropping lines about your hot yoga class. Step two: pronunciation. Cruising the aisles of Whole Foods has a mesmerizing effect — but if you can’t pronounce it, approach with caution. Ask yourself: is the raw spirulina and chlorella-sprouted energy bar really worth the price? By further diving into this delicious health-food hotbed, you can find cures to practically all of your body (and life) problems. I diagnose myself with several life-threatening illnesses while perusing the Whole Foods aisles — hopefully I’ll still function without regular doses of Black Elderberry syrup and Milk Thistle extract. Step three: survive the fresh salad bar. The smells of the store have an intoxicating effect, and despite its pretense, Whole Foods has an underground selection of great comfort food. Chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, wings and fries (among many other delicious options) at the hot food bar taste heavenly. To sneakily indulge, slip a few pieces of fried chicken to the bottom of your recyclable food bowl and covertly add a generous helping of sweet potato fries. Sidle over to the salad bar and hide the evidence in a pile of spinach leaves — deftly sprinkle on a few flax seeds for good measure. The cashier and the nearby vegan getting a generous dollop of alfalfa sprouts will never know the difference. Surviving Whole Foods can prove an extraordinarily rewarding shopping experience. But, like all things in life, timing is everything.

The best time to shop falls at the end of the week for a very important reason. Saturday morning at Whole Foods presents the prime opportunity for one of my favorite pastimes: sampling. Samples are the icing on the cake of the grocery shopping experience; professional samplers, however, know how to maximize their opportunities. For the first round, cruise by the tray and casually grab a sample. Wait half a beat and then keep meandering. Get lost in the aisle selling something called wheatgrass. After waiting about ten minutes or more, your second “accidental” trip by the sample box can become more serious. Stop, taste the sample again, and pick up the product. Scrunch your eyebrows like an inquisitive buyer. If you don’t end up purchasing the item, appear as if you’re in a real quandary about the price. Repeat at the next station—and after a few rounds, call it a free lunch. Best of luck to all college-goers who take on the endeavor. Of course, the real litmus test on Whole Foods survivability lies in the state of your bank account after you depart. Unfortunately, my wallet has officially cast me out of this Garden of Eden, until I can financially support a future trip. Maybe after Christmas. And once I finally learn to pronounced “acai.”

McCord Pagan is a fifth-year senior in journalism and electronic media. He can be reached at mcccpaga@vols.utk.edu.

How to: Whole Foods

Sarah Hagaman Turn of Phrase

Whole Foods: The Garden of Eden for health enthusiasts everywhere. A trip to this fresh food haven evokes images of brightly-lit aisles, shelves teeming with gluten-free fare, displays of rich pastries and a fully-loaded olive bar. Further into the store, a full salad bar brims with spinach, chickpeas and sesame croutons; the smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air. Knoxville’s very own Whole Foods opened in the Papermill area on March 24, to the delight of suburban housewives everywhere. Yet for college kids, this mecca of delicious fresh fare doesn’t come without its dange=rs therefore, venturing into the Whole Foods terrain shouldn’t be taken lightly. This beacon of health food holds temptations that can leave you clutching a handful of pennies and a bag of items you can’t pronounce. As a broke, young college kid, the experience requires certain precautions. For the next trip, here are a few tips to survive the Whole Foods experience. Step one: forget the XXL date party t-shirts. In Whole Foods, appearance is everything; stroll in wearing yoga pants and make sure to show off your toned triceps, even if you can’t walk up the Hill without losing your breath. What the Whole Foods company, customers weaving through the aisles, and workers at the checkout actually care about is holistic physical health—so if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Bonus points for wearing a Fitbit and

Sarah Hagaman is a senior in English. She can be reached at shagama1@vols.utk.edu.

THE DAILY BEACON PRESENTS

FALL 2015 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL GUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

DEAR READER, If you want to create a lasting memory, go to a college football game. It has worked so far for me. When I think of football, I think of my 10-year old self waking up my family at 6 a.m. so we could catch the Vol Walk for a noon game. (I also did this when ESPN’s College GameDay strolled into Knoxville for the 2012 Tennessee-Florida game. Turns out, college football is the only thing that can get me out of bed before 7 a.m.) I remember smiling at my grandfather, a longtime season ticket holder, during the second half of the 2006 California game, as both of us took in the deafening crowd noise of Neyland Stadium. Now in college, my memories are a little different. I remember walking down

a crowded Strip with some of my closest friends the night before the 2014 Florida game, absorbing the frenetic atmosphere. And sometime in the future, I will remember my time as the Sports Editor at the Daily Beacon, the first opportunity I had to cover a major college football beat. It’s not just the memories that make college football so great. Tennessee football game days would not be the same without the Pride of the Southland’s incredible pregame show, or without the tailgating and great places to eat before the game. I also love the stories that come from the sport. Stories like how an overlooked high school prospect became one of the most dynamic defenders in the SEC, or a stories like how a video game has strengthened the relationship of a football team.

These are the stories that make college football so intriguing. College football has its share of problems. I am not denying that. But there is just something romantic about a game day on a college campus—when over 100,000 fans set aside their differences to cheer in unison for one team. Having around 100,000 fans all cheering for one outcome is, well, an experience. And that is the goal of the football preview: to have students wildly anticipating that experience.

“

September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Kamara quickly emerging as leader of Tennessee football team Jonathan Toye Sports Editor Alvin Kamara’s mother once told him he had a blank stare on his face when he was younger. The empty expression wasn’t there for long. “As I got older, I started to kinda open up and reveal some of my personality and characteristics,” Kamara said. “I had a good little poker face.” There is hardly a moment when Kamara isn’t wearing a smile. He laughs during interviews. He jokingly interviews his left tackle Kyler Kerbyson during a media availability. And he casually admits to glancing up at the Jumbotron when running for a long touchdown against Bowling Green. It’s this inviting personality that makes him a leader among the offense. “I am a happy guy,” Kamara said. “I am an easy going guy, fun to be around—funny. A lot of the guys gravitate towards me and I think it makes it easier for them to connect and relate to me and it’s easier for me to relate to them. “That really helps, me being upbeat.” Tennessee head coach Butch Jones noticed Kamara’s charisma. At his annual SEC media days, Jones pinpointed Kamara as one of the leaders of the offense, saying he had become the voice of the unit. That Kamara became a leader on the team so quickly is a tad surprising, considering where he was at the start of his college football career. The Norcross, Georgia native originally signed with Tennessee’s longtime rival Alabama in 2013. He never played a down for the Crimson Tide as a freshman and was suspended from Alabama’s Sugar Bowl game against Oklahoma. On Jan. 17, 2014, Kamara transferred from Alabama, enrolling at Hutchinson Community College. Kamara decided to return to the SEC after rushing for 1,211 yards and 18 touchdowns at Hutchinson, signing with Tennessee. It was definitely a long journey to get to Tennessee, but Kamara learned some important lessons along the way. “I matured a lot,” Kamara said. “Coming in as a freshman, you don’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, I say. But now, going from Alabama to a junior college and now here at Tennessee in my third-year removed from high school, it’s just a lot of things that I see now that I didn’t see back then. It’s really humbling to be in this position right now.” Kamara quickly adjusted to his new home. If he was going to have a good experience at Tennessee, he first had to learn about the program. He had to know the expectations and what the team needed from him. He followed the examples of longtime Tennessee leaders Curt Maggitt and Kyler Kerbyson to accomplish this; and it worked. The Vols embraced their new teammate, and on Aug. 8 Kamara became the first newcomer to shed his black helmet stripe—a rite of passage of

It’s really humbling to be in this position right now.” Alvin Kamara, Tennessee running back

sorts for the Tennessee football team. “He is new to this program and yet you wouldn’t know it,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Debord said. “I mean he is as strong as a leader that we have on offense. His energy, his leadership, everything, he is a great player and a great leader on our football team.” If there was one person who might not have been happy with Kamara’s arrival on campus, it would have been Jalen Hurd, Tennessee’s other high-profile running back. Hurd rushed for 899 and five touchdowns and might not have liked the idea of another tailback taking some of his carries. Kamara, though, proved to be the perfect complement to Hurd. Kamara’s quick style of running melds nicely with Hurd’s punishing rushing attack. Hurd now can get more rest after splitting reps with Kamara, decreasing his chances of sustaining an injury. Kamara also challenged Hurd to become a better player himself “Alvin is a great guy,” Hurd said. “He pushes me and I push him everyday and just the things he brings to the table are going to be really complementary to me and the team this year.” Last Saturday, Hurd and Kamara finally had the chance to showcase their talent to Tennessee fans and apply their leadership skills in a game setting. The duo combined for 268 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara himself had 144 yards and two touchdowns. It was on his 56-yard touchdown run that he glanced up at the scoreboard and saw the defender closing in on him. This play might have been the greatest illustration of Kamara’s speed—he was distracted by the Jumbotron and still outran the defender. He might have to increase his speed for his first appearance in Neyland Stadium this Saturday, as No. 19 Oklahoma’s defense presents a stiffer challenge than Bowling Green. But so far, he is off to a good start at Tennessee. “I kinda looked up (at the Tennessee fans) after I got that first carry and was like, ‘Alright I’m good now,’ “ Kamara said.

Redshirt sophomore Alvin Kamara ran for 144 yards in his Tennessee debut in Saturday’s game against Bowling Green. Hayley Pennesi • The Daily Beacon

The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

Maggitt sets lofty expectations for senior season Taylor White Assistant Sports Editor Derek Barnett received much of the attention given to Tennessee’s defensive line last season, and deservedly so as the freshman recorded 10 sacks last season. What many people fail to realize, however, is Barnett didn’t even lead his own team in the category. That honor belongs to Curt Maggitt. The West Palm Beach, Florida native registered 11 sacks in 2014, good for 12th in the nation. That number was just a starting point, though as he believes he and Barnett can combine for a big season in 2015. “15 sacks each would be pretty cool,” Maggitt said earlier this summer of his goals. While 11 sacks is impressive in any circumstances, added to that stat is the fact that Maggitt hadn’t played a football game since the 2012 season before last year. He tore his ACL against Missouri his sophomore year, and the recovery didn’t go as well as the team had hoped. Despite initial hopes that he might be able to play, it soon became apparent that burning a redshirt wasn’t what was best for his career. Maggitt sat out the entire 2013 season while recovering, but that didn’t stop him from making

Senior Curt Maggitt attempts to spin past the offensive tackle in Tennessee’s 59-30 win over Bowling Green. Hayley Pennesi • The Daily Beacon his presence felt. Maggitt’s charismatic personality has always made him popular among his teammates, but during his season away from football, he was able to turn that personality into leadership. Something he is still doing now. “Curt Maggitt is one of the leaders of our football team,” Tennessee head coach Butch Jones said at SEC Media Day in July. “He has the respect, and the definition of leadership is influence.” Under Dooley, Maggitt spent the majority of his time at linebacker, while occasionally being asked to use his quick first step off the edge and rush the passer. In his first season on the field under Jones however, Maggitt played a different role. While the Vols were in their base 4-3 defense, Maggitt played outside linebacker. When Tennessee went to their nickel package, a formation the Vols spent much of the season in, he put his hand on the ground and took over one of the defensive end spots—something that proved to gain effectiveness as the season went on. While that role worked well for Tennessee’s defense last season, Maggitt is quick to point out his versatility. “That’s the plan,” Maggitt said of his hybrid role. “Like every football team, we have a plan. But then adversity hits, and things happen. So I’m flexible and the team knows I got their back. Wherever they need me at, I’ll do the best I can.” While expectations have clearly risen in Jones’ third season as coach of the Vols, Maggitt can provide a more unique perspective to just how

far this team has come in the past three years. The red-shirt senior originally signed to play for Tennessee under Derek Dooley, who was fired after the 2012 season. As one of the few players remaining from the Dooley era, Maggitt can fully appreciate where the program is now. “Yeah, definitely,” Maggitt said when asked if this was the most excited he has been before a season. “We got talent, that’s not a secret. But the biggest thing is just focusing, putting all of our energy, all of our effort on one game at a time.” For Maggitt, expectations haven’t risen just for the team—they’ve grown on a personal level as well. He was named second-team All-SEC following his performance in 2014, and followed that up with a 2015 Pre-season All-SEC honor, the only Vol to make the first team. Expectations are high for the entire defensive line, but Jones is confident anytime he has Maggitt on the field. “It’s a big impact,” Jones said of Maggitt’s leadership. “But it was great to get him back on the field; not just on the field but on the field from a leadership standpoint. He was anxious to get on the field, as well.” With his career now coming to a close, Maggitt has had some time to look back on his career, and he’s not taking anything about these last few months for granted. “It’s crazy how fast my time went,” Maggitt said. “Every day is my last first day. That’s my mindset. I’m gonna make the most of every day and influence my teammates the best I can.”

Football Preview • The Daily Beacon

STAFF PREDICITIONS Jonathan Toye Sports Editor

The 2015 Tennessee football season is what you might call a “bridge season.” In other words, the season will be a bridge between the mediocre Tennessee teams of the recent past and the potential great teams in the near future. A perfect illustration of this concept is the Bowling Green game. Even a casual fan could tell that Tennessee had great athletes on both sides of the field—something that couldn’t be said two years ago—but the fan could also see

glaring weaknesses too. Tennessee is thin in some vital places.The offensive line and the secondary come to mind.And this team can’t afford to suffer many injuries. But goodness, did you see Tennessee’s two tailbacks? Or Tennessee’s starting quarterback? A great running game and a solid starting quarterback can really atone for a lot of deficiencies on a team. That’s why I think Tennessee will have its best season in years. If Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd can stay healthy, there aren’t going to be many defenses that are going to stop them. I trust Dobbs will offer steady direction if the team faces adversity. And I think the defense steadily improves as the younger players mature. I think Tennessee goes 8-4 and is really good this year.The really great Tennessee teams are just a couple seasons away.

Taylor White Assistant Sports Editor

With top-five recruiting classes and national recognition comes expectations. Expectations are at an all time high for Butch Jones, and how he and his team handle those expectations will ultimately define this season.Yes, this team is still young. Yes, there are still holes at important spots. But yes, the talent is at an all time high under Jones. While Tennessee will be forced to rely on several underclassmen, the majority of those players went

through the rigors and trials of a full season in 2014, meaning, theoretically, those players should be alleviated of any growing pains for 2015. The years of searching for six hard-to-find wins on the Vols’ schedule are gone. Tennessee will reach a bowl game for the second straight year, but it’s a stretch from Sep. 26 through Oct. 24, including games at Florida and Alabama, and home games against Arkansas and Georgia that will determine whether Vol fans are scrambling to book hotel rooms in Atlanta,or watching another SEC Championship game on television. Tennessee will ultimately split that four game stretch, but that won’t be enough to edge out a talented Georgia team for the SEC East title, that honor is still a year away. A consolation prize of a 9-3 record and a bowl trip to Florida, however, could be in order.

Troy Provost-Heron Training Editor

A lot has changed for the Tennessee program in the third year that head coach Butch Jones has been at the helm. An influx of talent has morphed the Vols into an SEC contender,a far cry from the conference bottom feeder they have been in recent years. The energy that swarms Knoxville when UT football is winning has returned. And yet, when it comes to the 2015 version of the Vols, the

Sept. 26 matchup with the Florida Gators proves to be the most critical. Some things never change. A victory over the Gators, who hold a 10-game winning streak over the Vols, gets the monkey off of UT's back and proves to be the catalyst for a team that threatens to be in Atlanta when the SEC Championship rolls around on Dec. 5. If the streak continues, however, it could mentally break the back of one of the youngest teams in the nation, sending them into a tailspin that leaves them fighting to make it to a second consecutive bowl game. When it's all said and done, I'll take the Vols to get it done at "The Swamp," and finish with a 9-3 record that puts Tennessee football on the map for the foreseeable future.

The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

‘THE FIFA BOND’ UT teammates connect through virtual soccer game By Jonathan Toye, Sports Editor

The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

Joshua Dobbs was seconds away from losing a virtual soccer match to wide receiver Jason Croom in FIFA, a popular video game where users play as professional soccer clubs. It was the 90th minute and Croom had a 1-0 lead in the match. Croom had never beaten Dobbs in a FIFA match before and was savoring the moment, spouting taunts at Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Croom celebrated too soon. Dobbs scored the equalizer and quickly stole the ball after the kickoff, after which he promptly scored another goal. These two goals in the final minute gave Dobbs the 2-1 victory. Croom’s first FIFA win against Dobbs would have to wait. “He was pretty hot about that,” said a smiling Dobbs. “He was very upset.” The junior quarterback doesn’t just reserve FIFA matches for Croom, however; playing FIFA has become a regular activity amongst the Tennessee football team. Dobbs said he and his teammates play the video game every day — whenever they have free time. After practice, they play FIFA. Before team meetings, they play FIFA. The players will congregate to play king-of-the-hill, a tournament where one person keeps playing until someone finally defeats him. It is natural to wonder what playing FIFA has to do with football. The short answer: it doesn’t. And that’s why Dobbs loves playing the video game. “People ask, ‘Why don’t you guys play Madden, why don’t you guys play Madden?’ ” Dobbs said. “We play enough football as it is so, FIFA is kinda an escape from that.” The FIFA frenzy, however, hasn’t spread to the coaching staff. “They will come in and just watch us play,” Dobbs said of the coaches. “And they are like ‘you all really love this game’ and just leave. They don’t want any part of it.” Dobbs is nothing short of a sensation. Standing as the vols’ first undisputed starting quarterback of the Butch Jones era, he has won five of his six past starts and led the Vols to their first winning season since 2009. Dobbs also has the chance to spearhead Tennessee’s most potent offense in years. But it is not his football skills that make him so special. His major — aerospace engineering — is well documented. When interviewing Dobbs, his maturity is easily detected. Both his teammates and coaches respect him. Third-year coach Butch Jones revers him so much that he had him sit in on offensive coordinator Mike Debord’s interview. So naturally, Dobbs attracts attention when walking on UT’s campus. He takes the admiration in stride, saying he appreciates the support from his peers. “It’s pretty cool that people actually know you around campus, I mean we have a really great student body,” Dobbs said. “They will come up to you and say, ‘good job last week,’ or ‘What’s up,’ or just saying hello. Just the little things — it’s really cool to experience that when you walk around campus.” Dobbs also needs time alone, however, and FIFA gives him the ideal avenue. “Playing FIFA online, no one knows who you are,” Dobbs said. “So you are just out there playing. I guess that is kinda an escape — to just go into your room and shut the door and turn on FIFA and play until you can’t play anymore. It’s relaxation.” Dobbs’ go-to team is Chelsea, a professional soccer club in the Barclays Premier League in Great Britain. He didn’t know much about soccer when he started playing the video game, but he stuck with Chelsea and learned more about the club and, naturally, Chelsea soon became his favorite team.

He played against the computer when he was younger and on his PSP, but as of late he hasn’t had too much time to play alone — mainly, because he is busy playing with his teammates. Playing FIFA has become so commonplace amongst the Tennessee players that Dobbs and his teammates experience withdrawals when they are away from the game for an extended period of time. “Me and my friend (running back) Ralph (David) Abernathy, we always play a lot too,” Dobbs said. “We hadn’t played FIFA in a week, and we were like, ‘I’m having FIFA withdrawals and I need to go play FIFA,’ There is just something about it.” FIFA matches aren’t just a means of passing the time, though. There are controllers thrown over losses and legitimate anger expressed over in-game glitches, like when the ball sails past the user’s goalie’s legs after the user plays perfect defense. “It gets really funny in there,” Dobbs said. If Dobbs’ words are to be believed, he is the main instigator of the thrown controllers. Dobbs insists he is the best FIFA player on team, although some of his teammates dispute the claim. “He talks too much and he over-exaggerates,” wide receiver Josh Malone said, before adding: “He can be easily beaten at any moment.” Malone isn’t bad at the game himself. Dobbs christened him as one of the three best FIFA players on the team. (His list includes him, Malone and Trevarris Saulsberry) Dobbs probably plays FIFA with Malone the most. He taught Malone how to play FIFA and the two became really good at the game together. Malone and Dobbs play seven-game series together, and if the loser doesn’t like the result, they start another seven-game series. Dobbs said they sometimes play for hours on end and start seven-game series at 11 p.m. Malone was close friends with Dobbs before the duo started playing FIFA, but the many hours playing the game together didn’t hurt their relationship. “(FIFA) is a good thing because it has built a lot of relationships and has made a lot of relationships stronger,” Malone said. “Our team is very close so I know a lot of people on the team, but it helps build a little stronger of a community.” Dobbs became friends with some teammates solely because of FIFA. If it weren’t for FIFA, he might not have even talked to them. “There are guys across the team who play FIFA, who are good at FIFA and play with various teams. So it’s with people who you wouldn’t see or normally interact with on a regular basis,” Dobbs said. “You play FIFA so you get to know each other and get to meet new people. So I think it’s really good to bring the team together. “There are a couple walk-on specialists, who I have seen around but that I obviously don’t see a lot, but we started playing FIFA and now we are pretty close just through the FIFA bond — that is where we have met. One kid named Laszlo (Toser), we always play FIFA together, and he is really good, and it’s one kid I wouldn’t have really seen around as much if I didn’t see him playing video games.” There is another benefit to playing FIFA. It’s relaxing. And in the stressful environment of college football, that’s a priceless benefit. “You could be having a bad day, but you play a game of FIFA and you feel a lot better,” Dobbs said. “It’s great. “I think in general, you have a long day in school or we have tough workout or long practice, playing FIFA just relaxes you.”

When junior quarterback Josh Dobbs is not on the football field, he is likely playing FIFA with teammates. Hayley Pennesi • The Daily Beacon

8B The Daily Beacon â&#x20AC;˘ Fooball Preview

DEPTH CHART

37 Brian Randolph 29 Evan Berry

WLB 34 Jalen ReevesMaybin 51 Kenny Bynum

MLB

SLB

53 Colton Jumper 34 Darrin Kirkland

56 Curt Maggitt 43 Chris Weatherd

LE 12 Emmanuel Mosely

13 Malik Foreman

DEFENSE

50 Corey Vereen 4 LaTroy Lewis -or5 Kyle Phillips

6 Todd Kelly Jr. 29 Evan Berry

58 Owen Williams 2 Shy Tuttle -or1 Khalil McKenzie

DT 39 Kendall Vickers

7 Cameron Sutton 24 Darrell Miller -or8 Justin Martin

DE 9 Derek Barnett 8 Dimarya Mixon

15 Jauan Jennings 9 Von Pearson

77 Kyler Kerbyson 76 Chance Hall

75 Jashon Robertson 78 Charles Mosely

55 Coleman Thomas 57 Mack Crowder

71 Dylan Wiesman 66 Jack Jones 50 Venzell Boulware

55 Brett Kendrick 55 Coleman Thomas

88 Ethan Wolf

3 Josh Malone -or81 Jonathan Johnson

48 Alex Ellis

QB 11 Josh Dobbs 12 Quinten Dormady

OFFENSE

RB 1 Jalen Hurd 6 Alvin Kamara

SPECIAL TEAMS PUNTER

KICK RETURNER

93 Trevor Daniel 31 Nate Runfro

29 Evan Berry 13 Malik Foreman

KICKER 25 Aaron Medley 97 George Bullock

PUNT RETURNER 7 Cameron Sutton 6 Alvin Kamara

HOLDER 10 Patrick Ashford

“

Football Preview • The Daily Beacon

DeBord looks for seamless transition as new offensive coordinator Taylor White Assistant Sports Editor As Tennessee gears up for the long-awaited 2015 football season, one face is notably missing. For the first time in his career as a head coach, Butch Jones will go into battle without Mike Bajakian holding the offensive coordinator position. Instead the position belongs to 30-year veteran Mike DeBord, a longtime friend of Jones. After Bajakian decided to leave the college game and take a job as quarterback coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, Jones quickly decided to turn the offense over to one of his former mentors. “Mike is a tireless worker and innovator,” Jones said of the hire. “He has demonstrated meticulous attention to the small details, and he is a great fit with our staff, players and the entire Tennessee football organization.” DeBord has a long track record, with stops at five Division I football programs, as well as three NFL franchises. His only job as head coach was with Central Michigan, from 2000-2003. It turned out to be an important stop, however, as Jones was on staff with the

He has demonstrated meticulous attention to the small details, and he is a great fit with our staff, players and the entire Tennessee football organization.”

Chippewas at the time. After just one season, DeBord promoted Jones to offensive coordinator, where he served for the remainder of DeBord’s time at the school. While DeBord may have limited experience as a head coach, his accomplishments as a coordinator speak for themselves. He was the offensive coordinator at Michigan for the school’s 1997 national championship, and he coached the likes of Brian Griese and Tom Brady during his time in Ann Arbor. His success isn’t just limited to the college game, however. DeBord spent two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2008-2009), work-

Butch Jones, Tennessee head coach ing with the offensive line and then the tight ends, before heading to Chicago to coach tight ends for the Bears in 2010. Jones is insistent that Debord chose to take the job at Tennessee over several other opportunities, most of which were with various NFL teams. Tennessee hired DeBord from Michigan where he held an administrative position. The new offensive coordinator made it clear that he is excited to be back on the football field. “It was hard sometimes, going to practice and watching,” DeBord said. “Not being able to get involved in the teaching and coaching. But now I’ve got that opportunity and I’m going to

take advantage of it.” Once DeBord stepped on campus, it didn’t take him long to get to work. The coach noticed a few problems with quarterback Josh Dobbs’ throwing motion, and quickly made moves to correct it. While it may be a different voice making the calls, this is still Jones’ offensive system, and because of that, the learning curve should be small. “Overall our offense stays the same, same lingo and everything,” Dobbs said. “Our goal is to move fast, and just pump it down defenses’ throats, through the air and on the ground. We have the same mindset as past years, we’re just trying to pick up the tempo.” While DeBord has a proven record as a play caller, it has been eight years since he held the position of offensive coordinator, making it fair to wonder how much rust will need to be knocked off as the season progresses. “I don’t think there is any,” DeBord said when asked about rust in play calling. “I mean I gained knowledge these last two years. My battery, as the players have seen, is fully charged. No, there’s no rust. It goes back to what Butch said, it’s like riding a bike. You get back on, you start pedaling. Right now, I’m pedaling pretty fast.”

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The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

BIG ORANGE WEEKEND SEASON SCHEDULE A guide to making the most out of your game day experience Jenna Butz Editor-in-Chief

SATURDAY 9 a.m.: You’ve just arrived in Knoxville, and you need a classic breakfast and hot coffee to pick you up. Off of Market Square in downtown Knoxville is Pete’s Coffee Shop, a breakfast spot with a hometown diner feel. Like a Waffle House menu, but actually good. 10 a.m.: As you leave Pete’s, take a second to stroll through the Market Square Farmers’ Market. You can pick up some UT orange souvenirs, check out the street performers and grab an iced coffee from Three Bears Coffee Company before you make the trek to campus. 11:30 a.m.: Here you are. It’s officially tailgating time. You’re meeting up with your friends from high school, and in between burgers and drinks in orange solo cups, make sure they show you UT landmarks like Ayres Hall and the Pat Summitt statue. 3 p.m.: Now’s your time to grab a spot for the Vol Walk. The amphitheater outside the Alumni Memorial Building, on the bridge overlooking Phillip Fulmer Way or the parking lot across from Neyland are the best options to take in the view and still be right in the action. 4:30 p.m.: Get in there. Pour into the stadium with everyone else after getting fired up by the Vol Walk. Take a minute to pee, grab a water and prepare yourself for the madness ahead. 6 p.m.: It’s football time in Tennessee. Have a great time losing your voice and being blinded by orange. It’s worth it.

9 p.m.: You’ll (hopefully) be celebrating a win now. Heck, the whole city will be celebrating. If you’re of legal drinking age, head to Downtown Grill & Brewery on Gay St. for a celebratory beer. Under 21? You probably know a friend who knows someone partying in the Fort who knows how to have responsible fun. If you want to see rowdy, the Fort after a (winning) game is your place. 1 a.m.: It’s definitely bedtime. For the closest proximity to campus and downtown the Holiday Inn-World’s Fair Park is probably a short walk from wherever you are.

SUNDAY 10 a.m.: You get to sleep in today; you worked hard yesterday. Wake up, pack up and check out. From there, head back to Market Square, and grab a bite to eat at Tomato Head. They serve a full breakfast and lunch menu, so take your pick between breakfast burritos or salmon and pesto pizza. Your choice probably depends on your hangover level. 12 p.m.: You need to keep relaxing, but you haven’t seen the natural beauty of East Tennessee yet. First, head to the Bluffs, where you can overlook the entirety of Knoxville past the Tennessee River. Ask almost any student or local, and they’ll direct you. Then, cool off at Mead’s Quarry at Ijams Nature Center. It can get a little crowded, but an afternoon surrounded by nature and new friends is a solid use of your time. 5 p.m.: You finally noticed your stomach growling, and you’re starving. Reeeeally starving. But, you need somewhere that will accept you in shorts and a t-shirt. Stock & Barrel in Market Square (I know, but the more you eat there, the better you’ll understand) has giant burgers with toppings more fun and delicious than your standard lettuce and tomato. 6:30 p.m.: Walk across the square to Preservation Pub, where you can hang out with the locals. If you stick around until 8 p.m., you’ll catch the Upstairs Underground Comedy show. Laugh it up before you drive out of town.

DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

9/5

BOWLING GREEN

NASHVILLE, TENN.

W, 59-30

9/12

OKLAHOMA

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

6:00 P.M.

9/19

W. CAROLINA

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

7:00 P.M.

9/26

FLORIDA

GAINESVILLE, FLA.

TBA

10/3

ARKANSAS

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

TBA

10/10

GEORGIA

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

TBA

10/24

ALABAMA

TUSCALOOSA, ALA.

TBA

10/31

KENTUCKY

LEXINGTON, KY.

TBA

11/7

S. CAROLINA

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

TBA

11/14

NORTH TEXAS

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

TBA

11/21

MISSOURI

COLUMBIA, MO.

TBA

11/28

VANDERBILT

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

TBA

Football Preview â&#x20AC;˘ The Daily Beacon

11B

12B

The Daily Beacon • Football Preview

“

Underrated Sutton expanding role in 2015 Taylor White

This is what we’re here for. This is why we come to Tennessee. We’re the men of Tennessee football. We just have to get the job done.”

Assistant Sports Editor The SEC has no shortage of talent at cornerback — in fact, Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III is widely regarded as the best player in the country at the position. While Hargreaves is the first name brought up in any discussion revolving around SEC defenses, one name that isn’t heard quite as much which has a similar impact on the field is Tennessee’s Cameron Sutton. Despite a 2014 season that saw him log three interceptions and 13 pass break-ups in a limited number of opportunities, Sutton was left off the AP’s pre-season All-SEC list, instead being delegated to the second team. “It’s not something I can control or anything,” Sutton said of being left off the first team. “The only thing I can control is what I can do for my team … I can’t really concern myself with things like that. I have to play the game.” The Jonesboro, Georgia native didn’t arrive in Knoxville with the fanfare and lofty expectations of some of the conference’s other top players. He was rated a consensus three star prospect, and 247 Sports rated him as an athlete, meaning there was no guarantee he would be a cornerback when he stepped on campus. Sutton quickly established a position, however, and has been an anchor on the field over the past two seasons for the Vols. He started every game of his freshman season, garnering Freshman All-American Honors in 2013. One aspect of the game that hurts Sutton’s stats is his own talent. Tennessee started Emmanuel Moseley, a true freshman, for most of last season, causing many opposing quarterbacks to avoid the experienced playmaker’s side of the field. When teams did decide to test Sutton, he made them pay more often than not. By the end of the season, it was a rare occasion to see the ball head the junior’s way at all. Head coach Butch Jones’ explanation of Sutton’s success is simple: he does his homework. “He’s worked exceptionally hard,” Jones said. “He walks around with an iPad all the time studying football. He’s a true student of the game. He’s taken everything that Coach (Willie) Martinez has said to him, and he’s applied it to his game.” After Justin Coleman graduated at the end of last season, a new challenge was presented to Sutton during spring practice: the nickelback position. The nickelback is charged with covering the slot receiver, as well as providing support in stopping the run. It’s a position that requires a player with a physical skill set, something that suits the 5-foot-11, 186-pound corner well.

Cam Sutton, Cornerback

Junior Cam Sutton returns a punt in Tennessee’s 59-30 win over Bowling Green. Hayley Pennesi • The Daily Beacon “I’m pretty comfortable there,” Sutton said of the nickel. “That just comes from learning and knowing the defense, as well as knowing the tendencies of the offenses you’re facing. I don’t know how much I’ll be there throughout the course of the season, but the opportunity for me to play at nickel is no different than playing at corner.” Moving Sutton to nickel from time to time would eliminate the opposing teams’ ability to hide their best receiver in the slot position, something that burned Tennessee on multiple occasions last season. Amari Cooper set Alabama’s single game receiving record from the slot position against the Vols, recording 224 yards and two touchdowns. In the very next game, South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper torched Tennessee for 233 yards and two scores of his own.

While Tennessee was originally unsure of how many snaps Sutton would get at nickel, injuries may have forced its hand. Starting nickelback Rashaan Gaulden broke his foot early in fall camp and will miss the entire 2015 season, leaving a level of uncertainty at the position that Sutton could fill. “If they ask me or need me to play (nickelback) out there on defense, that isn’t anything I wouldn’t be able to do.” Sutton said. “Wherever they need me to function out there on the field, make plays out on the field, that’s where I’ll be.” In 2014, Sutton expanded his role on the team beyond just that of a defensive back. After a stop on defense, Sutton doesn’t run off the field like many of his teammates; instead, he moves back to await the punt. He returned punts the entire season, but many teams elected to punt the ball away from

him, limiting his opportunities until Vanderbilt decided to try him in the last game of the regular season. Sutton immediately made the Commodores regret the decision, taking the punt 76 yards to the end zone for his first career special teams touchdown. While he was pleased with the play, Sutton hopes for a few more chances this season. “It’s just another opportunity to impact the game,” Sutton said. “If we don’t control special teams, it’s gonna be a bad day for us. I have to embrace that role and just being on punt return is another opportunity to impact the game, impact the offense and put our offense in good field position.” Sutton wore No. 23 for his first two seasons at Tennessee, but fans will see him in a different number this season. He will wear No. 7, Gaulden’s old number. “Right when he found out about the extent of the injury, he called me,” Jones said. “It was probably about 11:30-12 o’clock at night and he said, ‘Hey, I want to represent Rashaan in a game.’ We talk about being nine strong and the power of the position and these kids have done a good job with that.” As Sutton’s career has progressed at Tennessee, so has the talent around him and the expectations that come with that. He’s not shying away from those expectations; quite the opposite, in fact. “I’m just a leader on this team now,” Sutton said. “A lot of guys look up to me and I have to embrace that role, keep preaching to the younger guys, even the older guys. ‘This is what we’re here for. This is why we come to Tennessee. We’re the men of Tennessee football. We just have to get the job done.’”

ARTS&CULTURE

“

‘39 Steps’ entertains with spy comedy Abby Bower Contributor The set of black industrial crates labeled “39” that served as the opening curtain to Clarence Brown Theatre’s production of “39 Steps” gave no hints as to what kind of night was going to ensue. The play kicked off when those crates were lifted and a 1930s film noir countdown reel gave way to a classic inspector’s office scene, where a man called Richard Hanney, played by Brian Gligor, sat and introduced himself. There was an initial awkwardness between Hanney and the audience as he gave his brief background in a monologue, but that awkwardness only lasted as long as it does in any real life first meeting. Hanney quickly established himself as a likable protagonist, and beckoned his audience to join him in attending a London West End show. At the show, Hanney met the over-the-top German spy Annabella Schmidt, played by Katie Cunningham, and began a night that ultimately put him on a mission — and on the run. Thus began Hanney’s whirlwind rush through pre-World War II Europe accompanied by the easy laughter of the audience. If anything can be definitively said of the show by a non-theater professional, it was that the production was outright funny. The humor ranged from slapstick to sexual innuendo to dry wit made complete by terrific actors. These actors deserve major credit. Brian Gligor portrayed a wildly likable and entertaining Hanney, and was even better in the presence of Katie Cunningham. Throughout the show Cunningham was able to convincingly and hilariously play a German brunette, a Scottish redhead and a British blonde who each had their own unique chemistry with Hanney. The two “clowns,” played by David Alley and David Kortemeier, made up the other 100 plus personalities on stage. Undergoing what seemed like an impossible amount of cos-

The humor ranged from slapstick to sexual innuendo to dry wit made complete by terrific actors.

tume changes and mastering a huge number of accents, the duo seemed to do far more than the work of two people. Of course, they maintained a self-deprecating humor about all of their work that took away any unwanted seriousness, pausing only once to catch their breaths after a particularly rapid change sequence. The nature of the play was absolutely dependent on such changes and quick jumps from scene to scene due to the over 30 location changes. If the transitions had been slow or clumsy, it could have been a major source of complaint, but they were the opposite: seamless and inhumanly fast. I found myself in awe not only of the actors’ physical quickness, but also of their mental agility in jumping into new settings with a new dialect and often in miming modes of transportation. When the cast stepped out for the final time, the entire audience was on their feet. In spite of the handful of empty seats, the theater still applauded with the noise of a sold-out crowd. The comments I heard from audience members on the way out were overwhelmingly positive, and I am inclined to agree. Whether you want a laugh, some espionage, or just to marvel at the skill of some really talented people, go see this show.

Friday, September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

ARTS&CULTURE

The Daily Beacon â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, September 11, 2015

A rapper of many names Sterling Martin Copy Editor Knoxville R&B, hip-hop and experimental artist Quemoni Thompson, known by the stage name Thelo-Que, released a new video for â&#x20AC;&#x153;SLOWDANCEâ&#x20AC;? on Sept. 9, a single from his most recent album â&#x20AC;&#x153;[white room].â&#x20AC;? Not only does the track feature smooth, hypnotizing lyrics from Thompson, but also a couple of instrumental additions make for the perfect mix of groove and emotion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The song doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have very many lyrics because the man in the video doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much to say,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quiet and kind of reserved character, who is a listener and not a talker.â&#x20AC;? His latest album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;[white room],â&#x20AC;? is the seventh project Thompson has added to his catalog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The album is really about me coming to terms with where I am in life,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, old relationships that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, new relationships that are working, going on spiritual journeys and discovering new things

about myself.â&#x20AC;? The Chicago native moved to Knoxville when he was seven, and was encouraged and influenced by his mother to begin his musical journey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She taught me how to sing when I was younger and she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shelter me from reality â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she kept everything really real with me,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. Although Thompson voiced seeing improvements in his producing, singing and writing since he began his music venture, he still keeps a down to Earth attitude toward his work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, being able to pay rent from selling CATMAN t-shirts and album sales... Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible to me,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. Aside from Thelo-que, Thompson goes by Housecat as well, which is well documented throughout his music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a firm believer of reincarnation, and I feel like I was a Housecat in a past life just because we have similar lifestyles,â&#x20AC;? Thompson explained. His stage name Thelo-Que has its own interesting origin as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Theloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Thelo-Que is to forever pay

Photo Courtesy of Thelo-que homage to my all time favorite pianist Thelonius Monk,â&#x20AC;? Thompson shared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Queâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is for Quemoni â&#x20AC;Ś Quemoni is who I am and have always been, you know?â&#x20AC;? If his discography is indicative of anything, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that the 19-year-old Thompson will stay far away from adhering to genre conventions as he

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continues to grow as an artist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I plan on people never knowing what to expect,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How predictable would another rap album from me be? I plan on never having to be stuck in a genre or a style.â&#x20AC;? His goal? -- â&#x20AC;&#x153;To just generally be an everything person. Yes, an everything person.â&#x20AC;?

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PUZZLES&GAMES

Friday, September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz ACROSS

39 Language in which the first six counting numbers are tasi, lua, tolu, fa, lima 7 “The Yankee and ono Years” co-author 40 Event that one 15 “All right, fine …” might rush to attend? 16 Mutineers’ targets 44 Cookie brand 45 Like Gordon 17 Runner’s knee, Gekko in “Wall for one Street” 18 Entertaining options on cable? 47 Way down 48 Arthroscopy 19 Get under control reminder 21 Mucho 52 Some public criticisms 22 Animated devil 54 Bound, slightly 23 Poolside sight 55 Boxer’s accessory 25 Paying too much 57 Raid, e.g. interest 59 Airtight 26 Boatload 61 Wooden 28 Trapeze act 62 Had going the venue wrong way, say 30 It goes from 63 Food channel shore to shore 64 Acted alone 32 Ones throwing 65 Decides one will light on academic studies? DOWN 37 Best-selling 1970s 1 Unscrews poster subject, familiarly 2 Thrifty selection 1 Stretches of land

I’m Not a Hipster • John McAmis

Cartoons of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

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3 Its English offshoot launched in 2006 4 Neanderthal accompanier, in cartoons 5 Like bagels 6 The orbital workshop was its largest component 7 “The Sun Also Rises” setting 8 Points 9 “The Dead Zone” ability, for short 10 Hold ’em giveaway 11 Natural insect repellent (true fact!) 12 Reached in a hurry

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41 Name in the news that’s an anagram of OUR PLAN 42 Put in a solid effort 43 Rambles 46 “C’mon!” 48 Not pay what’s due 49 A pastel 50 Stirred 51 Green-light for another season 53 Exercise bit 56 Monitor things, briefly 58 Texan’s rival 60 Place to go in London

SPORTS

10A The Daily Beacon • Friday, September 11, 2015

Pride ready to perform in the home opener Kevin Ridder Copy Chief You’ve all seen them: packs of students migrating about the intramural field, carrying everything from trombones to snare drums in the heat of the afternoon. While you were moving your things into the dorm, you probably heard the faint sounds of pregame in the distance. Maybe you’ve even seen a group of these students in Hodges, dressed in t-shirts and tennis shoes, carefully analyzing thick books of drill charts. These months of hard work will culminate as the Pride of the Southland Band takes the field in Neyland this Saturday. While the band technically had their first performance last week in Nashville, Andrew Vogel, senior in business management and drum major of the Pride of the Southland, said there’s just something about Neyland. “Everyone knows that Neyland is the place to be, our home turf,” Vogel said. “Being able to start in Nashville was really exciting, a lot of emotions, everything you’ve worked on through camp, finally coming to a time to perform. But I think this weekend will be a whole new set of emotions for everybody in the band.” The group, 330 members strong, started their band camp in early August. Straight out of the gate, the band quickly launched into action said Director of Bands Donald Ryder. “The first day we started putting pregame on the

field, it was a downpour,” Ryder said. “When we (the directors) got to the practice field, they (the band) were standing out in the middle of it in about two inches of water, teaching pregame without being told. This attitude, it’s special. They really want want to be superior. They really want excellence. It’s a special group when you can get to that point.” As stated on their website, The University of Tennessee Band Program is one of the most prestigious university band programs in the U.S. Since their founding in 1869, the Pride of the Southland Band has established itself as a cornerstone of not only the Volunteer game day experience, but also as part of the identity of the state of Tennessee as a whole, having performed both domestically and internationally — including 12 presidential inaugurations. Ryder said he looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence through the 2015 season. “Historically (the Pride of the Southland) has always been a top 10 band program in the country, sometimes even higher than that,” Ryder said. “It’s been the members of the band, of all the eras and generations, who have kept that tradition alive. It’s a lot of hard work. People don’t realize how hard band members work, in band camp and beyond. To be in full uniform in 96-degree weather, it’s pretty rough.” However, Ryder said the difficulties faced by the band have left the group unfazed. “The attitude of this group is just spectacular,” Ryder said. “Without having to really be motivated or inspired, they really have this internal drive that they want it for themselves.” This infectious attitude has spread throughout the entirety of the band, all the way up to Vogel. “We have some really talented people, which has really helped me in my role,” Vogel said. “Having to lead and run rehearsals with that talent on the field, it helps us have a productive experience; they help me help them. The leadership from the veterans and the dedication from the freshmen has made this a very good season so far.” Constantly permeating the culture of the Pride of the Southland Band is the level of reverence the group holds for their traditions — the pregame and halftime performances, Rocky Top, the Vol Walk, Salute to the Hill, alumni band, the march to the stadium and Circle Drill to name a few — many of which have been going strong for decades. Last year’s band even added the “Circle of Life” pregame warm-up with the drumline and the team. The Pride of the Southland Band is also known for their variety of halftime performances, as well as inviting high school bands from across Tennessee to perform with the Pride. Next Saturday at the Western Carolina game, the Pride will be joined on the field by the Roane County High School and William Blount High School bands. On the topic of show themes for the 2015 season, Director Ryder stated that the band “likes to tease the crowd,” and fans will have to “wait and see” what most of the shows will be. One spoiler that was revealed was the homecoming game halftime salute to the life and legacy of the late W.J. Julian. Julian led the band for three decades and started many of the traditions fans know and love today. See PRIDE on Page 11A

2015 FOOTBALL PICK ‘EMS FIRST PLACE Jenna Butz Editor-in-Chief

No 19 Oklahoma 42 - No. 23 Tennessee 31 No. No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 5-0

SECOND PLACE

Esther Choo Photo Editor

No. 19 Oklahoma 34 - No. 23 Tennessee 31 No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 4-1

THIRD PLACE Troy Provost-Heron Sports Columnist

No. 19 Oklahoma 27 - No. 23 Tennessee 30 No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 4-1

FOURTH PLACE

Hayley Brundige Multimedia Editor Hay

No. 19 Oklahoma 28 - No. 23 Tennessee 30 No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 4-1

FIFTH PLACE

TTaylor White Asst. Sports Editor

No. 19 Oklahoma 31 - No. 23 Tennessee 35 No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 4-1

SIXTH PLACE Jonathan Toye Sports Editor

No. 19 Oklahoma 31 - No. 23 Tennessee 24 No. 7 Oregon - No. 5 Michigan State No. 14 LSU - No. 25 Mississippi State No. 9 Notre Dame - Virginia Utah State - No. 24 Utah

Last Week: 4-1

SPORTS

Friday, September 11, 2015 • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee ready for the big stage Jonathan Toye Sports Editor Tennessee coach Butch Jones said No. 23 Tennessee’s game against No. 19 Oklahoma Saturday night at Neyland Stadium (TV: ESPN, 6 p.m.) is just as important as any other game on the Vols schedule. Everyone else seems to disagree. The game is sold out. Students requested a record number of tickets (13,283). Tennessee fans are checkering Neyland and the Vol navy has been congregating in the Tennessee river since Wednesday. Facts also support the theory that this is a huge game for Tennessee. This will be the first time Oklahoma visits Neyland Stadium. It will also be the first time the Vols play in Neyland Stadium as a ranked team since 2012 and it will be the first time a ranked Tennessee team plays a ranked non-conference opponent since the 2006 California game. Jones, however, said the contest against the Sooner is just the next game on the schedule. And that is why the game is important. “It sounds like coach-speak, but it’s the truth. It’s the most important game because it’s the next game, that’s it,” Jones said. “Every single game is critical.”

Not every single game, though, features an opponent with Oklahoma’s pedigree. Oklahoma is the winningest program of all time in the modern era (1946-2014) and boasts seven AP national titles, second only to Alabama. Jones is well aware of Oklahoma’s history, calling it a top-five program. “I have a lot of respect for (Oklahoma coach) Bob (Stoops). I think he illustrates the difference between building a team and building a program,” Jones said. “His administration and his fanbase has stood with him through of the trials and tribulations, and they’ve developed one of the best programs in all of college football. They’re a great football team. I think they’re one of the most underrated football teams in the country and you can tell they have a quiet confidence about themselves.” That confidence hasn’t been so quiet this week. Stoops downplayed playing in what should be a raucous Neyland Stadium, saying Oklahoma is used to playing in loud, hostile stadiums. Oklahoma linebacker Eric Striker took it a step further, dismissing SEC teams in general. UTDAILYBEACON.COM SEE MORE ONLINE

BAND continued from Page 10A The alumni band, a group made up of former marchers in the Pride who perform at the homecoming game every year, is shooting for higher numbers than ever this year. “Many alumni who have never marched after graduating are coming back to pay tribute to Dr. Julian,” Ryder said. “The alumni would like to have 1,000 marchers in the group, although I think anything over 500 would be superb. I don’t know how we’ll fit everybody on the field, but we’ll make it work.” Ryder said that, ultimately, the experience of marching in the Pride is about establishing self-discipline, creating memories and forming

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lifelong friendships. “It’s the camaraderie; when you’re part of this group, you have 300 plus friends on campus before you even start classes,” Ryder said. “I have always felt, especially for a freshman who has just come to UT, that you need to be involved, belong to something to succeed. Being a member of a community like this gives students that sense of belonging and keeps the students engaged.” Every year the excitement of the students lights me up and makes us (the directors) say, ‘Here we go, here’s another year. This is their college experience. Let’s make it the best it can be.’ You want to make it as exciting as you can so that they can have four years of an experience that will be a lifelong treasure of memories.”

Pride of the Southland performing during the 59-30 victory game against Bowling Green on Sept. 5. Esther Choo • The Daily Beacon

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The Daily Beacon â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, September 11, 2015