092320 The Daily Beacon by UT Media Center

Volume 139, Issue 6 Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 23, 2020

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION EDITORIAL

Letter from the Co-Sports Editor: Stop claiming ‘fake’ national titles RYAN CREWS Co-Sports Editor

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FBS college football is unique in that it is the only sport that the NCAA does not run the national championship. Instead, for the majority of its history the national championship has been decided by polls. Even today, while there is the College Football Playoff, the national champion is still technically decided by polls. Really, only two polls — AP, Coaches’ — should be considered major; this is the standard that many, including those in the SEC, follow. Which brings me to the point of my column. Schools, please stop claiming fake national titles. It just makes you look silly.

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Many schools claim fake national titles, including Ole Miss, Minnesota, Georgia Tech and UCF. However, I am going to focus on Alabama’s five questionable titles and two titles by Michigan and USC that I don’t think should count, as well as the four suspicious banners hanging on our own campus. Whenever fake national titles are discussed, Alabama is usually the first school that is mentioned as many doubt their claimed 17 titles. As I previously mentioned, if you look at the SEC record book, they list 12 titles. Among the other five titles is the one claim that is the poster child for fake national titles: 1941, when the Crimson Tide finished the season with 9-2 record and third in the SEC. They would finish the season ranked #20 by the respected AP poll, which was the fifth highest for a SEC team. Michigan in 1997 and USC in 2003 have slightly different circumstances, but the general principle is the same: there was a national championship game and they didn’t win it. Michigan won the Rose Bowl, because the Big Ten didn’t join the Bowl Alliance, and then claimed the AP title. The same applies for USC; they may have been snubbed for the championship game, but there was a title game, and they didn’t win it. Finally, here at Tennessee, there are four “fake” titles with varying degrees of authentic-

ity. Of the four, the most legitimate claim is that of the 1938 Vols team, who went 11-0 that year. Unfortunately, TCU also went 11-0, and 55 of the 77 AP poll voters chose TCU as the national championship. It is preposterous to try to go back that many years and argue that Tennessee had the best team when 71% of the experts at that time said otherwise. The Vols’ claims to 1940 and 1950 are much the same issue. In 1940, Tennessee was one of four undefeated teams, but AP poll voters placed Tennessee at #4. Ten years later, the Vols suffered a loss and Oklahoma went undefeated. Tennessee finished #4 in the AP poll and #3 in the Coaches’ poll. I understand that the final polls came before the bowls, but those were the rules at the time. However, the 1967 Vols title claim is the most illegitimate claim that Tennessee has hanging in Neyland. Doug Dickey’s Vols lost their opener to UCLA and would go on to lose the bowl game after the final polls came out. Tennessee finished the season #2 behind USC, who beat UCLA, in both the AP and Coaches’ polls. It was interesting that the game that the 1967 “championship” team was honored for was an embarrassing near-upset by 4-8 UMass in 2017. It almost was as if fate was offended that the 1967 Vols were being called “National Champions.”

Letter from the Co-Sports Editor: Tennessee must avoid another slow start RYAN SCHUMPERT Co-Sports Editor

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The first month of the season hasn’t been a friend of Jeremy Pruitt in his first two years as a college head coach. Tennessee has gone a combined 1-6 against football bowl series opponents in September of Pruitt’s first two seasons, getting outscored by opponents 226-130, nearly a two touchdown per game differential. Those concerns amplify during this strange season. While COVID-19 creates challenges at every school, the contact tracing protocols have been an amplified problem at Tennessee with over half the team missing time due to quarantine since July. The contact tracing issues were magnified further during fall camp. Tennessee has had up to 44 players out at practice this camp, with just

shy of 30 players being out due to contact tracing. The Vols have had position groups decimated, including offensive line and running backwhere Tennessee had only one scholarship player available earlier in camp. Contact tracing and guys missing practice is a concern everywhere, and SEC coaches aren’t eagerly giving out numbers like Pruitt did. It could certainly be a bigger problem for other schools then they’re letting on but, on the surface, no one has been hurt by this more than Tennessee. The layout of Tennessee’s schedule also explains why the Vols must start strong in 2020. There will be no free wins in a SEC only season and Tennessee won’t be able to coast past lesser opponents in the season’s first month. According to the AP poll, Tennessee is worse than five teams on its schedule: No. 4 Georgia, No. 2 Alabama, No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 8 Auburn and No. 5 Florida. The Vols are rated higher than South Carolina, Missouri, No. 23 Kentucky, Arkansas and Vanderbilt. Three of Tennessee’s first four games match them up with teams they rank higher than. If the Vols want to have a successful 2020 season they need to capitalize on those first four games. Pruitt has done an excellent job of flipping Tennessee’s roster in his first two seasons, but the Vols don’t have the talent of the league’s top teams. Tennessee is a three-point favorite in the season opener at South Carolina and likely won’t be

more than a four to five-point favorite against Kentucky in week four. The line for winning conference games is still thin for Tennessee and they must avoid the mistakes that have cost them in Pruitt’s first two seasons. Lastly, Tennessee’s recruiting is on an upward trajectory. Pruitt parlayed the strong close to the 2019 season with a top-10 signing class and the Vols’ 2021 class is going well as they currently hold the nation’s No. 6 class according to 247sports composite team rankings. Pruitt and his staff are recruiting with the big boys in the SEC but at some point, you can’t sell hope anymore and you have to sell results. Tennessee needs to have a strong showing on the field this year to continue its buzz as a program on the rise. That means both winning games that you’re supposed to and competing better against the top of the SEC and your rivals; Alabama, Florida and Georgia have outscored Tennessee 255-84 the last two seasons. The start of the 2020 season is huge for the Vols’ short term success this season and for the program’s longterm trajectory.

Read more about how the co-sports editors think the Vols will do this season on page 10

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

Offense high in experience, hoping for more consistency in 2020 RYAN CREWS Co-Sports Editor

The Vols’ offensive was very inconsistent during the early parts of the season, but they were to find a rhythm later in the year. Add to that, for the first time since 2016, Tennessee will return its offensive coordinator for a second consecutive year as Jim Chaney returns for his second year of his second stint on Rocky Top in what will be his sixth total season for the Big Orange. Expect Tennessee to come out of the gate with a more consistent offensive unit this fall. The Vols’ quarterback position was seemingly a turnstile last year, with four different players making a start under center. Regular quarterbacks Jarrett Guarantano (7), Brian Maurer (4) and J.T. Shrout (1) were all featured, as well as wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who started one game in the wildcat formation.

Guarantano was able to get another shot in which he was able to lead the Vols to eight wins including a bowl victory. As spring practice began, there was going to be an open competition for the spot between the three returners and a crop of newcomers highlighted by highly touted freshman Harrison Bailey. However, with the pandemic cancelling spring camp, Guarantano, who entered in pole position, retained the job and looks to have a newfound confidence going into this season. Behind Guarantano, Chaney and the offensive staff have been quiet on where Maurer, Shrout and Bailey fit in the depth chart. Rumors are that Shrout is to be tapped for the No. 2 spot, but only time will tell. In a normal year, all three would likely get some playing time during the opening weeks of the season, but with the shorter all-conference season, there may not be as much time to use on trying out players. Sharing the backfield last year was the trio of stout running backs: Ty Chandler, Tim Jordan and Eric Gray. While last season the three players occupied the 1A, 1B and 1C positions respectively last season, that is to change this fall with players emerging and Jordan’s dismissal from the team. This season’s 1A or possibly sole No. 1 will be Gray following his emergence late season, punctuated by stellar performances in the regular season finale and the Gator Bowl. The then-freshman rushed for four touchdowns and 366 total yards against Indiana and Vanderbilt. Last year’s 1A and most frequent starter Chandler has had a solid Tennessee career, but he will most likely occupy the 1B spot or maybe second

#3 Eric Gray after scoring a touchdown for the Tennessee Volunteers facing Indiana in the 2020 Tax Slayer Bowl. Connor Morss / The Daily Beacon spot for his final year on Rocky Top. As to who will be the third player, Tee Hodge and Jabari Small will be the two contenders and will provide great depth if either of the top two get hurt.

Jarrett Guarantano, #2, prepares to throw a pass during the Chattanooga football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. 22. Nathan Lick / The Daily Beacon

Wide Receiver Ramel Keyton, #80, firing off the snap at Kroger Field while facing the Kentucky Wildcats away in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Connor Morss / The Daily Beacon

Guarantano came into the season as the starter, but he struggled in the open to the season. These struggles were highlighted by a disastrous goal-line audible that appeared to be not heard by the offensive line, resulting in a 99-yard fumble return by Alabama. Publicly, Jeremy Pruitt backed his quarterback, but Guarantano was relegated to the bench and many thought he would be gone after the season. It would not last for long though, as neither Maurer or Shrout could get a stranglehold on the position, and

The hardest position hit by departures on the entire team is the receiving corps. As a unit they lost all three starting wide receivers and their starting tight end. Stepping into the number-one role is Josh Palmer, who is the only returning wide receiver who made a serious impact last year. The other member of this unit with experience is Knoxville-native Austin Pope, who stepped into the starting tight end role this fall. He called on to show his catching abilities after previously operating as mainly a blocking tight end.

Brandon Johnson, #7, rushes past an opposing player at the Chattanooga football game on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Nathan Lick / The Daily Beacon

Other players who saw some action include Brandon Johnson, Cedric Tillman and Ramel Keyton. The young players stepping up to these roles could have benefited greatly from the reps they would have completed during spring practice, but not all is lost as the Vols have a very strong crop of players coming into the program. Two transfers will supplement the unit, as Velus Jones Jr. comes from USC and can play immediately, and Deangelo Gibbs joins the active roster after spending last year on the scout team after transferring from Georgia. In the freshman class, Jalin Hyatt has impressed coaches with his play in fall camp. Tennessee enters the season with a very experienced offensive line, anchored in the center by six-year senior Brandon Kennedy. Last year, Kennedy started every game, and he will be a crucial asset for whoever lines up behind him. If he is unavailable, Jackson Lampley and Cooper Mays, two instate freshmen, will provide options for the coaching staff to fill the spot. To Kennedy’s sides will be Trey Smith and Cade Mays in formation. Smith has been leader on the line, on offense and for the entire team during his time in Knoxville. His play will be crucial this season. Cade, the elder Mays and a junior, will make his first start for Tennessee this week after just recently getting his transfer appeal approved. Jerome Carvin and Riley Locklear will also provide experience if they are called upon to play in reserve. On the end of the line at the tackle positions will be Darnell Wright and Wanya Morris, who despite being true-sophomores spent a lot of time on the field last year. Morris is the more experienced one and started 12 out of the team’s 13 games. Wright also saw substantial playing time, playing 11 games and starting seven. Below them, the Vols will have a variety of options to go with, most of whom have some experience.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 23, 2020

New faces on the sideline: 4 coaches join staff for 2020 season ANDREW PETERS Contributor Tennessee’s football staff grew over the offseason, with the addition of four new assistant coaches. The Vols picked up Jimmy Brumbaugh as codefensive coordinator and defensive line coach Shelton Felton as outside linebackers coach, Joe Osovet as tight ends coach and Jay Graham as running backs coach. Brian Niedermeyer also moved from tight ends coach to inside linebackers coach. The new additions only add to what is already an impressive coaching staff. The new coaches are well versed in each of their fields. Brumbaugh has been coaching for more than a decade. He joins the Vols after a one-year stint with Colorado as defensive line coach. Brumbaugh also had a career as a player, spending time at Auburn, the XFL and in arena football. Brumbaugh will have some familiar faces at Tennessee, as he coached alongside the Vols defensive coordinator at Kentucky. “I think Jimmy Brumbaugh is one of the best defensive line coaches in the country,” Ansley said. “I think he’s very technically sound, very technically oriented, very meticulous in his approach, has a drill for everything that they need

to do up front, has video evidence to back that up with his coaching, and the kids like that.” For Felton, this season on Rocky Top won’t be his first. Felton was on the Vols staff as a quality control analyst in 2018 during Pruitt’s first year as head coach. Felton makes his return to Tennessee after a season spent with the University of Akron. During his time at Akron, he helped develop linebacker John Lako into a first-team allconference selection. Felton is making an impact for the Vols outside linebackers already. “Shelton Felton is doing a really good job, with outside linebackers, getting those guys to go and getting them to come off the ball the right way, striking blockers and being multiple, because those guys have a lot of responsibility,” Ansley said. “They have to be apex players, they have to be the edge of the line, they have to pass rush, they have to drop. ... So they’re all doing a nice job. We all have room for improvement and we look to get that done every day.” On the offensive side, Osovet is looking to make an on-the-field impact, after playing an off-the-field role as director of player development in 2018 and director of football programming in 2019 for the Vols. Osovet is making his return to the field after solidifying himself as one of the top junior college coaches in the nation. In a career that spanned from 1995 to 2017, Osovet

Daily Beacon Poll Results (%)

campus buildings?

DERRICK ANSLEY DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

six-year NFL career, before entering the coaching world. Graham made his first return to Tennessee in 2005, when he joined the team as a graduate assistant for a year. He was a running back coach for many teams before returning to Tennessee again to be a running back coach for the Vols in 2012. Graham coached at Florida State and Texas A&M in recent years before making his return

DB Twitter

to the Vols. He joins the Vols with an impressive resume, coaching in or playing in seven bowl games. The Vols running backs speak highly of their new coach and believe his experience is beneficial to the team. “Coach Graham is an unbelievably great guy,” sophomore running back Eric Gray said. “You can see the experience that he has coaching running backs. He’s taught me so much in just the short time that he’s been here; being able to read a front, read a defense, safety rotation and different things like that which I never really thought about.” Nidermeyer, who is in his third season with the Vols, will look to have success on the other side of the ball as he transitions to a linebacker coach. Ansley expects Niedermeyer to bring some energy to the Vols inside linebackers. “Brian Niedermeyer is a young guy with a lot of energy,” Ansley said “I’ve known him for a long time; he’s a bright young mind. He’s been an offensive guy but he has a defensive background working with Coach Pruitt and myself on defensive staffs before we got to Tennessee, so he’s just picking up where he left off.” The Vols finished off last season with a six game win streak, and they hope that a lot of fresh faces on the coaching staff will help to give the Vols what they need to have a successful season.

DB Instagram

No 9.4%

No 10%

22.2% Yes

90%

90.6%

No 14.3%

your employer required you to

Yes

77.8%

9/17: If you work on campus, has self-screen prior to coming to work?

We all have room for improvement and we look to get that done everyday.

DB Online

9/14: Do you think that masks should be required inside of

coached 11 NFL players and 47 players that would go on to play NCAA Division I football. Graham will also be making a return to Rocky Top, as he has had several stints with the Vols before. Graham was a running back for the Vols from 1993 to 1996. He then proceeded to have a

Yes

85.7%

This Week’s Questions: 9/21: Do you feel satisfied with the level of social interaction available on campus? 9/24: Do you wear your mask when you are walking around outdoors on campus?

Yes

57.9%

42.1%

62%

38%

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

Defense looking to take another step forward in Pruitt’s third season RYAN SCHUMPERT Co-Sports Editor

Tennessee enters head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s third season with talent across all three levels of the defense. The Vols’ defense improved rapidly from Pruitt’s ﬁrst to second season, going from having the nation’s 77th best scoring defense to the 29th. Tennessee isn’t expecting the same sixpoint drop in points per game this season but hopes that the polished defense can help carry the Vols through the gauntlet of a 10-game SEC schedule. “You can tell that it’s the third year in the system,” Pruitt said. “You can tell that we’ve got a lot of guys returning. There weren’t a whole lot of mistakes, so that’s good to see and we can really coach fundamentals.” Along the defensive line Tennessee returns every major contributor. Matthew Butler led the group a year ago with 45 tackles while adding 2.5 sacks. As a whole, the group is deep with contributors, including ﬁve players who recorded between 23 and 45 tackles.

Matthew Butler, #94, showing a little emotion after a big defensive stop against the Mississippi State o�ense on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Neyland Stadium. Kenneth Richmond / The Daily Beacon The defensive line was supposed to be a strength entering the season, but the group has earned criticism from Pruitt for much of fall practice. “We’re taking baby steps up there,” Pruitt said of his defensive line. “We’ve got to continue to do that. The next several practices are really big practices for those guys. We need to get out of the baby steps and probably start taking some leaps.” What the group lacks is true game changers. By committee, Tennessee’s coaching staff has gotten solid play from its front three. Someone in that group making the leap to an All-SEC caliber player would go a long way. Tennessee was hoping they would get that from Emmit Gooden, who missed 2019 with a

torn ACL, but the talented senior was kicked off the Tennessee football team earlier this summer. Expect Butler, LaTrell Bumphus, Greg Emerson, Kurott Garland, Aubrey Solomon, Darrel Middleton and freshman Omari Thomas all to earn playing time. Despite eight returning starters on Tennessee’s defense, the three departed seniors were perhaps the Vols’ best defensive players a year ago. Safety Nigel Warrior and outside linebacker Darrell Taylor earned All-SEC honors and linebacker Daniel Bituli led the team with 86 tackles despite missing the first game of the season. Taylor could be the hardest for Tennessee to replace. The Vols ranked in the bottom half of the SEC in quarterback pressures a year ago, but thanks to Taylor’s 8.5 sacks, the Vols’ ranked in the top half of the league in sacks. The rest of Tennessee’s outside linebacker room totaled just 6.5 sacks. Kivon Bennett started on the other side of Taylor a year ago and should be a lock to start after having a solid sophomore campaign. Another jump is needed of Bennett in 2020 if Tennessee’s defense is to reach its full position. Roman Harrison had an up-and-down freshman campaign falling in and out of the rotation. The south Georgia native found his footing toward the end of the season, earning more playing time and two sacks. Harrison, along with DeAndre Johnson, should compete for that starting job on the other side of Bennett. The Vols are short on depth at outside linebacker as freshmen Tyler Baron and Morven Joseph should provide depth. J.J. Peterson was one of the first blue chip recruits Pruitt landed at Tennessee but has failed to find playing time at inside linebacker. He moved to outside linebacker this fall and could help provide depth. Daniel Bituli’s replacement Henry To’o To’o started beside him all of 2019 and starred as a freshman, earning freshman All-American honors and looking every part of a future All-SEC contributor. Beside To’o To’o is an open spot on the Vols defense. Sophomore Quavaris Crouch moved back and forth from inside and outside linebacker as a freshman recording 28 tackles. Crouch has settled in at inside linebacker this fall, and the talented sophomore is the likely starter. In the last game Jeremy Banks played he intercepted two passes. The sophomore was arrested the next morning and was eventually removed from the Tennessee football program. Banks is now back on the roster as “a changed man” and could seriously factor into the inside linebacker spot this fall. “That’s my guy, that’s my brother,” To’o To’o said of Banks. “He’s grown and we’re here to support him. Everything that he does we’re here to support him. Jeremy Banks has done a great job, he’s a changed man. On the field, he’s helping us tremendously.” Solon Page and freshmen Bryson Eason and

Martavius French should compete to provide depth.

wutk

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

“THE 7”

1 L.A. WITCH

2 FLAMING LIPS Alontae Taylor, #2, waiting for the snap during the Mississippi State game on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Kenneth Richmond / The Daily Beacon Perhaps Tennessee’s most talented and deep group is its corners. The group made great strides in the 2019 season helping the Vols rank fourth in the SEC in passing yards given up. “We do have a lot of options,” defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley said. “A lot of guys that can do different things. We had a couple of guys who got nicks and bruises early on, but for the most part we got a lot of guys back from last year outside of Nigel [Warrior]. We should be deeper in the back end — a lot of game experience and playing time back there. We need those guys to be the strength of the defense and lean on those guys a lot more this year.” Juniors Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor should start at corner but can’t let their guard down. Kenneth George Jr. had a strong junior season recording three pass breakups. Nickelback Shawn Shamburger is one of the SEC’s best. The senior recorded 47 tackles, three sacks and an interception a year ago. Sophomore Warren Burrell and freshman Key Lawrence will also compete for playing time, though Lawrence may play more time at safety. Tennessee has questions at safety after the departure of Nigel Warrior. A plethora of players started beside him a year ago, with sophomore Jaylen McCollough earning the majority of starts down the stretch of his freshman season. Junior Trevon Flowers has ﬂashed in each of his ﬁrst two seasons, but injuries ended each season in early October. Theo Jackson, who recorded 53 tackles a year ago, will also be in the conversation to start. “We have talent back there in the back end,” Pruitt said. “We have guys that have played in a lot of football games. It’s time for them to elevate their game. It starts at practice and you have to build consistency.” Freshman Doneiko Slaughter will compete for playing time, and Shamburger could play safety if needed.

BLU & EXILE

4 FATHER JOHN MISTY

5 NEW ORDER

6 WIDOWSPEAK

7 ALL THEM WITCHES

2020 SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER

September 26 at South Carolina

OCTOBER

October 3 vs. Missouri October 10 at Georgia October 17 vs. Kentucky October 24 vs. Alabama

NOVEMBER

November 7 at Arkansas November 14 vs. Texas A&M November 21 at Auburn November 28 at Vandy

DECEMBER

December 5 vs. Florida

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 23, 2020

How the COVID-19 pandemic changes game day on Rocky Top JEFFREY RUSSELL Staff Writer

The Tennessee Volunteers play their first home game of the season on Oct. 3 when the Missouri Tigers come to Neyland Stadium for a noon kick-off. A game day on Rocky Top will be a welcome sight in a time of such uncertainty. However, due to COVID-19, it will look very different compared to what fans are used to. One of the biggest changes for the upcoming season is the seating capacity which will allow only 25% of Neyland Stadium to be filled with fans. According to the ticket plan released by the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Fund donors with season tickets and current UT students will have priority to 2020 football tickets. Tickets will be offered as season tickets to Tennessee Fund members based upon their annual donation amount and ranking order. The student seating process will remain mainly the same as students will be able to request tickets for the first home game on Sept. 23. Guidelines for the student seating section and the number of tickets dispersed among students will be determined by the Office of Student Life. All fans will be required to wear masks while in the stadium. Opposing teams will be allocated 500 tickets for their families. Tennessee Athletics will use a completely mobile ticket entry system this season. The contactless entry will be efficient and sanitary for everyone involved in the game-day experi-

ence. Tailgating is a game day tradition that has fans flocking in droves to campus hours before kickoff; however, COVID-19 restrictions will make it very different this year. University-sponsored tailgating will not occur this year, but fans will be able to have small gatherings with some restrictions according to guidelines released by University of Tennessee Athletics. Parking lots will open four hours before kickoff and only permit holders may park on campus on game day. Gatherings will be restricted to family members or people who plan to sit together inside the stadium in their individual seats. Fans are encouraged to wear masks except when eating during their gatherings and are required to wear masks inside the stadium. Finally, each vehicle is allowed one tent. Tents larger than 10-foot-by-10-foot pop-ups will be prohibited. Tents can’t block parking spaces or block entrances and exits in parking areas. The City of Knoxville has also announced that tailgating downtown will not be allowed at any city-owned parking garages or surface lots. Knoxville Area Transit will not have game day shuttles, and bus capacity will be reduced to 50%. The Vol Navy will also have new restrictions to follow set forth by the city. Vol Navy boats can only be stacked two deep at city-owned sites like Volunteer Landing and the Vol Navy docks downtown. Boaters will now only be able to dock for 24 hours, and the city only wants football game ticket holders to be docked on game day. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will patrol and make sure the precau-

Fans gather near Neyland Stadium to see the Vols before the Saturday, Oct. 26 game against South Carolina. Lucas Swinehart / The Daily Beacon tions are being followed by all involved. The SEC announced in new guidelines that only essential personnel will be allowed on the field. Essential personnel consists of coaches, players, officials, law enforcement and a limited amount of media. This means fans will miss out on some historic Tennessee traditions. The Pride of the Southland Band will not be forming the T before the game or be allowed to perform during halftime, at least at the beginning of the season. It is currently unclear whether the band will be in the stands during the games.

The Vol Walk will also most likely be canceled this season in an effort to continue social distancing and keep the game day experience as safe as possible. Cheer and spirit squads will also be absent from the sidelines this fall as they don’t fall into the essential personnel category. Smokey will be noticeably absent from the sidelines this season due to the new SEC guidelines. As this season will look noticeably different from what fans are used to, one thing remains the same: It’s football time in Tennessee.

Contact tracing posing issue of missed practices for Tennesse Vols RYAN SCHUMPERT Co-Sports Editor Coaches are facing challenges in 2020 that they’ve never faced before. For Jeremy Pruitt, the biggest challenge has been working around contact tracing protocols that have sidelined a bulk of his team this fall. On Sept. 5, a week and a half after students returned to campus, Tennessee had 41 players miss practice. Pruitt stated that seven to eight of those players had COVID, 27 to 28 were out due to contact tracing and the rest were dealing with normal injuries. “Really the big issue for us is the contact tracing and that’s where we’ve had tons of players — to be exact to this date, we’ve had 48 guys who’ve missed at least 14 days who were quarantined,” Pruitt said after practice on Sept. 5. “Four of those guys have been quarantined twice, so we’re talking about 52 guys in that.” Pruitt also stated that of 48 plus players that have been quarantined due to contact tracing, only one person has tested positive for the coronavirus. Once you enter quarantine no amount of negative

COVID-19 results can clear you to play can, only 14 days in quarantine.

Most of our guys are back now. We’ve got to continue to make sure that they really defend themselves. JEREMY PRUITT HEAD COACH

Having that many players miss two weeks of practice is a major concern, even in an extended fall camp. Due to the number of players who have missed time, Tennessee won’t get all 25 of its allotted practices in. “You know when a guy misses 14 days of practice or 14 days of training, starting over is kind of having a cumulative effect a little bit,” Pruitt said. “A few injuries here and there, nothing severe, but some guys have had to miss some practice time.

It’s definitely been challenging, and we’ve got to continue to improve as a football team and figure out the circumstances and figure out a way to be productive in them.” Part of Pruitt’s frustration with contact tracing is the seemingly inconsistent enforcement at different schools. The SEC protocols state that schools must follow the recommendations of local health experts. Those recommendations mostly stay similar but have small differences, like how long you have to be around a COVID-19 positive person to go into quarantine or if you have to quarantine automatically if a roommate tests positive. “Well, I think the testing protocol is the same for everybody,” Pruitt said. “The thing to me that probably is not consistent and is not consistent in our state, obviously, or nationally, is the contact tracing. It’s all based off of each individual county. … When we start talking about the different states – South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Georgia – it’s probably different in each one of the universities’ locations.” With game week upon us, the Vols’ positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing have gone

down. Pruitt hopes that with cases settling across the south and on college campuses, the number of players in quarantine will go down and be less of a problem in season. “I hope that we’ve reached a spike on our campus,” Pruitt said. “I think it’s been pretty evident across the country that when you have large gatherings of people for the first time there have been spikes. Our numbers have really gone down across our campus.” “Most of our guys are back now. We’ve got to continue to make sure that they really defend themselves. We can’t be put in a situation that we can get it or be put in contact tracing.” Pruitt didn’t tell the media on Monday who would be ruled out of Saturday’s opener at South Carolina due to COVID-19 safety protocols, siting that it was “unfair” to his players and that he didn’t want to provide opponents a competitive advantage. Even with the Vols being closer to full strength ahead of their opener with the Gamecocks contact tracing has played a major role in Tennessee’s ability to prepare for the 2020 season. Pruitt even stated that the Vols plan to practice in fall camp mode for the first few weeks of the season.

PUZZLES & GAMES

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

THE DAILY BEACON

puzzles Wednesday. NewNew puzzles every every Monday and Thursday. No. 507

Tough

Previous solution - Medium

6 9 7 8 5 3 4 2 1 4 3 1 2 6

9 2 6 8

2 7

4 1

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

4 3 2 5 1 4 4 3 3 2 1 2 8 5 6 6 7 8 7 5 7 8 9

5 3 2 7 6 4 8 9

No. 507

Easy

your morning coffee’s best friend. Daily Egyptian 9/14 Crossword 6

6 1

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

6 4 9 1 8 2 7 5 3

4 1 2 8

7 1 4 7

3 5

The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

3 7 5 9 4 6 2 8 1

4 3 8 6 7 1 5 9 2

1 5 6 4 2 9 8 3 7

9 2 7 5 3 8 4 1 6

5 8 1 2 9 7 3 6 4

2 6 4 3 1 5 9 7 8

7 9 3 8 6 4 1 2 5

8 2 6 1 8

8 1 2 7 5 3 6 4 9

Across

Previous solution - Very Hard

9 5

3 4

crossword & sudoku

1 5 9 13

6 7 7 8 2 9 1 8 6 4 9 5 7 8 5 4 3 6 3 4 5

SUDOKU 3 2

the daily beacon

PuzzleJunction

LOS ANGELES TIMES CROSSWORD • Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

STR8TS 3

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts, Sudoku and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store at www.str8ts.com

15 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 35 38 43 44 46 47 49 50 51 53 55 58 60 63 64 66 68

Former Movie pooch Bearded animal Kitchen extension? Speaker’s platform Secret language Any day now Have supper Saint-Germain’s river Comb stoppers Table extender Aquatic plant Slangy assent Supermodel Benitez Carnival attractions Pig’s digs Auction action Cantina cooker Dash Washed-out Get-out-of-jail money Hard wood Dollar rival “The Wild Duck” playwright Icelandic epic “Groovy!” Cashew, e.g. Engine part Robber Fizzy drink Infamous Amin Pride member Polecat’s defense Summer TV offering Gung-ho

53 58

73 76

65 70

63 68

19 22

30 32

66 71

67 72

70 72 73 74 75

Military group Gather leaves Vineyard fruit Dwarf buffalo Route for BenHur 76 Hill dwellers 77 Actress Redgrave 78 Love ___ Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Annoying Priest’s urging Sitting spot Carnival sight Append Crossjacks, e.g. Fungal infection Away from port

9 10 11 12 16 21 23 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41

Interstate sign Mountain nymph Spry Picker-uppers Mad Hatter’s drink Workout unit Datebook abbr. Harp’s cousin Nev. neighbor Store sign Road turn ___-Wan Kenobi Chem class Fleur-de-___ Assist, in a way Atlantic food ﬁsh Dispatch Cry’s partner Historic period

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crossword & sudoku

your morning coffee’s best friend.

puzzles Wednesday. NewNew puzzles every every Monday and Thursday.

42 45 48 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 67 69 71

“___ so fast!” Garden area GPS heading ET’s craft Crew tool Coronet Paul of Crocodile Dundee Bungling Boxer Liston Heavenly hunter Boiling mad “Put up your ___!” Like krypton Journey part Twofold Hibernia Hi-___ monitor Summer shade

THE DAILY BEACON

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 23, 2020

A shorter season for the Vols: Difficult matchups will test team RYAN CREWS RYAN SCHUMPERT Co-Sports Editors Tennessee’s 2020 schedule is unlike any they’ve ever played. Due to safety precautions around COVID-19 ,the Vols’ schedule shrunk from 12 to 10 games, with all 10 matchups coming against SEC foes. Gone from the schedule are matchups with Charlotte, Oklahoma, Furman and Troy. Added to the schedule are matchups with Texas A&M and Auburn. Let’s take a look at the Vols’ opponents. Tennessee at South Carolina, Sept. 26

Lucas Swinehart / The Daily Beacon The Vols will open up the season on the road in Columbia, South Carolina, against the Gamecocks in the first gauntlet of a 10-game season. Under center for South Carolina, graduate transfer Collin Hill displaced previous starter Ryan Hilinski for week one. Other changes include a wholesale change of the offense with new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. Expect a more typical run-based offense from the new regime. Across the line, former Tennessee defensive line coach and current Gamecock assistant Tracy Rocker will have a deep group of defensive linemen to work with, even with the loss of last year’s key contributor Javon Kinlaw. In the defensive backfield, South Carolina will have two potential NFL first round draft picks: Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu. Rounding out the defense will be linebacker Ernest Jones, who led the team in tackles last season. This should be a tight matchup, as seven of the past eight meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less, the Vols’ 20-point win last year being the only exception. Tennessee vs Missouri, Oct. 3 Tennessee’s first game back in Neyland will be against the Tigers from Missouri. Missouri will be counting upon the play of Nick Bolton in the middle of the defense. The linebacker is the heart of the defense and controls his side of the ball like an experienced quarterback. The

question for the Tigers will be whether or not the supporting cast will step up around him.

ter tense competition, Newman opted out of the season due to the coronavirus, effectively handing the job to Daniels. Don’t rule out returnee Dwayne Mathis from factoring in at the quarterback spot either. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs have fixed a weakness of theirs on the defensive line. They are set to have a stout pass rush led by Nolan Smith and Jordan Davis.

game experience.

Tennessee vs Kentucky, Oct. 17

File / The Daily Beacon Players who could make a big impact on defense include linebackers Chad Bailey and Devin Nicholson. Bailey was expected to pair with Bolton, but he was injured in preseason. While he could make it back for the end of the season, he will be unavailable for the first couple weeks. Nicholson, on the other hand, is the most promising of the sophomores who look like they could fill that spot next to Bolton. Elsewhere on the defense, Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz has stated a preference to return the defensive line to its recent level of success, but looking at the personnel, that may be easier said than done. On offense, the Tigers have refused to name a starter at quarterback. The offensive line has struggled, so they will be looking to redeem themselves. Tennessee at Georgia, Oct. 10 Tennessee played well in the beginning of the matchup last season until Georgia caught a break and the talent of the Bulldogs just overwhelmed the Vols.

Nathan Lick / The Daily Beacon The story of the Georgia offseason has been turnover in personnel, the most prominent of these being quarterback Jake Fromm, new Vol Cade Mays and offensive line coach Sam Pittman. Additionally, following the move of Pittman to Arkansas, there were many offensive linemen, like Mays, leaving to either the NFL or other colleges. Coming into fall camp Georgia had two transfer quarterbacks, Jamie Newman from Wake Forest and J.T. Daniels from USC. Af-

Tennessee will look to play much better than the last time these two teams met in the Battle for the Beer Barrel. When the Vols met the Cats in Lexington last November, Tennessee scraped out a win despite most metrics leaning toward the Big Blue. Kentucky controlled the ball for nearly 42 of the game’s 60 minutes and out-gained the Vols in both yards and first downs.

File / The Daily Beacon One of the main questions for the Crimson Tide will be who will line up under center to replace the departing Tua Tagovailoa. Right now the contenders are Mac Jones and Bryce Young, and while Jones is currently in pole position for game one, Young could certainly be involved in this matchup. On defense, expect more of the same from Alabama. The Tide look poised for a deep rotation of players at all three levels, high on both speed and strength. Tennessee at Arkansas, Nov. 7

File / The Daily Beacon Coming into this game the Wildcats will have regular starter Terry Wilson back behind center after missing the majority of the 2019 season with an injury. Key to the game for Tennessee could be getting penetration on Wilson, but that won’t be easy for the Vols’ defensive unit. Kentucky was able to take two of the five spots on the All-SEC preseason first team offensive line, so expect the trenches to be a strong position for the Wildcats. The same can be said for the defensive side of the trenches as Kentucky enters into this season with a furious pass rush led by outside linebackers Jamar “Boogie” Watson and Jordan Wright, but complemented by a group of front seven defenders that legitimately goes three-deep. Tennessee vs Alabama, Oct. 24 With a storied history involving a combined 40 SEC championships and 14 major national titles, this rival has featured many streaks, and right now, Tennessee is on the wrong side of the longest such streak, failing to taste victory since 2006. The Vols should have one of their best shots in recent years to break the streak, as they return the solid offensive line and running game return on the offensive side. Tennessee can also count on a defensive unit with a lot of

Tennessee heads to northwest Arkansas looking to break a two game losing skid to the Razorbacks. New Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman faces a huge challenge in Fayetteville, looking to turn around a program that’s won just four games over the last two seasons and hasn’t won a conference game since October of 2017. Pittman and Tennessee’s staff have some familiarity with one another as Pittman and Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney worked closely together during stops at Tennessee, Arkansas and Georgia. The Razorbacks’ quarterback situation was a disaster a year ago, starting five different quarterbacks. Pittman brought in help in Florida transfer Feleipe Franks. Franks was a twoyear starter at Florida where his talent showed, but questions about his consistency persisted. How good Franks will be at Arkansas remains to be seen, but at the least he should be an upgrade over the Razorbacks quarterback situation the past few seasons. Running back Rakeem Boyd is back for his senior year after being the Razorbacks best playmaker the last two seasons. The junior college transfer ran for over 1,100 yards a year ago, tallying eight touchdowns. Arkansas’ defense has some major holes in it, particularly against the run where they gave up over 200 yards a year ago. The Razorbacks had the worst defense in the SEC a year ago, giving up 36.8 points per game, five more than the next worse.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020 continued from page 10 The early November road trip to Fayetteville should be one that the Vols can take care of, but Pittman’s group could show large growth in year one. Tennessee vs. Texas A&M, Nov. 14 Texas A&M will finally make its first trip to Neyland Stadium, eight seasons after joining the SEC. The matchup was one created due to the odd circumstances hanging above the season and the SEC’s 10-game conference only schedule. Expectations are high for Jimbo Fisher’s third season in College Station, but two difficult SEC games added to their schedule will make life harder for the Aggies. Despite a strong 2019 campaign, Texas A&M’s offense struggled to find consistency and ability to move the ball. The unit ranked just eighth in the league with 395 yards per game. The success of the Aggies offense falls largely on the shoulders of senior quarterback Kellen Mond. Mond earned a reputation as a strong runner, where he totaled 1,112 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first three seasons. Like the Aggies offense as a whole, consistency has been an issue for Mond when throwing the ball. Being more consistent as a passer will help Mond and the Aggies’ offense tremendously. Defensively, Texas A&M ranked ninth in the SEC and 39th nationally in points given up per game. The Aggies should be solid on that side of the ball again in 2020, and defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal is likely to be a first round pick next spring.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • The Daily Beacon Like Mond, consistency throwing the football has been an area for improvement, but after a promising year one starting, Nix should show growth in 2020. The Tigers receiving core should also be a strength, with leading receiver Seth Williams and track star Anthony Schwartz returning. The question mark for Auburn’s offense is along the line of scrimmage where they must replace four starters. Along the defensive line, Auburn must replace a pair of NFL draftees in Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown. The two will be tough to replace, but the Tigers typically reload instead of rebuild on the defensive line and returning starter Big Kat Bryant is an All-SEC candidate. The back end of Auburn’s defense was its weakness in 2019, ranking just eighth in the SEC in passing defense. Tennessee also found success throwing the ball down the field against Auburn’s secondary in 2018. Tennessee gets Auburn at an interesting spot of the Tigers schedule, the week after Auburn travels to Mississippi State and the week before Auburn will travel to Alabama.

Tennessee at Auburn, Nov. 21 The second add on game of Tennessee’s 2020 season is its matchup with Auburn. The Vols will travel back to Auburn where Jeremy Pruitt earned his first, and perhaps biggest, SEC win as underdogs in 2018.

File / The Daily Beacon Auburn comes off an up-and-down 2019 season that saw them post a 9-4 record including a win over in-state rival Alabama. The Tigers return their quarterback in sophomore Bo Nix. Nix started as a freshman where he threw 16 touchdowns and Auburn finished ninth in the SEC in passing yards.

a step back in 2019, ranking 13th in the SEC in scoring defense by giving up 31.8 points per game. The good news for Vanderbilt is that perhaps their three best defenders all return, in Dimitri Moore, Dashaun Jerkins and Tae Daley. Tennessee vs. Florida, Dec. 6 For the first time since 2001 Tennessee will not meet Florida for a September matchup but instead for the regular season finale. The Gators have been a top 10 program since Dan Mullen took over two years ago, combining for 21 wins and a pair of New Year’s Six bowl appearances. The expectation has changed in Mullen’s third year, as fans expect the Gators to overtake Georgia and win their first SEC east championship since 2016.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt, Nov. 28 Tennessee’s Thanksgiving weekend matchup will stay the same during the 2020 season as the Vols will travel west on Interstate 40 to face off against in-state rival Vanderbilt.

File / The Daily Beacon Before COVID-19 hit, no one in the SEC was on a hotter seat than Derek Mason. The Commodores won just three games in 2019 including an embarrassing loss to UNLV, who became the first team in Mountain West history to go winless in conference play. It will be an uphill battle again for Vanderbilt in 2020. The Commodores have had multiple players opt out of the 2020 season including a pair of starting offensive lineman. Vanderbilt lost its two best playmakers from a year ago as running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn and tight end Kalija Lipscomb are now in the NFL. Vanderbilt played four different quarterbacks a year ago and all have departed. JUCO transfers Danny Clark and Jeremy Moussa are expected to compete in an open quarterback competition. Defense has been the strength of Mason’s program, but the Commodores defense took

File / The Daily Beacon Kyle Trask returns at quarterback. The junior debuted last season when Feleipe Franks went down against Kentucky and turned in a strong season, throwing for 2,951 yards and 25 touchdowns.

File / The Daily Beacon Florida returns most starters along an offensive line that struggled to help the Gators establish a run game, ranking 13th in yards per carry. The Gators lost a plethora of playmakers including receivers Van Jefferson, Tyrie Cleveland and Freddie Swain. All-American tight end Kyle Pitts should become a regular weapon for Trask. Florida’s defense was strong a year ago, ranking second in the conference in points against, sixth in passing yards against and second in rushing yards against. Gone is leading tackler David Reese and corner CJ Henderson, but talent remains in the secondary with Marco Wilson and Trey Dean, perhaps the SEC’s best nickelback. Florida has been a disastrous matchup for Tennessee over the past 15 years, winning the matchup just once. Things haven’t gone much better for Pruitt as his two squads have been outscored 81-24.

STAR RANKINGS OF NEW VOLS Key Lawrence (safety) Omari Thomas (defensive tackle) Harrison Bailey (quarterback) Malachi Wideman (wide receiver) Tyler Baron (defensive end) Jalin Hyatt (wide receiver) Jimmy Calloway (wide receiver) Len’Neth Whitehead (running back) Dominic Bailey (defensive tackle) Morven Joseph (outside linebacker) Cooper Mays (center) Bryson Eason (inside linebacker) Martavius French (inside linebacker)

Dee Beckwith (tight end) Doneiko Slaughter (safety) Jimmy Holiday (wide reciever) Javontez Spraggins (offensive guard) Tamarion McDonald (inside linebacker) Jabari Small (running back) R.J. Perry (defensive tackle) James Robinson (offensive guard) Tee Hodge (running back)

Will Albright (long snapper)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Smith ready to take advantage of opportunities in his senior season JESSICA LANDEFELD Staff Writer

weigh: Is it worth it? Is it not worth it?”

As Saturday waits just around the corner, the Tennessee Vols are gearing up for their highly anticipated 2020 season. With so much uncertainty leading up to this season the team and staff, led by head coach Jeremy Pruitt, are looking forward to having the opportunity to play against the South Carolina Gamecocks this weekend. If there is a player who knows about taking advantage of playing time more than anyone, it’s Trey Smith. The senior offensive lineman has returned to the Tennessee line twice after struggling with lung-related health issues, and despite being more susceptible to COVID-19, Smith is prepared to return for his senior year. “It would be borderline ignorant to say that it’s not concerning. We’ve definitely talked about it as a family, prayed about it and asked God to protect me,” Smith said in an interview with Knox News. “The doctors at Tennessee and coach [Jeremy] Pruitt have been great at keeping us informed on everything. But at the end of the day, we as players have to take the proper precautions. So, yes, it’s something you

I’m very confident in this team. But once again, we still have a lot of work to do. TREY SMITH SENIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Many aspects of the team are looking different due to COVID regulations and the Vols, along with other SEC teams, are working to figure out the kinks before the season. Smith now faces the new challenge of leading an altered offensive line that’s missing some veteran players. “With the offensive line, in terms of continuity, I don’t think there’s been a time since I have been here that there has been the same offensive that has played consistently with each other for weeks or months,” Smith said. “So, in terms of that, it’s just the matter of fact of doing what the coach tells you what to do

consistently, doing your job consistently and being ready to play, because quite frankly with COVID-19 and the issues that come from it, a lot of people are going to play positions that they have never played before, so continuity is definitely going to be an issue, but it’s not only going to be an issue here, it is going to be an issue across the country due to this virus.” Despite these setbacks, Smiths is confident in his team’s ability to perform against all SEC opponents, including the Gamecocks this Saturday. Thanks to the university and the athletic department, the Vols have been able to continue with practices and preparations for the season. “I’m very confident in this team,” Smith said. “But once again we still have a lot of work to do. I still have work to do myself, messing up on some simple stuff that’s unacceptable at this level. But in terms of just getting ready for South Carolina, we’ll be there and ready to play regardless of who we play. For me, just leading off the field, anything I can do to positively impact the community, I won’t hesitate to do it and it’s really important for me to do those types of things as well.” Smith has spoken multiple times on his desire to prove himself both on and off the field,

Trey Smith, #73, during a game of the 20192020 season. Kenneth Richmond / The Daily Beacon and he doesn’t plan on letting COVID-19 stop him. From his promise to his mother of earning his degree to showing doubters that he can still be a dominant force despite his health conditions, Smith remains at the top of his game. You can watch Smith and the rest of the Tennessee Vols play this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against the Gamecocks on the SEC Network.

Tennessee gaining momentum in polls, first time ranked under Pruitt BARRETT WALKER Staff Writer

Tennessee football took big leaps in two national polls last week. The Vols are currently No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 and rank No. 21 in the Amway Coaches Poll. Before last week, Tennessee was No. 25 in the AP Top 25 and was not ranked in the Coaches poll. This is the first time that the Vols have been ranked in either poll under head coach Jeremy Pruitt.

There’s a decent chance Tennessee is the team we overhype greatly thanks to late season push. CHRIS HUMMER 247SPORTS ANALYST

The Vols current placement in the AP Top 25 poll was it’s highest since being No. 9 on Oct. 10, 2016. At that time, Tennessee was 5-1 after defeating Appalachian State, Virginia Tech, Ohio, Florida and Georgia. The Vols’ lone loss was at Texas A&M.

They finished the 2016 season with a 9-4 record and were No. 22 and No. 24 in the AP poll and the Coaches poll, respectively. The Vols capped that season off with a 38-24 win against Nebraska in the Music City Bowl. Tennessee is joined by seven other SEC teams, including No. 2 Alabama, No. 4 Georgia, No. 5 Florida, No 6. LSU, No. 8 Auburn, No. 10 Texas A&M and No. 23 Kentucky. Tennessee will play each of these teams this season except for the reigning National Champion, LSU. The pressure is on for the Vols and Pruitt, who is entering his third season as head coach. In the 2019 season, Rocky Top was off to a rocky start as the Vols went 1-4, including two upsets in the season’s first two games of the season against Georgia State and BYU. Tennessee bounced back and finished the season with an 8-5 overall record and a 5-3 SEC record. The Vols also earned a spot in the 2020 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Indiana. Tennessee won the game, 23-22, after being down by 13 points within the final five minutes. The Vols’ success from last season came off of a much-improved defense. Tennessee’s defense ranked 23rd in the nation in total defense (334.5), which stood as its best total in a decade for the Vols. Tennessee also did well preventing teams from airing the ball out as their pass defense finished 20th (194.0) and also finished with 15 interceptions. The

Ja’Quain Blakely, #48, celebrates with students in the stands following a victory over South Carolina at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Lucas Swinehart / The Daily Beacon Vols front seven created enough pressure to record 34 sacks, good for third in the SEC. Tennessee gave up 10 plays of 30 plus yards, which was the fewest in the nation during the 2019 season. “There’s a decent chance Tennessee is the team we overhype greatly thanks to a lateseason push,” 247sports national college football analyst Chris Hummer said. “Still, it’s hard to ignore a six-game win streak to end the season and the team’s rising talent level. The Vols bring back 17 starters, including the core of a young defense that allowed

just 15.5 points per game during their seasonending win streak. “Quarterback is a bit of a question for Tennessee, though Jarrett Guarantano played well over the team’s final six games. Finding replacements for Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings at receiver will be critical,” Hummer added. Tennessee will kick-off its season against South Carolina at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 in Columbia, S.C.