Tennessee
6 burning Tennessee football questions after spring game, as transfer portal opens
Tennessee football can rest easy about its starting quarterback situation. Not only is Nico Iamaleava the starter, he’s a star in the making. Iamaleava’s tidy 7-of-9 passing performance in Saturday’s spring game reiterated that all is well with Tennessee’s QB1.
Elsewhere on the roster, it’s more of a mixed situation. The Vols have a few areas they could solidify entering this spring transfer portal window.
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks review the spring game and address some burning questions.
Which areas of the roster look like strengths? Where does Tennessee require reinforcements?
Let’s dive in:
Is Elijah Herring’s departure to the transfer portal a red flag?
No. Although Herring led Tennessee with 80 tackles last season, he faced a more complicated path to retaining a starting job because of Keenan Pili’s return from injury and the development of Jeremiah Telander. Herring’s tackle stats didn’t tell the full story, either. Tennessee needs improvement from that position.
Who’s Tennessee’s backup quarterback behind Nico Iamaleava, and should the Vols be worried about QB depth?
Gaston Moore is the backup, and freshman Jake Merklinger follows behind him. Both played well in the spring game. Moore is better than your typical walk-on, and he’s familiar with Josh Heupel’s system.
If Iamaleava misses a few plays, Tennessee is in fine shape with its backup options. If Iamaleava were to miss extended time, that could be an issue for the Vols. But, a lot of teams around college football could say that.
Is there a running back depth problem behind Dylan Sampson?
That depends on Cam Seldon’s injury situation. Seldon did not play in the spring game after undergoing shoulder surgery. If Tennessee has concerns about Seldon’s availability, then it should hunt for a transfer to offer support for Sampson.
Is this secondary better or just newer?
The secondary featured a significant amount of offseason turnover, which offers opportunities for guys Heupel’s staff recruited. But, is this new-look group better or just different? We’re inclined to say “wait and see,” because there’s cause for doubt when so many new pieces are assembled in one offseason. That said, a healthy pass rush might hide deficiencies.
TOPPMEYER: Nick Saban becomes a hype man at Alabama spring game. Now, there’s a sight to see
SPARKS: Tennessee football fans critique Nico Iamaleava, praise backup QBs after spring game
ADAMS: Brace yourself Tennessee fans. More transfers could be coming, going
Is the offense ‘back,’ because of a wide receiver upgrade?
Maybe, and Tulane transfer wide receiver Chris Brazell looks like the real deal. This is a solid group of receivers. Iamaleava offers the biggest reason to believe Tennessee’s offense could be closer to its 2022 production than a repeat of 2023.
Are the offensive line questions resolved at left tackle, left guard and backup center?
One question is answered. LSU transfer Lance Heard will hold it down at left tackle. Those other O-line questions require further evaluation.
Where to listen to The Volunteer State
Apple
Spotify
iHeart
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist and a published author. Adam Sparks covers the Vols with award-winning coverage for the News Sentinel. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Also check out the “SEC Football Unfiltered” podcast.
Tennessee
Tennessee Titans tickets vs Minnesota Vikings: Best prices for remaining available seats
The Tennessee Titans host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Nissan Stadium, with the Titans’ season slipping toward the bottom of the league.
Tennessee (2-7) lost 27-17 at the LA Chargers last week and is now one of five two-win teams in the NFL.
Minnesota (7-2) continues to excel with an opportunistic defense and a steady offense, though Sam Darnold did struggle to complete drives in last week’s 12-7 win at Jacksonville.
The get-in prices for tickets to Sunday’s game are on the higher end for home matchups this season, which might signal a large presence of Vikings fans in the building on Sunday.
Here’s how you can buy tickets for Vikings-Titans:
The Tennessee Titans’ Week 11 NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 17 at Nissan Stadium has a get-in ticket price at $72 per ticket before fees, via StubHub, for two tickets together.
All times central
Regular season
- Week 1 (Sept. 8): at Chicago Bears, L 24-17
- Week 2 (Sept. 15): New York Jets, L 24-17
- Week 3 (Sept. 22): Green Bay Packers, L 30-14
- Week 4 (Sept. 30): at Miami Dolphins, W 31-12
- Week 5: OPEN DATE
- Week 6 (Oct. 13): Indianapolis Colts, L 20-17
- Week 7 (Oct. 20): at Buffalo Bills, L 34-10
- Week 8 (Oct. 27): at Detroit Lions, L 52-14
- Week 9 (Nov. 3): New England Patriots, W 20-17 OT
- Week 10 (Nov. 10): at Los Angeles Chargers, L 27-17
- Week 11 (Nov. 17): Minnesota Vikings, Noon on CBS
- Week 12 (Nov. 24): at Houston Texans, Noon on CBS
- Week 13 (Dec. 1): at Washington Commanders, Noon on FOX
- Week 14 (Dec. 8): Jacksonville Jaguars, Noon on CBS
- Week 15 (Dec. 15): Cincinnati Bengals, Noon on FOX
- Week 16 (Dec. 22): at Indianapolis Colts, Noon on CBS
- Week 17 (Dec. 29): at Jacksonville Jaguars, Noon on CBS
- Week 18 (Jan. 4/5): Houston Texans, TBD
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Tennessee
Deer-related crashes costing Tennessee drivers millions of dollars
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As the holiday travel season approaches, Tennessee drivers are being warned to keep a close eye on the road—not just for other vehicles, but for wildlife, particularly deer.
This time of year is the peak season for deer activity, and accidents involving these animals are a serious concern for drivers.
According to AAA, in 2020, there were more than 6,500 motor vehicle crashes involving deer in Tennessee. Of those, half occurred between October and December, a time when deer are most active and roadways are often busy with holiday travelers.
These crashes are not only dangerous—they’re expensive.
At Childress Collision in Nashville, general manager Charles Childress says his shop sees a noticeable increase in deer-related accidents as the fall and winter months progress.
“You can see this bumper reinforcement. You can see the buckle here. It’s actually bowed back where the deer went into here. It’s got hair left in the latch,” Childress said, pointing to a Subaru scheduled for repairs after a deer collision.
While the vehicle might look like it only needs a new bumper, Childress notes that nearly 25 components could be involved in the repair process.
The cost of such accidents can quickly add up. Childress explains that while a basic bumper cover might cost a few hundred dollars to replace, more serious damage can lead to much higher repair bills.
“It could tear up a $300-$400 bumper cover, or take out the whole front end, depending on the car,” Childress said.
In 2023, the Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that deer-related crashes in the state caused over $67 million in economic costs.
These accidents often result in damaged parts that are expensive to repair, with some parts costing thousands of dollars.
“You could have a $200 headlight, or I have an Audi out here right now where the headlamp is $3,800,” Childress said. “And it has to be programmed to the vehicle once it’s replaced.”
The rise in advanced safety features in newer vehicles has made them safer overall, though more costly to repair after a crash.
Childress notes that almost every vehicle now requires a calibration process after repairs, especially for systems like surround-view cameras, pre-collision warnings, and radar sensors used for adaptive cruise control.
These high-tech systems are crucial for driver safety, but they add to the overall cost and complexity of repairs following a deer collision.
For drivers on Tennessee roads, especially during the busy holiday season, staying vigilant is key.
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, when visibility is low, and they can appear suddenly, especially in areas near wooded or rural stretches of highway.
Authorities recommend drivers adhere to speed limits, stay alert, and be cautious when driving in areas known for high deer populations.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (kelsey.gibbs@newschannel5.com).
Over 20 years working as a nurse, meet the man giving trees a second purpose
Get ready to get inspired – Tad found a second purpose later in life, turning his hobby into his full-time gig. He helps the planet, helps homeowners and finds fulfillment in a slower pace after being on the front-line during the pandemic.
-Rebecca Schleicher
Tennessee
Titans Predicted to Make Surprising NFL Draft Decision
The Tennessee Titans are just 2-7 on the season and are trending toward having one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but what will they do in April?
The general consensus is that the Titans should select a quarterback, and there should be plenty of options available for them. This is slated to be a fairly deep quarterback class, so someone should be on the board for Tennessee.
After all, it doesn’t appear that Will Levis is the answer under center.
But is it possible that the Titans go in an entirely different direction?
Joseph Acosta of SB Nation seems to think so, as he has Tennessee selecting Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter with the third overall pick of the draft.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick is a QB if the Titans continue to bottom out, but the Titans can’t bring the QB down,” Acosta wrote. “Carter is a terrifying blend of speed and burst, and he’s still growing into the position.”
It’s true that the Titans need a pass rusher, as they have logged just 18 sacks thus far in 2024. But is that really more of a pressing need than quarterback?
Levis is now in his second season at signal-caller for Tennessee, and things have not exactly gone according to plan for the former second-round pick.
He looked rather pedestrian in nine starts during his rookie campaign, and this season, he has totaled seven passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games.
To be fair, Levis’ season has been marred by a shoulder injury, but it’s not like he was lighting it up before the injury, either.
Levis did look decent in his return this past weekend, but it just seems hard to fathom the Titans believing in him long term and passing up a golden opportunity to select a quarterback this spring.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
-
Culture1 week ago
Try This Quiz on Books That Were Made Into Great Space Movies
-
Health7 days ago
Lose Weight Without the Gym? Try These Easy Lifestyle Hacks
-
Culture6 days ago
The NFL is heading to Germany – and the country has fallen for American football
-
Business5 days ago
Ref needs glasses? Not anymore. Lasik company offers free procedures for referees
-
Technology1 week ago
Amazon’s Echo Spot alarm clock is on sale with a free color smart bulb
-
Sports6 days ago
All-Free-Agent Team: Closers and corner outfielders aplenty, harder to fill up the middle
-
News3 days ago
Herbert Smith Freehills to merge with US-based law firm Kramer Levin
-
Technology4 days ago
The next Nintendo Direct is all about Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country