Tennessee
Mississippi State’s Defense Faces Major Size Disadvantage Against Tennessee’s Offensive Line
Mississippi State football has been at a disadvantage for most of its game this season and that won’t change Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
The Bulldogs’ defense line will face a Tennessee offensive line that has a significant size advantage. The average weight of the Volunteers’ starting offensive line is 325 pounds. The average weight for Mississippi State’s defensive line is 293. Extending that to include backup linemen, drops the average weight to 247.
Arizona State had a similar size advantage earlier this season and ran for 364 yards against Mississippi State. Nobody has topped that mark, but Arkansas came close with 359 yards and UMass had 199 yards. Through nine games, the Bulldogs have allowed an average of 211.7 yards per game. That ranks 123rd out of 133 FBS teams.
The size disadvantage is a problem that can’t be cured in 2024, but it’s one that can be avoided in future seasons.
It’s too soon to say what coach Jeff Lebby and defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler are trying to accomplish on defense won’t work. A defensive scheme with three defensive linemen can work, but it needs the right personnel. Right now, the Bulldogs don’t have the right personnel.
Mississippi State has made adjustments to its scheme over the season – adding a fourth defensive lineman or having multiple linebackers line up along the line of scrimmage – but those changes aren’t producing positive results.
Adding larger linemen to the defense should be a priority for in Mississippi State’s recruiting efforts. However, none of the current defensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class are larger than 280 lbs. Sure, there’s talented players, but none that make you think the Bulldogs’ won’t lose the battle in the trenches.
Again, it’s soon to say what Mississippi State’s defense is trying to do won’t work. But if the personnel doesn’t change soon and the scheme doesn’t change either, what’s stopping fans from expecting a similar 2025 season?
Saturday’s Fits#SHOWTIME | #HailState pic.twitter.com/86L543lnbG
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) November 7, 2024
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Tennessee
Top-5 recruit Oliviyah Edwards requests release from signing to Tennessee
Top-5 recruit Oliviyah Edwards has requested a release from her signing to Tennessee, sources told Rivals. Edwards, ranked No. 5 on Rivals, is a 6-3 forward from Washington.
She originally chose the Lady Vols over USC, South Carolina, LSU, Florida and Washington.
“I’d say I’m very versatile,” Edwards previously said of her game. “I think that as a big, I do have good handles. I could also post up the little, tiny ones. I feel like it’s hard to guard when I can shoot, I can get to the basket and I could create my own shot. That’s really hard to guard, especially with my height. I also know how to pass the ball too.”
Edwards previously talked to Rivals about several factors that would play a role in her decision.
“I would say that family aspect,” Edwards said. “I want to be able to have a home away from home. That’s really the main thing that I’m looking for. Who do I feel closest with? Who do I know that I can build and grow with? Everything else I feel like, for me, will fall into place. I know, anywhere I go, I’m gonna get better. Anywhere I go, they’re gonna have a good facility. They’re gonna have nice things. In that aspect. I’m not really materialistic. I’m just looking at, okay, how do the players get along? How do the coaches coach? What’s the style of play? I really want to fit in here, not just basketball wise. I want them to love me for who I am and everything I’ve got going on. I want to be able to call these girls my sisters – to be able to, even after I’m done, be over at the coach’s houses. These are people I want to have long, deep connections with.”
Tennessee
Is Taco Bell open on Easter? What’s open and closed in Tennessee
How countries around the world celebrate Easter
Easter is marked very differently around the globe.
unbranded – Lifestyle Vertical
If Easter Sunday snuck up on you and your fridge is empty, you’re not alone, and many restaurants will be open, providing convenient options for a holiday meal without the stress.
Amidst egg hunts, church services, and family visits, preparing a full Easter meal isn’t always feasible. However, this doesn’t mean the day has to be dull.
Most restaurants choose to stay open on Easter Sunday, but several choose to close instead and let employees enjoy the day. There are also restaurants closed every Sunday, so don’t expect any fresh chicken minis from Chick-fil-A in any Easter baskets.
Here are the restaurants that will be open and closed on Easter Sunday in Tennessee.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday will fall on April 5 in 2026.
The earliest date Easter can be is March 22, so while it may feel early this year compared to last year’s April 20, the holiday is right on time.
What restaurants are open for Easter 2026?
Most national chain restaurants will remain open throughout the state. For smaller chain eateries or popular local spots, it is advisable to call in advance to verify their Sunday operating hours.
What fast-food restaurants are open on Easter 2026?
Most national chains will still be open across Tennessee for the holiday. As for smaller chains or local hot spots, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm their hours on Sunday.
Are any restaurants closed on Easter?
While not many chain restaurants and fast food spots close on Easter Sunday, there are still a few you won’t be able to dine at:
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal and Tennessee. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
Tennessee
Watch Reese Chapman’s unbelievable catch for Tennessee baseball vs LSU
Tennessee baseball right fielder Reese Chapman made one of the most unbelievable catches of the season to rob LSU of a home run.
In the top of the fifth inning, LSU’s Steven Milam smoked a 1-1 pitch from Landon Mack to deep right field. Chapman sprinted toward the wall.
The ball was headed out of the ballpark when Chapman leaped, caught the ball and slammed into the wall. He held on to end the inning, triggering a wild celebration by Mack and the UT dugout.
It was a critical play for the Vols midway through Game 1 of their LSU series on April 3 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
“I don’t know if we’re going to see a better one than that, boys,” said ESPN analyst Chris Burke, a former Tennessee baseball player. “It’s not just the play that he made.. It’s the complete disregard for your own body.”
Chapman almost single-handedly put Tennessee in the driver’s seat. He not only robbed LSU of a home run in the fifth, he also hit a home run to put the Vols ahead.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Blake Grimmer blooped a single to left-center. Then Chapman pulled a 0-1 pitch over the right-field wall for a two-run homer. It was his third home run of the season, putting Tennessee ahead 3-1.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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