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Tennessee baseball rolls past Indiana State in midweek bout

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Tennessee baseball rolls past Indiana State in midweek bout


Gavin Kilen homered twice, including a three-run shot in the fourth inning and No. 15 Tennessee run-ruled Indiana State, 12-1 in seven innings at Lindsey Nelson Stadium Tuesday.

The Vols (38-11), who were coming off of their third-straight series loss to Auburn last weekend, were productive and aggressive at the plate, taking early swings and totaling 11 hits.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

The lineup accounted for five home runs, two from Kilen and one each from right fielder Reese Chapman, first baseman Andrew Fischer and center fielder Colby Backus in the sixth inning.

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Kilen was 3-of-4 at the plate with four RBIs, while Fischer finished 2-of-4.

Tennessee got the most out of its arms, too. Michael Sharman set the tone with strong start, allowing five hits, one run and striking out three in 3.2 innings of work.

Relievers Austin Breedlove, Brandon Arvidson, Brayden Krenzel and Thomas Crabtree combined to give up just one hit and five strikeouts.

Sycamores (22-26) left fielder Jorge Cartagena had Indiana State’s lone RBI in the second.

Backed by a strong start from Michael Sharman, who tossed a couple of strikeouts in the top half of the first inning, the top of Tennessee’s order made quick work of Indiana State starter Jacob Spencer.

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Gavin Kilen, Andrew Fischer and Hunter Ensley all singled, with Ensley’s knock going up the middle to score Kilen and give the Vols an early 1-0 lead.

Dean Curley, batting fifth in the order, was recorded the fourth hit with a single to short that allowed Fischer to score and extend the Tennessee lead to 2-0.

The Sycamores got out of the inning with the damage limited there, but Kilen came through again in the second with a two-run shot to right field to open up a 4-0 lead through two innings.

Sharman, who stranded base-runners in the first and second, ran into trouble again in the third with two on and two outs after Indiana State had gotten on the board on Carter Beck‘s RBI ground out. But Jeremy Martinez harmlessly flew out to left to prevent the Sycamores from adding more.

After the Vols went down in order in the bottom third, Sharman gave up a walk and back-to-back bunts moved Jorge Cartagena over to third with two outs. That ended Sharman’s night and Austin Breedlove took over out of the bullpen to try and leave the Sycamores empty-handed in the inning.

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Breedlove delivered, striking out Mason Roell looking to end the frame.

Reese Chapman led off the bottom fourth with a solo no-doubter to right-center to swell the Tennessee lead to 5-1. Stone Lawless and Jay Abernathy each wore a pitches in consecutive at-bats to give the Vols a couple of one-out base-runners.

Kilen paid them both off, mashing a three-run home run over the wall in right to stretch the lead to 8-1.

Breelove issued a walk to lead off the fifth before Brandon Arvidson entered with two outs, but he gave up a walk against the first batter he faced and stolen base put two in scoring position for Indiana State.

Arvidson escaped the jam with a strikeout.

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Back at the plate, Tennessee was quickly back in position to add to its lead after Curley advanced to second on a fielding error at third, and Ariel Antigua moved into third with no outs in the bottom fifth.

Chapman scored Antigua on a fly-out to left and the Vols were up 9-1, two runs away from the run-rule with at least two more frames left to play.

With two outs, Abernathy extended the inning with a chopper to second that Jackson Taylor was unable to field in time and the Vols had the bases loaded, but Kilen grounded out at first to end the frame.

Fischer got off to an emphatic start in the bottom sixth, though. He mashed a home run to right–Tennessee’s third of the night–to up the lead to 10-1, and Colby Backus followed it up with a single to left.

Curley brought the Vols into run-rule territory with a ground out to first that scored Backus, but just for good measure, Chris Newstrom made the most of insertion into the lineup in the inning with a solo shot that stayed fair down the third base line and exited the stadium left.

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Tennessee continues its final stretch with another top 15 series against No. 11 Vanderbilt this weekend.

The Vols, who have won four-straight series against the Commodores, are looking to end a skid after losing three-straight series for the first time under Tony Vitello.

Vanderbilt (34-14, 14-10) is coming off of series win over Alabama.

First pitch between Tennessee and the Commodores is slated for Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network) at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle (8-2, 2.39 ERA) will start for the Vols.

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Saturday Predictions: Vanderbilt at Tennessee

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Saturday Predictions: Vanderbilt at Tennessee


Well, this is definitely the biggest Vanderbilt-Tennessee game in a long time. Vanderbilt heads to Knoxville today looking for its first win over the Vols since 2018 — and looking for its first ten-win season in school history, along with possibly maybe a playoff berth? That looks less likely after yesterday’s results (which saw Utah pick up a come-from-behind win over Kansas, and Texas beat Texas A&M), but it’s still within the realm of possibility. Will Vanderbilt make it a 10-win season?

You know, I’ve seen a lot of people out there still picking against us like they doubt us. I have also seen a lot of Tennessee fans on Twitter posting about Diego Pavia’s mom behind burner accounts, which let me just say is exceptionally weird. And in some cases psychotic. Give me Vanderbilt to win this one. 10-2 it is.

The Pick: Vanderbilt 38, THEM 27

The SEC Upset Pick of the Week: An underrated one here: ARKANSAS (+3.5) is 2-9 but actually has a positive point differential on the season. This is their last chance to actually get one, so I am picking them to beat Missourah (spits.) How a game between an SWC and Big 8 team counts as “The SEC Upset Pick of the Week” is not clear.

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This game screams “First to 50 wins.” Diego’s going to make sure, in his last regular season game, conference game, and rivalry game, that that will be The Gridiron Dores.

It really is that simple. Nothing sucks like a big orange.

The Pick: Vanderbilt 52 – Buttchuggers 49.

The SEC Upset Pick of the Week: The fact that so many of the games have already happened makes this prediction less impactful, so go ahead and give me The South Cackalacky Game Penises over Clemson. Wait… the penises are actually favored in this one??? Ah hell, I guess I’ll do the ol’ “I picked Vanderbilt to win, didn’t I?” canard.

This is a game of great offenses versus less-great defenses. Rivalry games often come down to big moments. Vanderbilt has, at times to a fault, been committed to preventing the big play on defense. They have also turned the ball over once for every two Tennessee turnovers. Turnovers and long TDs are often the plays that swing these games. Vanderbilt has the edge in both.

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It is funny seeing the normal “rival trying to ruin their opponent’s season” script flipped. Granted, some results have already fallen that have Vanderbilt’s CFP hopes on life support. Still, the chance to go to the Citrus bowl, which Steve Spurrier called out as the rightful home of the 90s and 00s Vols, hangs in the balance. The Dores have the driver’s seat unless the CFP committee screws them in favor of Texas after the Longhorns’ win over Texas A&M.

Frankly, throw the stats out. The Dores have Diego Pavia who has been on a mission both for New York and for his team’s postseason chances. That baaaad man is not going to be denied in Neyland after struggling horribly against THEM in the 2024 contest.

The Pick: Vanderbilt 48, Tennessee 21

The SEC Upset Pick of the Week: Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare with Auburn surging under an interim coach? That is absolutely the setup for an upset there. War. Damn. Eagle.

They lowdown.. They dirty. They suck. Go ‘Dores.

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The Pick: Vanderbilt 41, Tennessee 31

The SEC Upset Pick of the Week: Upset? Volunteer fans after we whoop the only thing that brings those overgrown brats any joy.



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Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert Previews Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee

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Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert Previews Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee


Vanderbilt football heads to Knoxville this weekend as 2.5-point underdogs as it looks to take down Tennessee on the way to its first 10-win season in program history. Taking down Josh Heupel’s 8-3 team will be a tall task of sorts, though.

Vandy on SI caught up with Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert to discuss the matchup and what the Commodores are up against over the weekend. Here’s what Schumpert says in regard to this weekend’s matchup.

Clark Lea

Nov 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea congratulates Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel on the win during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images / Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

1. How much does Tennessee still have to play for? 

As far as this season and its postseason implications, very little. A nine-win regular season with a chance to earn a 10-win season in a bowl game is certainly nice but hard to believe that is much of a motivating factor for players. We wondered what Tennessee’s interest level and motivation would look like last week at Florida and the Vols came out and played inspired football and turned in their best performance of the season. The rivalry aspect and chance to end Vanderbilt’s College Football Playoff hopes should be enough to motivate this team. If not, Diego Pavia’s offseason comments should help.

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Diego Pavia

Nov 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs (53) hits Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) as he passes the ball during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images / Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

2. Tennessee has yet to win against a ranked opponent, is that indicative of its talent level? What else do you attribute that to? 

I don’t think I’d attribute it to the talent level. Tennessee’s schedule has played a part. The Vols have only played three ranked teams and they’re all ranked in the top 10 and projected to make the playoffs if they take care of business this weekend. But Tennessee had chances to win all three of those games, especially home matchups against Georgia and Oklahoma. The Vols have struggled to play complimentary football this season. The Vols failed to put the Georgia game away with a touchdown off of a fourth quarter fumble that set them up in plus-territory. The defense didn’t get the stop to seal the game and Max Gilbert misfired on the potential game-winning kick. Against Oklahoma, Tennessee turned it over three times in the first half and trailed 16-10 at halftime despite allowing only 99 yards of offense. This Tennessee team certainly isn’t extremely talented but they’ve also hurt themselves consistently in their three losses.

Joey Aguilar

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) helps direct the band in celebration after the win over Florida in an NCAA college football game on November 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

3. Has Joey Aguilar met expectations, exceeded them or fallen short? 

Overall, Aguilar has exceeded expectations. Most didn’t know what to expect from the Appalachian State transfer after a rocky 2024 season in Boone and his summer arrival in Knoxville. But he looked comfortable in Josh Heupel’s offense from the jump. Aguilar has thrown the ball well down the field and in the intermediate. He also possesses a much better internal clock than Tennessee’s last two starting quarterbacks. Where Aguilar has met expectations and struggled is with turnovers. He came to Tennessee with the reputation as a turnover prone quarterback and that has reared its ugly head at times. Aguilar’s thrown 10 interceptions this season which doubles the previous Heupel-era season-high. He’s also fumbled it a handful of times.

Tennessee Volunteers Football

Nov 22, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Jaxson Moi (51) and linebacker Arion Carter (7) tackle Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Tennessee’s defense?

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The most obvious area is in the secondary where Tennessee’s top two returning corners have played just 19 snaps this season due to injury. Colorado transfer Colton Hood and true freshman Ty Redmond have done a solid job stepping it but it’s definitely been a step back. Tennessee’s safety play has often been woeful this season. Tennessee’s run defense struggled badly early in the season and gap integrity was a key deficiency, something Vanderbilt will be able to exploit. But the run defense has been much better the last month. The Commodores will test it more than most have the back half of the season though. Over the course of the season, Tennessee’s pass rush has probably been its biggest strength. They’ve had a knack for making big plays in big moments.

Tennessee Volunteers

Nov 22, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Desean Bishop (18) celebrates after they beat the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

5. What do you view as the main keys for Tennessee in this game?

Winning on early downs on defense is a big one because of the success of the pass rush and the way Vanderbilt seems to excel in third-and-intermediate and third-and-short. Another big one is for the offense to just play clean football. I think they’re going to be able to move the ball on Vanderbilt’s defense. Can they avoid turnovers, drive killing penalties and finish drives with touchdowns?

Diego Pavia

Tennessee defensive back Will Brooks (35) stops Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. / Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

6. Score prediction?

Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 27

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Black Friday hours: List of major retailers open in Middle Tennessee

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Black Friday hours: List of major retailers open in Middle Tennessee


Black Friday is right around the corner, and FOX 17 News is breaking down retailers open across the Midstate and their hours for shoppers who celebrate.

See our list of stores open and hours for Black Friday below (Listed in alphabetical order):

Bass Pro Shops

Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Best Buy

Locations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

CoolSprings Galleria

Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Costco

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Locations will open at 10 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Locations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Home Depot

Most locations to open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

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Home Goods

Locations to open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Kohl’s

Locations to open at 5 a.m. and close at 12 a.m.

Lowe’s

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Locations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Opry Mills

Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Publix

Locations to open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

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Rivergate Mall

The mall opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.

Sam’s Club

Locations will open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Tanger Outlets

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The outlets are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Target

Nashville locations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

The Mall at Green Hills

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Trader Joe’s

Locations to open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Tractor Supply

Locations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Walmart

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Walmart locations in Nashville will open at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.



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