Tennessee
Tennessee’s Tackle Situation Creates High-Ceiling Offense
The Tennessee Volunteers have two potential cornerstones at offensive tackle heading into the 2024 season.
Tennessee went into the transfer portal this offseason to land LSU Tigers offensive tackle Lance Heard. He made 13 appearances with the Tigers during his true freshman season, getting a start against Army. While many expected big things from Heard, a logjam was at tackle in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He opted to enter the transfer portal and join the Tennessee Volunteers, where he can be their starting left tackle.
While this addition bolsters the Vols’ offensive line, it forced tackle John Campbell Jr. to switch from the left side to the right. Campbell made nine starts at left tackle in 2023 and was their most physically dominant piece in the front five. Many thought there would be growing pains in switching to the other side, but Campbell has taken the change in stride. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee has praised his maturity and dedication throughout the offseason, noting how focused he’s been.
The Vols will trot out quarterback Nico Iamaleava next season, a tantalizing prospect with tons of upside. However, he was under much duress in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes; the Vols had a vast talent discrepancy that ensured those pressures didn’t mean much, but against SEC squads, those add up. Tennessee’s coaching staff isn’t going to ask Iamaleava to completely change his game; he’s at his best when he can pat the football and rip a ball into a tight downfield window. However, he needs strong offensive tasckles if he’s going to play that way.
Heard and Campbell each have all-conference potential this season, and they get the added penefit of squaring off against edge rusher James Pearce Jr. every day in practice. They’ll be ready to protect him this fall, and with more time, Iamaleava can help revive the downfield throws that created a dazzling 2022 season.
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Tennessee baseball will look to salvage the final game of the SEC series against Ole Miss.
The Vols (25-14, 7-10 SEC) play Game against the No. 23 Rebels (29-11, 10-7) on April 19 (1 p.m. ET, SEC Network+) at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Ole Miss has been on a roll. The 8-1 win on April 18 against the Vols moved the Rebels to eight straight wins. It got an ace-level start from Cade Townsend and a grand slam from Tristan Bissetta to secure Game 2.
Taylor Rabe (3-1, 3.16 ERA) will start for the Rebels. Evan Blanco (3-2, 3.67 ERA) will be on the mound for Tennessee.
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss live updates
What channel is Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss on today?
- TV channel: SEC Network+
- Live stream: ESPN app
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss game times
- Game 3: April 19 (1 p.m. ET)
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss probable pitchers
- Tennessee: LHP Evan Blanco (3-2, 3.67 ERA)
- Ole Miss: RHP Taylor Rabe (3-1, 3.16 ERA)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team dropped game two to Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon, 8-1. The Rebels clinch the series, the first time Ole Miss has won a series in Knoxville since 2016.
A bright spot for the Vols was Tegan Kuhns who threw 5.2 innings not allowing a run, striking out 10 batters on five hits.
Cam Appenzeller picked up his first loss of the season coming in out of the bullpen for Kuhns. The SEC Freshman of the Week did not have a great outing. Appenzeller went 2.1 innings giving up six earned runs.
Tennessee escaped a shutout as Trent Grindlinger hit a solo home run in the ninth inning. Grindlinger’s home run was one of Tennessee’s two hits on the night.
The Volunteers look to avoid the series sweep as theY round out the series with Ole Miss on Sunday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on the SEC Network+.
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Tennessee (25-13, 7-9 SEC) will continue a three-game home baseball series on Saturday. The Vols will host No. 23 Ole Miss (28-11, 9-7 SEC) at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Ole Miss won Game 1 on Friday, 7-4.
Saturday’s Game 2 was scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT. Due to possible inclement weather on Saturday, first pitch for Game 2 will take place at 4 p.m. EDT.
“Due to the chance of inclement weather tomorrow night, tomorrow’s game versus Ole Miss will now start at 4 p.m. EDT,” Tennessee announced on Friday.
Below is how to watch information for Saturday’s Tennessee-Ole Miss Game 2.
What channel is Tennessee versus Ole Miss baseball on?
- TV channel: SEC Network+
- Livestream: Watch live on SECN+
- Announcers: Myan Patel (play-by-play) and Cody Hawn (analyst)
Watch Tennessee baseball live
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