Tennessee

The Alabama-Tennessee factors that’ll decide rivalry game

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2024

The Alabama-Tennessee factors that’ll decide rivalry game

As far as Alabama-Tennessee games go, this one’s a real brain teaser.

Two weeks ago, these two entered games as top-5 teams and multi-touchdown favorites only to lose. Neither looked particularly good a week later when they nearly blew home games as double-digit favorites.

So somebody’s going to break the cycle … and their rivals’ playoff path as they resume this old-school rivalry with huge modern-day implications.

Alabama (5-1, 2-1 SEC) opened as a 2-point favorite in point spread that’s grown to three as the week progressed. That’s notable since Tennessee is the home team that took down the Crimson Tide the last time they met in Neyland Stadium.

It’s a meeting of a struggling Vol offense and a stumbling Tide defense.

And a solid Tide offense and a strong Vol defense.

So who blinks?

Best case scenario for Alabama: Strike fast, slow down

The evolution of college football is occurring right before our eyes. The days of 16-18 possession games are gone. Alabama had the ball 10 times in each of its last two games. Vanderbilt beat Alabama two weeks ago with just nine possessions.

That means every touch is critical. Alabama gave away two possessions in Nashville and lost by five. Last week, it took four from South Carolina and won by two after beating Georgia by seven after grabbing four takeaways.

We say all that to say this: A few plays here and there could make the difference in a game like this. Alabama was gashed by the big play in Neyland Stadium two years ago but returned the favor last October in Tuscaloosa.

The Tide is fifth nationally with seven plays of 50-plus yards. Tennessee’s defense hasn’t allowed a single one in six games this season, so something has to give. South Carolina brought a smart plan to limit Ryan Williams to his lowest output of the season (four catches, 32 yards and his first touchdown-free game of the season).

With the Vol offense struggling, popping a few big plays over the top will pressure the home team.

Speaking of that Tennessee offense, it’s not like that group isn’t capable. They’ve shown they have the capability for fireworks and Alabama’s been susceptible to breakdowns the last few weeks.

The key here is to slow momentum before it builds. This is a Tennessee offense that likes to ramp up the speed after a successful first-down play, rolling the snowball downhill fast. Florida, however, impacted that pace a week ago in a game Tennessee won in overtime but started painfully slow. The Vols averaged just 2.7 yards on 13 first-down running plays and just 6.3 yards a passing attempt.

That helped keep Tennessee from scoring until late in the third quarter of a game that ended 23-17 in overtime. The Vols had the ball 13 times in regulation, scoring just three of those possessions while going 3-and-out five times.

Worse case for Alabama: A dirty white uniform

Alabama had a world of trouble slowing South Carolina’s star pass rusher Kyle Kennard last week. He finished with two sacks plus the pressure that forced Jalen Milroe into an intentional grounding for a safety. He was a problem.

James Pearce Jr. could be even more of one. The star Vol defensive lineman recorded a sack/fumble last year against Milroe deep in Alabama territory. After Tennessee scooped the fumble, the guests kicked a field goal to take a 13-0 lead. Those are the nightmare scenarios that got Alabama at Vanderbilt and nearly did the same last week against South Carolina.

If Milroe leaves Neyland Stadium with that white road uniform all stained up, Alabama’s in trouble. The Vols will be without linebacker Keenan Pili, the play caller of the defense who is out for the season after an injury last week. That’s a huge loss for Tennessee but there’s plenty of firepower remaining on a defense that ranks fourth nationally in points allowed (10.7) and second in yards allowed (249.8).

The Vols also haven’t faced an offense with as much big-play potential as Alabama. The Tide also haven’t seen a defense as solid top-to-bottom coming off one of its most inconsistent performances of the season against the Gamecocks.

Prediction: Tennessee 21, Alabama 20

This one is as much of a coin toss as it comes but Tennessee’s at home, so the Vols get the edge in a rock fight.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.

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Tennessee

Volunteers needed for community-wide cleanup day with Hands On Nashville

Published

5 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Volunteers needed for community-wide cleanup day with Hands On Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Thursday, Hands On and NewsChannel 5 staff will come together for a community-wide cleanup day.

The event, sponsored by NewsChannel 5 will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 as we assist in winter storm cleanup.

If you’d like to help volunteer, you can sign up here.

Rhori, Carrie, Lelan and Brittany will all be helping assist residents removing and sorting debris.

Important details for those wishing to volunteer:

This may require lifting and carrying objects that weigh 20+ pounds.
Closed-toe shoes and long pants required. Heavy soles and steel toes preferred. Gloves and safety goggles will be provided, or you may bring your own.
Current tetanus vaccination recommended. Chainsaws, utility crews, and heavy equipment will be active in the area.
Volunteers under the age of 18 are prohibited from participating.
Eat before you arrive and bring a water bottle, if needed.

Nashville’s Jefferson Street Sound Museum named stop on U.S. Civil Rights Trail

The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is a great little gem in North Nashville. The founder and curator turned his home into a museum to keep the legacy of historic Jefferson street alive. Now, it’s been named a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Aaron Cantrell takes us inside.

– Lelan Statom

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Tennessee

Vanderbilt women’s basketball beats Lady Vols for second-ever win in Knoxville

Published

17 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Vanderbilt women’s basketball beats Lady Vols for second-ever win in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE ― Vanderbilt women’s basketball won at Tennessee for only the second time in program history, beating the Lady Vols 87-77 at Food City Center on March 1.

The Commodores (27-3, 13-3) are the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament, which begins March 4 in Greenville, South Carolina.

The regular-season finale featured multiple runs by both teams. Tennessee went on an 8-0 run in the second quarter and took a six-point lead into halftime. Vanderbilt went on an 8-0 run to end the third quarter, then went a 10-0 run in the fourth to put the game away.

The Commodores, who shot 53% from the field, were led by Mikayla Blakes, who finished with 34 points. Aubrey Galvan had 24 points, four rebounds and five assists, and Sacha Washington had 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

“The season has been really special, to be able to end it here at Tennessee with a win and secure I think the No. 2 seed in the SEC tournament,” coach Shea Ralph said. “So the double bye, it feels really cool. I’m happy for the team, but we are literally just getting started.”

Tennessee (16-12, 8-8) outrebounded Vanderbilt 32-29. The Commodores shot 17-for-20 on layups and had 27 fast-break points. Tennessee was 10-for-24 on layups.

Vanderbilt’s SEC Tournament seed

The SEC Tournament will be held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Vanderbilt will start play on March 6 and holds a bye into the quarterfinals, where it will play the No. 7 or No. 10 seed at approximately 5 p.m. CT.

Mikayla Blakes stats

Blakes put up another 30-point performance, her third straight and eighth in her past nine games. She added six rebounds and four assists, but also had six turnovers.

She made six 3-pointers, which ties her season high.

“She had 34 but her biggest buckets were when we had to happen,” Ralph said. “Her biggest moments in this game were when we had to happen. That kid shows up every time.”

Third straight rivalry win

Vanderbilt now has three straight wins over the Lady Vols, beating them last season in Nashville and once in the SEC Tournament.

“I think Tennessee is a great team,” Ralph said. “They will be for as long as women’s basketball exists. Playing here in front of this crowd is tough. It’s tough. So I was really proud of our team for being able to figure it out the second half and win, especially here at Tennessee.”

The Commodores have their most SEC wins in program history.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

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Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech live updates: Highlights, TV channel

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech live updates: Highlights, TV channel

ARLINGTON, TX — Tennessee baseball is trying to wrap up the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series on a good note against Virginia Tech today.

The 19th-ranked Vols (7-3) lost to UCLA and beat Arizona State for a split at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers. They’re finishing this trip against Virginia Tech (7-3), a game that began at 11:30 a.m. ET (FloCollege streaming).

Virginia Tech lost 10-0 by run rule to Texas A&M in Game 1 and lost 15-8 to Mississippi State in Game 2.

Lefthander Evan Blanco (1-1, 2.00 ERA) got the start for the Vols. Right-hander Ethan Grim (0-0, 3.75 ERA) started for Virginia Tech.

Follow live updates here from Arlington.

Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech live updates

Sam Grube struck out. Nick Lucorto singled to CF. Ethan Ball was hit by pitch to put runners on first and second. That ended UT starter Evan Blanco’s outing. Blanco allowed one run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out six, walked one and hit three batters, tossing 91 pitches.

Left-hander Mark Hindy replaced Blanco. Hindy struck out Treyson Hughes. Hudson Lutterman fouled out to end the threat. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 2 LOB

Chris Newstrom grounded out. Manny Marin flied out to CF. Ariel Antigua popped out. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

Top 5th inning: Tennessee 1, Virginia Tech 1

UT starter Evan Blanco made quick work of the Hokies, getting a strikeout, groundout and flyout. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB

Bottom 4th inning: Tennessee 1, Virginia Tech 1

Levi Clark grounded out. Reese Chapman flied out to RCF. Tyler Myatt flied out to CF. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

Nick Lucorto hit a solo home run, driving a 1-2 pitch over the LF wall to tie the game 1-1. Ethan Ball was hit by pitch. Treyson Hughes fouled out. Hudson Letterman reached on fielder’s choice, but UT couldn’t turn the double play. Owen Petrich flied out to RF. 1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB.

Chris Newstrom flied out. Manny Marin popped out. Ariel Antigua reached on an infield single when he hit a grounder to the first baseman and beat the pitcher to the bag. Jay Abernathy walked to put two runners on base with two outs. Henry Ford singled through the middle to score Antigua from second and move Abernathy to third. Vols lead 1-0. Blaine Brown struck out to end the inning. 1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB.

Anderson French struck out. Pete Daniel walked and advanced to 2B on a balk. Sam Gates lined out. Sam Grube grounded out, stranding a runner on 2B. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB.

Levi Clark smashed a long flyout to the CF warning track, traveling more than 400 feet. Reese Chapman struck out. Tyler Myatt struck out. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

UT starter Evan Blanco only needed 12 pitches to get through a 1-2-3 inning, including two strikeouts. Treyson Hughes struck out. Hudson Lutterman flied out. Owen Pettrich struck out. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

Bottom 1st inning: Tennessee 0, Virginia Tech

Jay Abernathy struck out. Henry Ford flied out. Blaine Brown struck out. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

Top 1st inning: Virginia Tech 0, Tennessee 0

UT starter Evan Blanco hit leadoff hitter Sam Grube with a pitch. Nic Locurto flied out to RF. Grube was thrown by stealing by catcher Levi Clark. Ethan Ball struck out. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB.

What channel is Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech on today?

TV channel: FloSports app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, etc.
Live stream: FloCollege streaming (for subscribers)

Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech time today

11:30 a.m. ET at Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)

Tennessee baseball vs Virginia Tech probable pitchers

Tennessee: LHP Evan Blanco (1-1, 2.00 ERA)
Virginia Tech: TBD

Tennessee in Amegy Bank College Baseball Series schedule

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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