Tennessee
Why Kalen DeBoer Opted to Go For Fourth-And-22 Against Tennessee Late in the Fourth Quarter | Rocky Top Insider
With Alabama down 21-17 and its offense facing a critical 4th-and-7 from their own 33-yard line, the Crimson Tide suffered a debilitating 15-yard penalty after third down that put head coach Kaleb DeBoer in a decision-making position.
Alabama now faced a 4th-and-22 from its own 18-yard line with just 1:55 left on the clock, down by four points to the Volunteers.
Rather than punting to Tennessee with three timeouts to stop the Vols’ offense and try to get the ball back to score again, DeBoer opted to go for the 4th-and-22 attempt. Alabama only picked up 13 yards on the pass from Jalen Milroe to Justice Haynes as Tennessee got the ball back on the Alabama 31-yard line with 1:44 left in the game. After the turnover on downs, Vols kicker Max Gilbert recorded a 41-yard field goal to put Tennessee up 24-17 with 1:30 left in the game.
DeBoer explained his reasoning for going for 4th-and-22 from his own redzone as opposed to punting away and letting his defense on the field, citing Alabama’s need for a touchdown to win the game.
“Well, you know, there’s a lot of things that can go for you,” DeBoer said via BamaCentral on YouTube. “I mean, either way, it’s going to be a punt and you’re going to get the ball back if you stop them and you’re going to have to have a touchdown either way on our end. If we can just hold them to a field goal, you’re going to have to get a stop on three straight plays, use your three timeouts. And so, you know, it can go both ways, right? But you’re more than likely, if you stop them, going to get the punt back and have to go the length of the field anyway. And so, you know, you’re getting yourself one more play.”
DeBoer also credited Tennessee’s defense late in the game.
“They did a good job of checking in and out of something,” DeBoer said. “The chance for us – I know what it looks like when you watch it, but there’s a game plan reason where we would do something where I understand where you’re throwing short of the sticks as well. So hats off to (Tennessee). They played it the way they needed to. Adjusted.”
More from RTI: No More Caveats, Tennessee Football’s Defense Is Simply Elite
DeBoer also said that he couldn’t burn a timeout because he “needed three for the next defensive sequence” when Alabama got there.
DeBoer’s reasoning was basically that as long as Alabama didn’t let Tennessee into the endzone after an unsuccessful fourth down conversion from the Tide’s offense, the 21-17 deficit or the 24-17 deficit would both call for a touchdown to win the game for the Crimson Tide in the same way. DeBoer seemingly had enough belief in his defense to not let Tennessee into the endzone after a turnover but didn’t feel like letting his defense on the field with Tennessee backed up in their own territory was as advantageous.
Where Alabama fans left the game with frustration, though, was the play call itself. While Milroe’s pass to Haynes did go for 13 yards, it was a screen pass to get there. Alabama didn’t even attempt to throw over the top or past the sticks and instead tried to rely on a screen pass to get the job done. Tennessee had excellent coverage for the situation that was presented, but you also have to be willing to make that deep throw if you’re going to make that 4th-and-22 call from your own 18-yard line.
Alabama would get the ball back after the Tennessee field goal but Milroe would quickly throw an interception to close out the game for the Volunteers.
This is now the second straight week that an opposing coach has had to explain a controversial end-of-game decision against Tennessee in Neyland Stadium. Florida head coach Billy Napier was left explaining his thought process to kick a PAT instead of a game-winning two-point try with Tennessee on its heels in the fourth quarter last weekend.
Tennessee football star Jermod McCoy is the player who will likely hear his name called first from the Tennessee program in the upcoming NFL Draft. There are many teams he would fit well, but these three teams are the teams I believe he is the best fit with at this moment.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in need of a cornerback in the draft class, and they are likely to spend one of their first two picks on one. They are selecting at No. 12 and No. 20 in the draft as of now, and McCoy could hear his name called. He would be joining a decent group of cornerbacks, but he would be an immediate starter, likely alongside a later selection that they make with a cornerback.
It would be shocking if the Cowboys pass on him if they select at 12 and he is still on the board. McCoy would be an immediate starter and would be someone who could shut down a whole side of the field for the Cowboys early in his career.
2. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins is one of the better fits for Jermod McCoy, and it would make the most sense, as the Dolphins could use almost every position after a major haul of their players. They are in a major rebuilding phase and drafting at No. 11 leaves many to believe that McCoy could be in play.
McCoy would likely be their No. 1 cornerbakc the day he got to the franchise, and would have the chance to dominate the way he did in his one season on the field with the Vols. This selection would depend on who drops out of the first ten selections. If he is one of the better players remaining (highly likely) he very well could hear his name called at pick 11.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets have the chance to be very good when it comes to the draft, as they are drafting at both No. 2 and No. 16. I believe they will be looking to get a cornerback with their No. 16 pick, which would make a lot of sense considering they had to get rid of Sauce Gardner.
McCoy would be the perfect replacement, as they could find themselves in one of the better situations on the defensive side of the football. He can shutdown a side of the field, and I would bet that he would be a great fit with the Jets because of that exactly.
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Tennessee
Nashville Sounds and Autism Tennessee partner to host inclusive Beyond the Label Day for local children
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — At a ballpark built for noise, there is space for something quieter.
During the Nashville Sounds’ “Beyond the Label Day,” kids are learning, playing and experiencing baseball in a way that works for them. Autism Tennessee volunteers stepped in to guide kids through sensory play designed to calm and focus.
From spinning toys to textured fidgets, these tools help turn overwhelming moments into manageable ones. Children engaged with the activities, pointing out shapes like a circle, noticing items like candies, and expressing how nice the experience was.
Adam English, general manager of the Nashville Sounds, said making space for everyone is the goal, even as the stadium announcer calls another Sounds strikeout.
“It’s important for us to raise awareness about autism, but also just make sure that First Horizon Park is an inclusive place for everybody” English said.
The Sounds stadium even has a sensory room for families at every game.
“There’s huge baseball fans that sometimes shy away because of loud crowds and we want to make sure every game out here available” English said.
For Autism Tennessee leaders like Jessica Moore, days like this are about more than awareness. They are about belonging.
“Typically events like this can be super overwhelming… so this is just a way for people to feel like they can come and still be successful” Moore said.
What are your thoughts on making sports venues more inclusive for all fans? Watch the video to see the sensory room in action, and share your experiences with me at kim.rafferty@NewsChannel5.com.
In this article, we used artificial intelligence to help us convert a video news report originally written by Kim Rafferty. When using this tool, both Kim Rafferty and the NewsChannel 5 editorial team verified all the facts in the article to make sure it is fair and accurate before we published it. We care about your trust in us and where you get your news, and using this tool allows us to convert our news coverage into different formats so we can quickly reach you where you like to consume information. It also lets our journalists spend more time looking into your story ideas, listening to you and digging into the stories that matter.
Checking in on Cole: Gallatin rallies around teen battling brain tumor with prayer vigil
Austin Pollack brings us an update on a remarkable young man facing great odds, and his family has one simple request: pray for Cole. I believe in the power of prayer and hope you’ll join me in lifting up Cole and his family.
– Carrie Sharp
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)
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