10 hours ago
ATLANTA − Tennessee football played its first road game of the season at Georgia Tech but it sure didn't look that way.
UT fans helped sell out Bobby Dodd Stadium as the No. 18 Vols (2-0) beat Georgia Tech 45-24 on Sept. 12. UT coach Josh Heupel noticed the support from the fans before he stepped on the field to play the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
"We leave our hotel and you see nothing but orange and white on our way here," Heupel said. "From older fans who have been here for a lot of generations to some younger ones who don't know how to tie their shoes yet, you walk into the stadium 60 minutes before kickoff and a majority of the crowd is Tennessee orange. It's pretty special."
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, making the first road start of his college career, said UT fans gave him and his teammates a distinct advantage when operating the offense.
"It was a lot of orange," Brandon said. "It definitely made things easier. Wasn't too much noise. Definitely got a little rowdy sometimes, but seeing all the orange, it definitely made me proud."
#orange #definitely #brandon #first
UT fans helped sell out Bobby Dodd Stadium as the No. 18 Vols (2-0) beat Georgia Tech 45-24 on Sept. 12. UT coach Josh Heupel noticed the support from the fans before he stepped on the field to play the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
"We leave our hotel and you see nothing but orange and white on our way here," Heupel said. "From older fans who have been here for a lot of generations to some younger ones who don't know how to tie their shoes yet, you walk into the stadium 60 minutes before kickoff and a majority of the crowd is Tennessee orange. It's pretty special."
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, making the first road start of his college career, said UT fans gave him and his teammates a distinct advantage when operating the offense.
"It was a lot of orange," Brandon said. "It definitely made things easier. Wasn't too much noise. Definitely got a little rowdy sometimes, but seeing all the orange, it definitely made me proud."
#orange #definitely #brandon #first
11 hours ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Jaylen Mbakwe was talking and responsive after a scary collision that had him stretchered off the field in the third quarter of the Yellow Jackets' 45-24 loss to No. 18 Tennessee on Saturday night.
Mbakwe collided head-first with Jordan Walker's knee. Walker was carried off the field, unable to put any weight on his leg. Mbakwe lay on the field and appeared motionless for several minutes before giving the crowd a thumbs-up while being stretchered off.
"Everything was moving when they moved him off the field. He was talking, responsive," Key said after the game. 'Obviously, I'm not going to speak anything medically about it, because I don't know."
The defensive back was taken by ambulance to Grady Hospital, located three miles from Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium.
"As soon as I walk out of here, that's where I'm going — to check on my guy," Key said. "But he was talking, he was moving and whatnot when they carried him off. That's all I know at this point."
#field
Mbakwe collided head-first with Jordan Walker's knee. Walker was carried off the field, unable to put any weight on his leg. Mbakwe lay on the field and appeared motionless for several minutes before giving the crowd a thumbs-up while being stretchered off.
"Everything was moving when they moved him off the field. He was talking, responsive," Key said after the game. 'Obviously, I'm not going to speak anything medically about it, because I don't know."
The defensive back was taken by ambulance to Grady Hospital, located three miles from Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium.
"As soon as I walk out of here, that's where I'm going — to check on my guy," Key said. "But he was talking, he was moving and whatnot when they carried him off. That's all I know at this point."
#field
11 hours ago
ATLANTA − Tennessee football quarterback Faizon Brandon faced some adversity while playing on the road for the first time in his very young college career.
Furman offered little resistance in his first career start but Brandon was challenged in Week 2 at Georgia Tech. His first road start didn't look pretty in the final box score but it was more than enough to get the No. 18 Vols (2-0) to a 45-24 win over the Yellow Jackets (0-2) on Sept. 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
"The stat sheet's not going to be elite. I actually really like how he played the game," UT coach Josh Heupel said. "I thought he was composed, he handled himself in situational football pretty well. First game on the road, 18 years old, handled himself well."
Brandon completed 10 of 21 passes for 148 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked once and added 23 yards on five rushing attempts.
He was particularly inaccurate in the first half, completing only 5 of 15 passes but racking up 106 yards and two touchdown passes. Of his five first-half completions, four went for 15 yards or more and three gained 20 yards or more.
#road #Career #start
Furman offered little resistance in his first career start but Brandon was challenged in Week 2 at Georgia Tech. His first road start didn't look pretty in the final box score but it was more than enough to get the No. 18 Vols (2-0) to a 45-24 win over the Yellow Jackets (0-2) on Sept. 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
"The stat sheet's not going to be elite. I actually really like how he played the game," UT coach Josh Heupel said. "I thought he was composed, he handled himself in situational football pretty well. First game on the road, 18 years old, handled himself well."
Brandon completed 10 of 21 passes for 148 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked once and added 23 yards on five rushing attempts.
He was particularly inaccurate in the first half, completing only 5 of 15 passes but racking up 106 yards and two touchdown passes. Of his five first-half completions, four went for 15 yards or more and three gained 20 yards or more.
#road #Career #start
12 hours ago
No. 18 Tennessee (2-0) defeated Georgia Tech (0-2), 45-24, Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Vols led, 24-10, at halftime in their first game at Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1986.
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon completed 10-of-21 passing attempts for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He also totaled 22 rushing yards on five attempts.
DeSean Bishop recorded 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 attempts, marking the fifth time he totaled 100-plus yards in his college career. Daune Morris recorded 98 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 attempts for the Vols, who totaled 447 yards of offense, including 299 rushing yards and 148 passing yards.
Radarious Jackson led the Vols in receiving yards (64) and recorded three receptions. Ethan Davis and Braylon Staley scored one touchdown reception each for Tennessee.
#georgia
The Vols led, 24-10, at halftime in their first game at Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1986.
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon completed 10-of-21 passing attempts for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He also totaled 22 rushing yards on five attempts.
DeSean Bishop recorded 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 attempts, marking the fifth time he totaled 100-plus yards in his college career. Daune Morris recorded 98 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 attempts for the Vols, who totaled 447 yards of offense, including 299 rushing yards and 148 passing yards.
Radarious Jackson led the Vols in receiving yards (64) and recorded three receptions. Ethan Davis and Braylon Staley scored one touchdown reception each for Tennessee.
#georgia
12 hours ago
Tennessee football's pass defense distinguished itself with crucial first-half interceptions, and its running game too often was too much for Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.
That combination proved decisive as the No. 18 Vols improved to 2-0 with a 45-24 victory over upset-minded Georgia Tech (0-2). But that one-two punch wasn't enough to produce a runaway comparable to the Vols' 56-9 victory over Furman in the season opener.
If you were familiar with Georgia Tech's history under fourth-year coach Brent Key, you might have thought the Vols were catching the Yellow Jackets at the wrong time. His teams have been at their best as underdogs and have upended at least one nationally ranked opponent in each of the past four seasons.
Georgia Tech showed its resolve just when the Vols seemed blowout bound after taking a 31-10 lead early in the third quarter.
The Yellow Jackets sprung to life behind the passing of quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who led them 75 yards for a touchdown and had them on the brink of another score when UT defensive back Dejuan Lane broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone.
#georgia
That combination proved decisive as the No. 18 Vols improved to 2-0 with a 45-24 victory over upset-minded Georgia Tech (0-2). But that one-two punch wasn't enough to produce a runaway comparable to the Vols' 56-9 victory over Furman in the season opener.
If you were familiar with Georgia Tech's history under fourth-year coach Brent Key, you might have thought the Vols were catching the Yellow Jackets at the wrong time. His teams have been at their best as underdogs and have upended at least one nationally ranked opponent in each of the past four seasons.
Georgia Tech showed its resolve just when the Vols seemed blowout bound after taking a 31-10 lead early in the third quarter.
The Yellow Jackets sprung to life behind the passing of quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who led them 75 yards for a touchdown and had them on the brink of another score when UT defensive back Dejuan Lane broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone.
#georgia
12 hours ago
ASPEN, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 03: Loreal Sarkisian attends the Aspen Snow Ball at The St. Regis Aspen Resort on February 03, 2024 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Nick Tininenko/Getty Images for Children's Oncology Support Fund) Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: USC **** istant track and field coach, and wife of Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns, Loreal Smith, reacts prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Getty
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and wife, Loreal Sarkisian, have made it abundantly clear that the two appear to have reconciled. Back in 2024, the couple announced that they planned to file for divorce.
Yet, over the last year, Loreal has once again been a regular at Texas football games. Ahead of Texas' showdown against Ohio State in Week 2, Loreal revealed that her passion for fashion was recognized by ESPN among other outlets during the Longhorns' season opener.
Sarkisian's wife is balancing the start of the college football season with New York Fashion Week. Loreal grabbed attention for her stylish white dress during Texas' win over Texas State in the season opener.
#state #coach
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: USC **** istant track and field coach, and wife of Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns, Loreal Smith, reacts prior to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) Getty
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and wife, Loreal Sarkisian, have made it abundantly clear that the two appear to have reconciled. Back in 2024, the couple announced that they planned to file for divorce.
Yet, over the last year, Loreal has once again been a regular at Texas football games. Ahead of Texas' showdown against Ohio State in Week 2, Loreal revealed that her passion for fashion was recognized by ESPN among other outlets during the Longhorns' season opener.
Sarkisian's wife is balancing the start of the college football season with New York Fashion Week. Loreal grabbed attention for her stylish white dress during Texas' win over Texas State in the season opener.
#state #coach
13 hours ago
ATLANTA — Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon had an understated but effective performance in his first Tennessee road game, beating Georgia Tech 45-24 on Sept. 12.
Brandon tossed two touchdown passes, avoided catastrophic mistakes, leaned on a ground game that rushed for almost 300 yards and let his defense make game-changing plays. That was enough for the 18th-ranked Vols (2-0) to hold off the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
Tennessee plays Kennesaw State on Sept. 19 (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.
Here's a quick rundown of Brandon's performance against Georgia Tech for the first road win of his young career.
Brandon was 10-of-21 passing for 148 yards, two TDs and no interceptions against Georgia Tech. And he also rushed for 22 yards.
#game #yards #tennessee #performance
Brandon tossed two touchdown passes, avoided catastrophic mistakes, leaned on a ground game that rushed for almost 300 yards and let his defense make game-changing plays. That was enough for the 18th-ranked Vols (2-0) to hold off the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
Tennessee plays Kennesaw State on Sept. 19 (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.
Here's a quick rundown of Brandon's performance against Georgia Tech for the first road win of his young career.
Brandon was 10-of-21 passing for 148 yards, two TDs and no interceptions against Georgia Tech. And he also rushed for 22 yards.
#game #yards #tennessee #performance
13 hours ago
ATLANTA — Josh Heupel and Faizon Brandon can rely on Tennessee's defense to carry it through some rough patches — at least to a certain point.
That was apparent in the way the 18th-ranked Vols beat Georgia Tech 45-24 amid a crowd with plenty of orange at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 12.
Heupel's offense didn't have to light up the scoreboard or stat sheet to win. And Brandon, the freshman quarterback, didn't have to reel off eye-popping highlights for the Vols (2-0) to protect a lead on the road over the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
They just needed to do enough and trust in Jim Knowles, the defensive wiz that Heupel hired as coordinator in the offseason. His squad carried the Vols through some critical lulls.
Knowles' defense scored a touchdown on Dejuan Lane's pick-6. It had another red-zone stop that yielded only a field goal. Jeremiah Telander's interception prevented points before halftime. And the Vols stopped Georgia Tech's rally on fourth down at the goal line early in the fourth quarter.
#vols #georgia #didn 't
That was apparent in the way the 18th-ranked Vols beat Georgia Tech 45-24 amid a crowd with plenty of orange at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 12.
Heupel's offense didn't have to light up the scoreboard or stat sheet to win. And Brandon, the freshman quarterback, didn't have to reel off eye-popping highlights for the Vols (2-0) to protect a lead on the road over the Yellow Jackets (0-2).
They just needed to do enough and trust in Jim Knowles, the defensive wiz that Heupel hired as coordinator in the offseason. His squad carried the Vols through some critical lulls.
Knowles' defense scored a touchdown on Dejuan Lane's pick-6. It had another red-zone stop that yielded only a field goal. Jeremiah Telander's interception prevented points before halftime. And the Vols stopped Georgia Tech's rally on fourth down at the goal line early in the fourth quarter.
#vols #georgia #didn 't
13 hours ago
The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation has somehow become even more complicated ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pittsburgh.
Rush had already been pushed into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday's practice and was ruled out for Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
That leaves rookie Jack Strand as Atlanta's primary backup behind Rush. The undrafted quarterback has drawn plenty of interest from Falcons fans, with many hoping to eventually see what Strand can do in regular-season action. Rush remains the clear starter for now, but his back issues could make Strand's status worth monitoring throughout Sunday's game.
#quarterback #week #pittsburgh #back
The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pittsburgh.
Rush had already been pushed into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday's practice and was ruled out for Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
That leaves rookie Jack Strand as Atlanta's primary backup behind Rush. The undrafted quarterback has drawn plenty of interest from Falcons fans, with many hoping to eventually see what Strand can do in regular-season action. Rush remains the clear starter for now, but his back issues could make Strand's status worth monitoring throughout Sunday's game.
#quarterback #week #pittsburgh #back
14 hours ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. homered to spark an eight-run fourth inning and Tyler Mahle turned in another stellar outing to lead the Atlanta Braves to their second straight victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, 12-2 on Saturday night.
The Braves had to rally three times in 11 innings to win the series opener between the two top NL East teams. This one was a lot easier.
Acuña hit a towering shot that barely cleared the wall in front of the Phillies bullpen off Brooks Raley (5-7), who took the loss for the second straight night. Acuña tacked on a run-scoring single to close out the big inning.
Philadelphia was one out from escaping the inning with no further damage. Ozzie Albies walked and Michael Harris II singled before the Phillies, going with a bullpen game after Jesús Luzardo was scratched with a tight shoulder, called in Grant Holman for his first big league appearance of the season.
Mauricio Dubón had a two-run single, Drake Baldwin brought in two more runs with a double off the wall, and some sloppy play by the Phillies led to five unearned runs in the fourth. Bryson Stott had a throwing error on a routine play that would've ended the inning, and another run scored on a wild pitch.
#philadelphia #fourth #night #wall
The Braves had to rally three times in 11 innings to win the series opener between the two top NL East teams. This one was a lot easier.
Acuña hit a towering shot that barely cleared the wall in front of the Phillies bullpen off Brooks Raley (5-7), who took the loss for the second straight night. Acuña tacked on a run-scoring single to close out the big inning.
Philadelphia was one out from escaping the inning with no further damage. Ozzie Albies walked and Michael Harris II singled before the Phillies, going with a bullpen game after Jesús Luzardo was scratched with a tight shoulder, called in Grant Holman for his first big league appearance of the season.
Mauricio Dubón had a two-run single, Drake Baldwin brought in two more runs with a double off the wall, and some sloppy play by the Phillies led to five unearned runs in the fourth. Bryson Stott had a throwing error on a routine play that would've ended the inning, and another run scored on a wild pitch.
#philadelphia #fourth #night #wall
14 hours ago
ATLANTA − Georgia Tech cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe was taken off the field on a stretcher in the third quarter of game against Tennessee football at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 12.
Play stopped at the 14:17 mark of the third quarter and UT driving with a 24-10 lead. Mbakwe hit his head on the knee of Georgia Tech defensive end Jordan Walker, who also exited with a lower body injury, during a play.
Trainers tended to Mbakwe on the field for a few minutes before calling for a stretcher to take him off the field. Mbakwe was able to move both his hands as he left the field. He signaled to the crowd and gripped a trainer's hand .
Mbakwe was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, two miles away from Bobby Dodd Stadium, according to the ESPN broadcast.
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompsonknoxnews.com and follow him on X stephenethom.
#mbakwe #bobby
Play stopped at the 14:17 mark of the third quarter and UT driving with a 24-10 lead. Mbakwe hit his head on the knee of Georgia Tech defensive end Jordan Walker, who also exited with a lower body injury, during a play.
Trainers tended to Mbakwe on the field for a few minutes before calling for a stretcher to take him off the field. Mbakwe was able to move both his hands as he left the field. He signaled to the crowd and gripped a trainer's hand .
Mbakwe was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, two miles away from Bobby Dodd Stadium, according to the ESPN broadcast.
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompsonknoxnews.com and follow him on X stephenethom.
#mbakwe #bobby
15 hours ago
ATLANTA — Tennessee football fans will get two free cookies because Braylon Staley scored a touchdown against Georgia Tech.
Staley is UT's current so-called "Cookie Monster" for Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co., which gives fans two free cookies when the wide receiver scores a touchdown as part of his NIL deal.
The 18th-ranked Vols played Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 12. But fans can pick up their free cookies on Monday, Sept. 14, at Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co. in Knoxville.
Staley's 20-yard TD catch in the second quarter earned the free cookies for UT fans.
Staley is UT's latest "Cookie Monster" for Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co. as part of an annual NIL deal. That ******* le was held by cornerback Alontae Taylor in 2021, wide receiver Cedric Tillman in 2022, wide receiver Bru McCoy in 2023-24 and kicker Max Gilbert in 2025.
#cookies
Staley is UT's current so-called "Cookie Monster" for Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co., which gives fans two free cookies when the wide receiver scores a touchdown as part of his NIL deal.
The 18th-ranked Vols played Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 12. But fans can pick up their free cookies on Monday, Sept. 14, at Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co. in Knoxville.
Staley's 20-yard TD catch in the second quarter earned the free cookies for UT fans.
Staley is UT's latest "Cookie Monster" for Moonshine Mountain Cookie Co. as part of an annual NIL deal. That ******* le was held by cornerback Alontae Taylor in 2021, wide receiver Cedric Tillman in 2022, wide receiver Bru McCoy in 2023-24 and kicker Max Gilbert in 2025.
#cookies
16 hours ago
ATLANTA − Tennessee football fans traveled in force to cheer on the Vols in a Week 2 game against Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Large sections of fans wearing orange were visible among the light gold and white shirts that Yellow Jackets fans were sporting. And the No. 18 Vols received a loud reception when they took the field for final warmups.
"We're only about three hours away from Knoxville. It seems like half of Neyland Stadium made the drive," ESPN play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen said during the broadcast.
While the Georgia Tech band performed the national anthem, UT fans occupied most of the east side of the stadium. A large contingent of Vols vans were also in the second deck of the north endzone.
There were spots of orange and white spread in every section of Bobby Dodd Stadium save for the Georgia Tech student section.
#dodd
Large sections of fans wearing orange were visible among the light gold and white shirts that Yellow Jackets fans were sporting. And the No. 18 Vols received a loud reception when they took the field for final warmups.
"We're only about three hours away from Knoxville. It seems like half of Neyland Stadium made the drive," ESPN play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen said during the broadcast.
While the Georgia Tech band performed the national anthem, UT fans occupied most of the east side of the stadium. A large contingent of Vols vans were also in the second deck of the north endzone.
There were spots of orange and white spread in every section of Bobby Dodd Stadium save for the Georgia Tech student section.
#dodd
16 hours ago
Tennessee football fell behind in the first quarter of its game at Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 when a punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.
On fourth-and-11 from the Vols' 24-yard line, fifth-year punter Jackson Ross hesitated before stepping into his punt. Georgia Tech's Trae Stevenson Jr. took advantage of the extra moment and rushed Ross, blocking his kick.
GEORGIA TECH BLOCKS THE PUNT AND SCORES 😱 pic.twitter.com/myN4wL5gaG
The ball rolled around near Tennessee's goal line before it was scooped up by Elgin Sessions for a Yellow Jackets touchdown, putting them up 7-3 with 5:49 left in the first quarter.
It was the second straight week Georgia Tech scored a special teams touchdown after returning a kickoff for a score against Colorado in Week 1.
#Tech
On fourth-and-11 from the Vols' 24-yard line, fifth-year punter Jackson Ross hesitated before stepping into his punt. Georgia Tech's Trae Stevenson Jr. took advantage of the extra moment and rushed Ross, blocking his kick.
GEORGIA TECH BLOCKS THE PUNT AND SCORES 😱 pic.twitter.com/myN4wL5gaG
The ball rolled around near Tennessee's goal line before it was scooped up by Elgin Sessions for a Yellow Jackets touchdown, putting them up 7-3 with 5:49 left in the first quarter.
It was the second straight week Georgia Tech scored a special teams touchdown after returning a kickoff for a score against Colorado in Week 1.
#Tech
16 hours ago
ATLANTA — Tennessee defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs left the Georgia Tech game with an injury in the first quarter on Sept. 12.
Hobbs was shaken up on a play with 11:14 remaining in the opening quarter. After lying on the turf for a couple of minutes, he walked slowly off the field on his own power and went directly to the injury tent.
It appeared to be a lower body injury. Hobbs was limited in preseason practice by a foot injury.
Hobbs is an important piece of UT's defensive line rotation. The senior has played in 33 games in his Vols career.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparksknoxnews.com. X, formerly known as TwitterAdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
#adam #sparks #knoxnews
Hobbs was shaken up on a play with 11:14 remaining in the opening quarter. After lying on the turf for a couple of minutes, he walked slowly off the field on his own power and went directly to the injury tent.
It appeared to be a lower body injury. Hobbs was limited in preseason practice by a foot injury.
Hobbs is an important piece of UT's defensive line rotation. The senior has played in 33 games in his Vols career.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparksknoxnews.com. X, formerly known as TwitterAdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
#adam #sparks #knoxnews
19 hours ago
The Braves are rotating their lineup a bit to mitigate the Phillies' ability to play the matchup game. Instead of Harris batting cleanup behind Olson, Albies bats cleanup between the two as a deterrent against lefty relievers. Additionally, Mauricio Dubon replaces Mike Yastrzemski in left field.
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
19 hours ago
The Pittsburgh Steelers are elevating defensive back Doneiko Slaughter to the active roster, the team announced on Saturday. Slaughter had a tremendous training camp and preseason with Pittsburgh and was one of the final cuts before being placed on the practice squad.
The only player to appear on the Steelers' injury report this week has been cornerback Joey Porter Jr, who continues to work his way back after missing all of training camp and preseason play. Porter was placed on the PUP list at the start of camp due to what the team said was a back injury, but the speculation is that it was a hold-in under the guise of an injury.
The Steelers will begin their season at 1:00 EST against the Atlanta Falcons.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Steelers Week 1 game picks
#steelers #back #pittsburgh #training
The only player to appear on the Steelers' injury report this week has been cornerback Joey Porter Jr, who continues to work his way back after missing all of training camp and preseason play. Porter was placed on the PUP list at the start of camp due to what the team said was a back injury, but the speculation is that it was a hold-in under the guise of an injury.
The Steelers will begin their season at 1:00 EST against the Atlanta Falcons.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Steelers Week 1 game picks
#steelers #back #pittsburgh #training
19 hours ago
ATLANTA — Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon will try for a strong sequel to his debut in leading the 18th-ranked Vols against Georgia Tech.
Tennessee (1-0) and Georgia Tech (0-1) play Sept. 12 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
It's a good road test, especially for Brandon, who accounted for five touchdowns in 56-9 win over Furman at home. And defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will dig deeper into his scheme to stop the Yellow Jackets.
The Vols will get a boost from the return of All-SEC linebacker Arion Carter and starting center Sam Pendleton, who were suspended for the Furman game.
Carter was suspended by the NCAA because he accepted a $427 flight from his agent to an NFL pre-draft training facility, whice he repaid. Pendleton was suspended by Tennessee for violation of team rules because he was arrested in May on charges of driving under the influence.
#georgia #atlanta
Tennessee (1-0) and Georgia Tech (0-1) play Sept. 12 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
It's a good road test, especially for Brandon, who accounted for five touchdowns in 56-9 win over Furman at home. And defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will dig deeper into his scheme to stop the Yellow Jackets.
The Vols will get a boost from the return of All-SEC linebacker Arion Carter and starting center Sam Pendleton, who were suspended for the Furman game.
Carter was suspended by the NCAA because he accepted a $427 flight from his agent to an NFL pre-draft training facility, whice he repaid. Pendleton was suspended by Tennessee for violation of team rules because he was arrested in May on charges of driving under the influence.
#georgia #atlanta
20 hours ago
Steelers news: AFC executive hits Joey Porter Jr. with humbling take amid contract dispute appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. spoke to reporters about the status of his contract negotiations, hoping for an agreement to be reached before kickoff. He explicitly dismissed rumors suggesting he demanded to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback while trying to manage outside expectations about his contract demands.
Despite Porter's efforts to temper expectations, personnel evaluators around the league are skeptical about his true market value. There is a high-stakes standoff in Pittsburgh, with front-office executives questioning whether the 26-year-old cornerback has earned the right to command top compensation alongside the league's elite defensive players.
An in-depth report from The New York Times included a sobering **** sment from a rival AFC executive on Porter's leverage and standing: "Is Joey Porter as good as maybe he values himself? I would **** ume he wants to be on par with Surtain/Horn, maybe even higher. But he isn't at that level as a player. Perhaps the Steelers are willing to accept a compensatory pick or a franchise tag instead of committing to what might be an overestimate."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#steelers #contract
Ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. spoke to reporters about the status of his contract negotiations, hoping for an agreement to be reached before kickoff. He explicitly dismissed rumors suggesting he demanded to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback while trying to manage outside expectations about his contract demands.
Despite Porter's efforts to temper expectations, personnel evaluators around the league are skeptical about his true market value. There is a high-stakes standoff in Pittsburgh, with front-office executives questioning whether the 26-year-old cornerback has earned the right to command top compensation alongside the league's elite defensive players.
An in-depth report from The New York Times included a sobering **** sment from a rival AFC executive on Porter's leverage and standing: "Is Joey Porter as good as maybe he values himself? I would **** ume he wants to be on par with Surtain/Horn, maybe even higher. But he isn't at that level as a player. Perhaps the Steelers are willing to accept a compensatory pick or a franchise tag instead of committing to what might be an overestimate."
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#steelers #contract
20 hours ago
The biggest game of the young college football season has arrived, as No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin for a top-five showdown with No. 4 Texas. After the Buckeyes held off the Longhorns 14-7 in last year's opener, Texas now gets its chance at revenge at home in a game that could shape the national championship race.
Before the night's main event, No. 18 Tennessee heads to Atlanta to face a Georgia Tech team looking to recover from a crushing loss to Colorado that ended with its potential game-winning field goal being blocked.
For all of your college football betting picks, here are today's TST Best Bets, brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players receive a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Texas vs. Ohio State - Under 51
Rundown: The premier storyline of last year's season-opening matchup between the Longhorns and Buckeyes was the disappointing debut of Arch Manning, who went 9-of-15 for 38 yards and an interception through the first three quarters of a 14-7 loss for top-ranked Texas.
#bets
Before the night's main event, No. 18 Tennessee heads to Atlanta to face a Georgia Tech team looking to recover from a crushing loss to Colorado that ended with its potential game-winning field goal being blocked.
For all of your college football betting picks, here are today's TST Best Bets, brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players receive a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Texas vs. Ohio State - Under 51
Rundown: The premier storyline of last year's season-opening matchup between the Longhorns and Buckeyes was the disappointing debut of Arch Manning, who went 9-of-15 for 38 yards and an interception through the first three quarters of a 14-7 loss for top-ranked Texas.
#bets
1 day ago
ATLANTA — A flash flood warning has been issued for the area around Bobby Dodd Stadium, where No. 18 Tennessee will play Georgia Tech on Sept. 12.
The warning is in effect until 1:30 p.m. ET, but rain is the forecast throughout the afternoon and early evening. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Heavy rains have fallen throughout the morning, and the forecast calls for them to continue until close to kickoff or perhaps early into the game.
The chance of rain will decrease to 10% at kickoff with a projected temperature of 80 degrees. Skies are supposed to clear out by halftime.
That should make for more favorable conditions for fans, including those traveling from Tennessee for the road game. The nonconference game is sold out at Bobby Dodd Stadium, which has a capacity of 51,913.
#forecast
The warning is in effect until 1:30 p.m. ET, but rain is the forecast throughout the afternoon and early evening. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Heavy rains have fallen throughout the morning, and the forecast calls for them to continue until close to kickoff or perhaps early into the game.
The chance of rain will decrease to 10% at kickoff with a projected temperature of 80 degrees. Skies are supposed to clear out by halftime.
That should make for more favorable conditions for fans, including those traveling from Tennessee for the road game. The nonconference game is sold out at Bobby Dodd Stadium, which has a capacity of 51,913.
#forecast
1 day ago
The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $75 million contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Kraft's new deal, which runs through the 2030 season, includes a $26.5 million signing bonus and its maximum value could reach as high as $92 million. He is now the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
Both sides have wanted to get a deal done, it was just a matter of whether an agreement could be reached before Week 1 or linger into the season.
The $19.66 million annual salary is ahead of fellow tight ends George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers ($19.1M), Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals ($19M), Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons ($18M), and Isaiah Likely of the New York Giants ($13.3M), per Spotrac.
Kraft, 25, had a breakout year in 2024 when he caught 50 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. He was on pace for career numbers last season, but suffered a torn ACL in Week 9. Through eight games, he had 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
#tight
Kraft's new deal, which runs through the 2030 season, includes a $26.5 million signing bonus and its maximum value could reach as high as $92 million. He is now the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
Both sides have wanted to get a deal done, it was just a matter of whether an agreement could be reached before Week 1 or linger into the season.
The $19.66 million annual salary is ahead of fellow tight ends George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers ($19.1M), Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals ($19M), Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons ($18M), and Isaiah Likely of the New York Giants ($13.3M), per Spotrac.
Kraft, 25, had a breakout year in 2024 when he caught 50 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. He was on pace for career numbers last season, but suffered a torn ACL in Week 9. Through eight games, he had 489 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
#tight
1 day ago
UPDATE: 9:38 a.m. Saturday
A lot has happened since our early posting this week. The biggest injury news is the meniscus tear suffered by the No. 1 tight end, the Raiders' Brock Bowers. He will miss Week 1, and at least a couple of weeks after that.
The season-opening game proved painful for New England star receiver A.J. Brown. He's now on injured reserve.with a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him at least a month.
Several questionable players are more likely to play this week. Arizona rookie RB Jeremiyah Love and Las Vegas sophomore Ashton Jeanty are now expected to start, as is Chicago wideout Rome Odunze. And while Giants WR Malik Nabers is playing it coy, he should be on the field tomorrow night against Dallas.
Cooper Rush will now quarterback Atlanta thanks to injuries to Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. That might turn out to be good news for top Falcons performers Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts.
#raiders
A lot has happened since our early posting this week. The biggest injury news is the meniscus tear suffered by the No. 1 tight end, the Raiders' Brock Bowers. He will miss Week 1, and at least a couple of weeks after that.
The season-opening game proved painful for New England star receiver A.J. Brown. He's now on injured reserve.with a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him at least a month.
Several questionable players are more likely to play this week. Arizona rookie RB Jeremiyah Love and Las Vegas sophomore Ashton Jeanty are now expected to start, as is Chicago wideout Rome Odunze. And while Giants WR Malik Nabers is playing it coy, he should be on the field tomorrow night against Dallas.
Cooper Rush will now quarterback Atlanta thanks to injuries to Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. That might turn out to be good news for top Falcons performers Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts.
#raiders
1 day ago
Over time NFL teams tend to develop identities, and they often stay the same through different coaches, different quarterbacks and different front office regimes. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, their calling card has long been physical defense and getting to the quarterback paired with a potent run game.
That dynamic is at least half true going into the 2026 season. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards last year but remain an excellent pass-rushing team, finishing sixth with 48 last year.
Outside of the trenches, Pittsburgh's best skill player is former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf, a rare athlete who the Atlanta Falcons are going to need to contain if they're going to upset the Steelers this week.
Last season Metcalf posted 59 catches, a team-high 860 receiving yards and six touchdowns - which was less than his usual production in Seattle, but it would be a mistake to write Metcalf off. The Seahawks' playoff loss to the 49ers a few years ago proves he can thrash even elite defenses, going off for 10 catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns.
For one thing, Metcalf is bigger, stronger and faster than any defensive back that Atlanta can put on the field. That means the Falcons have to be smarter about defending him.
#going
That dynamic is at least half true going into the 2026 season. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards last year but remain an excellent pass-rushing team, finishing sixth with 48 last year.
Outside of the trenches, Pittsburgh's best skill player is former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf, a rare athlete who the Atlanta Falcons are going to need to contain if they're going to upset the Steelers this week.
Last season Metcalf posted 59 catches, a team-high 860 receiving yards and six touchdowns - which was less than his usual production in Seattle, but it would be a mistake to write Metcalf off. The Seahawks' playoff loss to the 49ers a few years ago proves he can thrash even elite defenses, going off for 10 catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns.
For one thing, Metcalf is bigger, stronger and faster than any defensive back that Atlanta can put on the field. That means the Falcons have to be smarter about defending him.
#going
1 day ago
A whole new generation is about to be introduced to one of the most beloved boy bands of the 1990s when Taylor Hanson begins his dance journey on Dancing With the Stars. The middle Hanson brother is partnered with Britt Stewart in Season 35 of the dance competition.
And he'll certainly have a strong support system as he takes on this challenge. In addition to his brothers, the 43-year-old singer will have his wife, Natalie Bryant, and their many kids cheering him on. Scroll down to learn more about his family.
Taylor and Natalie got married in June 2002, two years after they met. She mostly lives her life out of the public eye, homeschooling her and Taylor's kids.
Natalie started the baby-naming consultation company Modern Moniker with Zac Hanson's wife, Kate Hanson, in 2020, but their Instagram account stopped posting in 2021. Over the years, she has also written various pieces about parenting, including a monthly recurring column for TulsaKids. She previously had her own blog, as well, but the domain is no longer up and running.
Taylor and his two brothers/bandmates, Zac and Isaac Hanson, all met their wives at their own concerts. Zac and Taylor met their wives at the same show in Atlanta in 2000. Taylor was 17 at the time.
#taylor #wives
And he'll certainly have a strong support system as he takes on this challenge. In addition to his brothers, the 43-year-old singer will have his wife, Natalie Bryant, and their many kids cheering him on. Scroll down to learn more about his family.
Taylor and Natalie got married in June 2002, two years after they met. She mostly lives her life out of the public eye, homeschooling her and Taylor's kids.
Natalie started the baby-naming consultation company Modern Moniker with Zac Hanson's wife, Kate Hanson, in 2020, but their Instagram account stopped posting in 2021. Over the years, she has also written various pieces about parenting, including a monthly recurring column for TulsaKids. She previously had her own blog, as well, but the domain is no longer up and running.
Taylor and his two brothers/bandmates, Zac and Isaac Hanson, all met their wives at their own concerts. Zac and Taylor met their wives at the same show in Atlanta in 2000. Taylor was 17 at the time.
#taylor #wives
1 day ago
No. 18 Tennessee (1-0) will play at Georgia Tech (0-1) on Saturday.
Kickoff between the Vols and Yellow Jackets is slated for 7 p.m. EDT at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. ESPN will televise the contest.
John Heisman was head coach for the Yellow Jackets and athletics director from 1904-19. He also served as Georgia Tech's basketball head coach from 1908-09 and 1912-14, compiling a 9-14 record. Heisman was Georgia Tech's baseball head coach from 1904-17.
In football he guided the Yellow Jackets to a national championship in 1917. He also won seven SIAA **** les (1900, 1902-03, 1915-18). Heisman won a SIAA baseball championship in 1906. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1954 during its second enshrined class.
Heisman began his coaching career at Oberlin in 1892. He also served as head coach at Buchtel (now the University of Akron) from 1893-94. Heisman was head coach at Auburn (1895-99), Clemson (1900-03), Georgia Tech (1904-19), Pennsylvania (1920-22), Washington and Jefferson (1923) and Rice (1924-27).
#georgia #jackets
Kickoff between the Vols and Yellow Jackets is slated for 7 p.m. EDT at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. ESPN will televise the contest.
John Heisman was head coach for the Yellow Jackets and athletics director from 1904-19. He also served as Georgia Tech's basketball head coach from 1908-09 and 1912-14, compiling a 9-14 record. Heisman was Georgia Tech's baseball head coach from 1904-17.
In football he guided the Yellow Jackets to a national championship in 1917. He also won seven SIAA **** les (1900, 1902-03, 1915-18). Heisman won a SIAA baseball championship in 1906. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1954 during its second enshrined class.
Heisman began his coaching career at Oberlin in 1892. He also served as head coach at Buchtel (now the University of Akron) from 1893-94. Heisman was head coach at Auburn (1895-99), Clemson (1900-03), Georgia Tech (1904-19), Pennsylvania (1920-22), Washington and Jefferson (1923) and Rice (1924-27).
#georgia #jackets
1 day ago
History is not on the Carolina Panthers' side as they enter the 2026 regular season. They have lost their last four openers and have an all-time record of 11-20 in Week 1. If that's not discouraging enough, they are considered an underdog by more than a field goal even though they're at home hosting the Chicago Bears.
If the Panthers are going to pull off an upset, they're going to have to win some key individual matchups. Here are four to watch come Sunday afternoon:
Sometimes, the greatest battle is within—and that's definitely the case with Carolina's starting quarterback.
Young has struggled in all three of his Week 1 games in his NFL career. In his rookie year, he managed just 146 passing yards and threw two interceptions in a loss to Atlanta. In 2024, he bombed against New Orleans—throwing for 161 yards and two more picks with no touchdowns. Last season, Young wasn't much better against Jacksonville—passing for 154 yards, one score and two picks in a 26-10 defeat.
Young has to shake off whatever it is that has him stumbling out of the gate, and deliver a strong performance if the Panthers are going to have any chance this week.
#week #they 're
If the Panthers are going to pull off an upset, they're going to have to win some key individual matchups. Here are four to watch come Sunday afternoon:
Sometimes, the greatest battle is within—and that's definitely the case with Carolina's starting quarterback.
Young has struggled in all three of his Week 1 games in his NFL career. In his rookie year, he managed just 146 passing yards and threw two interceptions in a loss to Atlanta. In 2024, he bombed against New Orleans—throwing for 161 yards and two more picks with no touchdowns. Last season, Young wasn't much better against Jacksonville—passing for 154 yards, one score and two picks in a 26-10 defeat.
Young has to shake off whatever it is that has him stumbling out of the gate, and deliver a strong performance if the Panthers are going to have any chance this week.
#week #they 're
1 day ago
For the third consecutive offseason, Ohio State's coaching staff underwent a significant change as Ryan Day had to replace one of his coordinators.
And for the second consecutive time, Day looked to the NFL for an answer.
Following Brian Hartline's departure for a Group of Five head coaching opportunity, Day tabbed former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to take over play-calling duties for a Buckeyes offense headlined by Heisman Trophy hopefuls Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
REQUIRED READING: Arthur Smith made his mark in a high-achieving family. Can he leave one at Ohio State?
Smith is the latest big name to come to Columbus to be part of Day's staff, following in the footsteps of former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — a decision that kick-started this trend as it came when Day gave up his play-calling duties — and Matt Patricia, who willed the Buckeyes' defense into one of the nation's top units last season.
#following #consecutive #staff
And for the second consecutive time, Day looked to the NFL for an answer.
Following Brian Hartline's departure for a Group of Five head coaching opportunity, Day tabbed former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to take over play-calling duties for a Buckeyes offense headlined by Heisman Trophy hopefuls Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
REQUIRED READING: Arthur Smith made his mark in a high-achieving family. Can he leave one at Ohio State?
Smith is the latest big name to come to Columbus to be part of Day's staff, following in the footsteps of former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — a decision that kick-started this trend as it came when Day gave up his play-calling duties — and Matt Patricia, who willed the Buckeyes' defense into one of the nation's top units last season.
#following #consecutive #staff
1 day ago
Other scores:
Atlanta 21, Brook Hill 24
Center 14, Nacogdoches 19
Pewitt 48, Daingerfield 41
DeKalb 20, Garrison 47
#atlanta
Atlanta 21, Brook Hill 24
Center 14, Nacogdoches 19
Pewitt 48, Daingerfield 41
DeKalb 20, Garrison 47
#atlanta
1 day ago
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's son Kroy "KJ" Biermann Jr. has been granted bond in his ***** ual ***** ault case
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge granted the 15-year-old son of the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 48, and the retired NFL player, 40, bond at $200K on Friday, Sept. 11, according to court documents obtained by Page Six
Upon release, Kroy Jr. must stay at his mom's home, wear a GPS ankle monitor and attend school virtually, per the outlet
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's son Kroy "KJ" Biermann Jr. has been granted bond in his ***** ual ***** ault case.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge granted the 15-year-old son of the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 48, and the retired NFL player, 40, bond at $200,000, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.
#biermann
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge granted the 15-year-old son of the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 48, and the retired NFL player, 40, bond at $200K on Friday, Sept. 11, according to court documents obtained by Page Six
Upon release, Kroy Jr. must stay at his mom's home, wear a GPS ankle monitor and attend school virtually, per the outlet
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's son Kroy "KJ" Biermann Jr. has been granted bond in his ***** ual ***** ault case.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge granted the 15-year-old son of the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 48, and the retired NFL player, 40, bond at $200,000, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.
#biermann
