Tennessee’s 42-9 win over Kennesaw State gave the Volunteers another clean result, and it also drew a detailed evaluation from national analyst Cole Cubelic after the final whistle.
Cubelic was quick to praise the way Tennessee handled business, pointing to the offensive line, the tight ends, and the overall rhythm of the offense. He also highlighted several individual performances while noting a few areas that still need tightening up.
“Handled their business. OL got after it.
TEs helped. 70 was outstanding, finished. 72 had some great reps. RG still needs to get straightened out.
Had a few breakdowns in pass pro. Love the pistol formation to even things out. 18 good, pressed blocks well.
Need him healthy. 24 & 17 filled in well. Close on a few shot plays.
Really impressed with 11. Ultimate poise, great decisions on leaning pocket, does not 2nd guess.
Good on quick game which is a bigger emphasis this year. Defense settled in after 1st drive. 22 good.
Love how he has taken to new role. 2 was flying around. He will only get more comfy. 2 dominant again.
Been great so far. 9 & 35 good on edge. 6 covered lot of ground, played blocks well. 13 had some good reps at LB. 17 solid inside. QB scramble found some space late.
Love commitment to run game but want to see it really show up in RZ, Q runs could help more there,” Cole Cubelic said.
With the non-conference portion of the regular season now wrapped up, Tennessee’s attention shifts to Texas in what is already shaping up as one of the week’s biggest games. The matchup has been selected as the College GameDay feature, a sign that Neyland Stadium should have a loud atmosphere.
That environment could be even more intense with Tennessee’s annual “Checker Neyland” theme in place, turning the stadium into the familiar orange-and-white checkerboard look.
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College GameDay Guest Picker For Tennessee Texas Could Spark Vols Debate
ESPNs College GameDay is headed to Knoxville for Tennessees showdown with Texas on Sept. 26, and the familiar guessing game is already underway around who will handle the celebrity guest picker role. When the show comes to a host campus, it usually leans into local flavor, and Tennessee has no shortage of recognizable names to choose from after years of memorable selections that mixed sports, music and comedy.
Rick Barnes, Bianca Belair, Candace Parker and Kenny Chesney are among the names being floated, which gives the Vols plenty to debate before the cameras ever arrive. The decision will matter less for the picks than for the vibe, since GameDay guest spots tend to become part of the weekends identity, especially when a major SEC matchup brings the kind of attention Knoxville is about to get. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Kaleb Beasley Is Creating An Uncomfortable Tennessee Question
Kaleb Beasleys move from Tennessee to Louisville has already turned into one of those transfer stories that lingers a little longer for Vols fans. The Nashville product was once viewed as a highly rated local recruit, and after spending time as a backup safety in Knoxville, he has started to find a bigger stage elsewhere. His recent showing in Louisvilles win over SMU made sure the attention followed him, because he was all over the field and came away with a performance that drew national and conference recognition.
For Tennessee, the uncomfortable part is simple: Beasley is suddenly looking like the kind of defensive back the Vols could have used. He led Louisville in tackles and picked off two passes in that game, then added the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors to the resume. When a former in-state recruit starts stacking that kind of production after leaving town, it naturally invites a second look at how his path unfolded and what it means for the roster Tennessee is trying to build now. [Read more 🡒]
Rick Barnes Just Added More Emotion To Tennessee Vs Texas
Rick Barnes added a little more emotion to an already charged matchup by leaning into the history on both sides before Tennessee meets Texas. The Volunteers coach spent 17 years running the Longhorns program, so his perspective on this one comes with a built-in layer of familiarity, and he made clear he still carries good memories from that time while also showing appreciation for the athletic directors at both schools.
Barnes, though, left no doubt where his focus sits now. Ahead of the game, he spoke as a coach invested in Tennessee and its basketball program, which gives this meeting a little extra edge beyond the usual nonconference intrigue. For Tennessee fans, it is another reminder that this game is more than a reunion for Barnes, even if the details of that Texas connection still linger in the background. [Read more 🡒]