Big Orange Report October 2, 2025

 

The Great Escape

Tennessee knew that it would be a fist fight going into battle with an improved and re-built Mississippi State football team. It turned out to be just that and the Vols were tough enough to escape the trap with a hard-fought road win in a very hostile and rowdy environment. It has long been true that stealing a road victory in the Southeastern Conference should never be discounted. The Vols were 7.5 favorites in the betting markets and they won by 7.

MSU loaded the box to slow down the UT infantry and they did a solid job on that mission. However, Vol quarterback Joey Aguilar threw for 335 yards to help snatch his team from the jaws of defeat and lead them to success. His two interceptions were both deflected off the hands of his receivers and one of them should definitely have been caught.

On the ground, the Bulldogs out-gained Tennessee and actually had 240 yards rushing before the five Vol sacks deducted from that total. MSU running back Fluff Bothwell rambled for 130 yards, averaging almost six yards per carry. Obviously, the Vol defensive staff still has plenty of work to do trying to figure out how to stop opponents from moving the ball almost at will. Vol linebacker Arion Carter was one of the few guys to help save the day. He had 17 total tackles. Edge pass rusher Josh Josephs recorded nine total stops and returned a fumble recovery 41 yards in a key turning point in this contest.

However, the UT defense is still a major concern moving forward. In the latest SEC statistics, Tennessee is 14th in total defense, 15th in scoring defense and dead last, 16th, in pass defense. After being solid defending the run in the first four games, the Vols also sprung a leak against the ground assaults in this nail biter. MSU surprised Vol DC Tim Banks by going run-heavy instead of pass happy and there were no effective adjustments by Banks during the game or at halftime. The defensive coaches have exactly three weeks before Tennessee faces Alabama.

The offense won this game for the Volunteers. Joey Aguilar now leads the SEC in passing yardage and touchdown throws. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell is second in the conference with 31 catches for 531 yards and seven touchdown receptions.

Open Date

The Volunteers will enjoy their first of two open dates this weekend. It should be a time to relax, recover, re-generate and prepare for the gridiron tests ahead on the schedule. Even the players who are considered healthy and ready to go to battle have bumps, bruises and a few sore muscles that can heal during the two weeks between games.

While the minor physical problems will be addressed, there continue to be rumors that two defensive stalwarts might be set to return against Arkansas. Cornerback and All American candidate Jermond McCoy and defensive tackle Daevin Hobbs have worked extensively hard to rehab injuries and it would certainly be a huge bonus for the defense if both can return to action vs. the Razorbacks. There is absolutely no doubt that the Vol defense can use any and all help it can get as the team approaches mid-season action.

BasketVols

The Tennessee men's and women's basketball squads have begun practice sessions for the fast-approaching season. Coach Rick Barnes Vols will play an exhibition game in less than a month against traditional national power Duke. That game will tip on Oct. 26. Coach Kim Caldwell's Lady Vols will take to the floor on Oct. 29 in an exhibition vs. Columbus State.

Coach Barnes new look squad will feature a freshman that was ranked the No. 4 recruit in the nation by three services and No. 2 overall by On3. Nate Ament is a 6-9 forward that can actually play every position on the floor. Barnes has been raving about the marquee recruit since he arrived on campus.

Coach Caldwell has welcomed the nation's No. 2 rated recruiting class to campus and reports are that the freshmen are blending well with the veterans. Senior wing Ruby Whitehorn has re-joined the team after being suspended for a legal matter that was resolved when she plead guilty to a pair of misdemeanor charges.

Former Vol Grant Williams recently generously donated 1.5 million dollars to the athletic department earmarked for the basketball programs. 

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