Big Orange Report November 6, 2025

 


Rocky Top Flop

Tennessee was eliminated from consideration for the 12-team national playoffs when the Vols lost to Oklahoma last Saturday night. It was a total team meltdown, with all components performing at an alarming rate of failure. Of course a very good Oklahoma team had something to do with UT's crash, but Tennessee was a slight favorite heading into the battle for playoff survival.
Many fans are quick to blame the head coach and the quarterback after a disappointing defeat and certainly Joey Aguilar had a tough day at the office, losing a fumble and throwing two interceptions in the loss. But the veteran signal caller was sacked four times and the porous offensive line did a pathetic job of protecting Aguilar. The Sooner pass rush was in his line of sight, pressuring him and forcing early throws for most of the game. It must also be noted here that the run blocking by the Vol offensive line was also atrocious. With the sack yardage deducted, Tennessee finished with a sad total of 63 net yards on the ground for an average of 1.9 yards per carry.  
The suspect Tennessee defense was surprisingly stout in the first half but returned to form after intermission. Oklahoma had the ball for around 20 minutes in the final two quarters. Running back Xavier Robinson totaled 115 yards rushing and averaged 7.2 yards per carry. Quarterback John Mateer had 80 net yards on the ground and the UT defense staff and players never figured out how to keep him bottled up in the pocket.
The Vols' usually reliable kicker, Max Gilbert, missed a "chip shot" 37-yard field goal in the second quarter, points that Tennessee could have certainly used when making offensive decisions later in the contest. The punting was average at best and a big kick return was no where in sight in this heartbreaking setback.
The bottom line here and in the final analysis, Oklahoma out coached and out played UT and simply put, has a better football team this season.  
Homecoming Up Next
Tennessee will be off this weekend for the second open date of the Fall. The squad can certainly use another two week break to heal lingering injuries that have slowed key players the last three weeks. The Vols will host the New Mexico State Aggies to begin the homestretch of the 2025 regular season. The Volunteers return to conference play the following week with a trip to Florida before hosting the suddenly dangerous Commodores of Vanderbilt. Of course the biggest question mark now is how will this team respond to the spirit shattering loss to the Sooners. Tennessee needs to win out and earn an invitation to a marquee bowl over the holidays. 
BasketVols Ready to Roll
The Tennessee basketball teams are opening regular season play this week after exhibition warmups. Coach Rick Barnes' men played on Monday night and will entertain Northern Kentucky on Saturday.
The Lady Vols have an early test on Tuesday when they travel to challenge North Carolina State in a game that will be televised on ESPN2. On Friday Tennessee will host East Tennessee State. If you feel the urge to see Coach Kim Caldwell's controlled chaos on display, then be in Martin on Sunday afternoon when UT and UTM square off in the Pat Summitt Classic. This event honors the former Martin player and legendary, hall of fame coach of the Lady Volunteers.
Both squads will be working on the rotations because of an influx of transfers and freshmen. The Lady Vols' recruiting class was ranked No. 1 in the nation by one of the recruiting services.
Vol Notes
On Sunday, Coach Caldwell dismissed senior wing Ruby Whitehorn from the squad. Whitehorn had been arrested twice in the last two months. Last week she was stopped at 4:35 in the morning driving and was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

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