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Smokey X, mascot of the Tennessee Volunteers, looking over the Tennessee state flag.

Adrien Terricabras • The Daily Beacon

Team 121 Football Guide

Volume 134 Issue 2

utdailybeacon.com @utkdailybeacon

Thursday, August 31, 2017

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FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

THE DAILY BEACON STAFF

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Alex Holcomb Managing Editor: Rob Harvey Chief Copy Editor: Nick Karrick Engagement Editor: Rrita Hashani News Editor: Annie Tieu Asst. News Editor: Kylie Hubbard Arts & Culture Editor: Allie Clouse Sports Editor: Tyler Wombles Asst. Sports Editor: Damichael Cole Digital Producer: Bryce Bible Asst. Digital Producer: Mary Hallie Sterling Opinions Editor: Morgan Schneider Photo Editors: Emily Gowder, Adrien Terricabras Design Editors: Laurel Cooper, Lauren Mayo

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Two days in my life stand out apart from the others.

They stand in my memory as the two experiences that forged a new passion for me.

The first was on a Saturday in late November. The Vols were facing the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium in the program’s first game since firing head coach Derek Dooley. Jim Chaney led the team that day as the interim head coach.

It was both the first Tennessee football game that I ever attended and my birthday

(the experience was part of my gift from my mother). The air was cold, and the 2012 Vols were battered after fighting through another disastrous season under Dooley.

But I had the time of my life.

The second day was during the spring of 2013. Butch Jones was conducting his first Orange and White Game as the Vols’ head coach, and I had tickets that allowed me to tour the locker room and sit in the skybox during the scrimmage.

Once again, I had the time of my life.

Those two days stirred in me a love of college football in general. I have been an addict ever since.

Now, as Butch Jones embarks on his fifth season at the helm, we will at last have the

answers to the myriad of questions that have plagued Rocky Top since last year’s Music City Bowl.

Who will start at quarterback? Will the Vols finally win the SEC East after two years of expectations? Can Tennessee notch a consecutive win against the Florida Gators?

I can’t wait to find out. I’m excited to share this season with every one of you and to fulfill that passion that began in me on those two days, one that is only satisfied when the stadium lights come on.

It is football time in Tennessee.

Trying to stop the Rambling Wreck Tyler Wombles

Sports Editor When Tennessee faces the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Atlanta on Sept. 4, it will be matching up against one of the most foreign rosters and schemes on the schedule since Butch Jones took over the Vols in 2013.

Georgia Tech makes up for a non-inspiring roster with an offensive attack that is straight out of the days of Roger Staubach. The Yellow Jackets’ option offense is only run by a handful of other teams in the NCAA. But, head coach Paul Johnson has found success with the Yellow Jackets during his nineyear career. Georgia Tech has finished above .500 three of the last four seasons and defeated Kentucky in the Taxslayer Bowl to conclude their most recent campaign.

Jones has stated repeatedly that his program has worked diligently on defending Georgia Tech’s offense and moving the ball on its defense.

But, will those statements hold water come Sept. 4?

Offense: Georgia Tech attacks opposing defenses with one of the most unique offenses in college football: the triple-option, run with the flexbone formation.

The triple-option utilizes multiple choices for the quarterback to get the ball to on every play. The traditional triple-option play features a read in which the quarterback can either hand the ball off to his fullback or keep it himself.

Afterwards, he has a choice of pitching the ball to his wingback or, yet again, keeping it himself.

Justin Thomas ran the offense effectively the past few seasons, but the Yellow Jackets will be breaking in a new signal caller for the 2017 campaign.

Redshirt junior Matthew Jordan served as

Thomas’ primary backup last season and has a chance to be the starter this year. Jordan started one game in 2016 but played in nine total, going 3-of-9 passing for 111 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Jordan ran for 243 yards on 65 attempts, as most Georgia Tech quarterbacks run the ball more than they throw it.

Others competing for the job are junior Taquon Marshall and redshirt freshmen Lucas Johnson and Jay Jones.

“Matt Jordan and Taquon Marshall are both excellent runners,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said. “Jordan’s more of an interior runner and Taquon’s a former running back that they made a quarterback.”

The Yellow Jackets made waves several weeks ago when it was announced that last season’s leading rusher, Dedrick Mills, had been dismissed from the team. Mills ran for 771 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2016.

Redshirt junior Clinton Lynch, redshirt senior J.J. Green and redshirt junior Qua Searcy will look to pick up the slack left by Mills’ departure this season.

“Searcy and those guys at the slot are all really good,” Shoop said. “J.J. Green transferred from Georgia … (Lynch) averages 11 yards a carry and averages 30 yards a reception.”

“That’s got my attention. I promise you.”

Defense: The Yellow Jackets utilize a 4-2-5 defensive scheme as their base defense. The set features four defensive linemen and two linebackers that typically patrol inside the box, while five defensive backs roam the outside.

The defensive scheme is often used by coaches in an attempt to contain an offense’s passing game while also adequately defending the run with four down linemen. And the Yellow Jackets have plenty of returning players that have shown they can defend the pass.

Defensive back Corey Griffin returns for his redshirt senior season after leading the team in tackles in 2016 with 82. Junior A.J. Gray, also

a defensive back, finished third in tackles last season with 72.

Senior defensive back Lance Austin grabbed three interceptions last year, as did his twin brother and fellow DB, Lawrence Austin.

Defensive tackle Desmond Branch disrupted the offensive line during Georgia Tech’s spring game. Defensive end Antonio Simmons notched three tackles for a loss in that scrimmage too.

First-year Tennessee offensive coordinator Larry Scott has worked on preparing his offense to face the Yellow Jackets’ defense during fall camp. He stressed the importance of seeing how his players react to the matchup against Georgia Tech in Atlanta, as that defense will be the first his offense plays against this season.

“Football’s one of those deals when first games are always interesting,” Scott said. “You never really have a good gauge because you’re constantly, as a coach, evaluating … Finally you get to that game one.”

“It’s a discovery project for us, too, because we’re going to find out where we are.”

Special Teams: Last season, Harrison Butker made 15 of his 17 field goal attempts and connected on all 46 extra points. Punter Ryan Rodwell ranked fourth in the ACC with 43.1 yards per punt and had 14 kicks downed inside the opponents’ 20 yard line.

Both players are no longer on the roster due to graduation.

The Yellow Jackets have kickers Brenton King, Bennett Barton and Shawn Davis, punter Pressley Harvin III and kicker/punter Shea Underwood on the roster for 2017. Whether or not they can replicate their predecessors’ success has yet to be determined.

J.J. Green and Brad Stewart served as the team’s primary returners last season. Green returned 14 kickoffs for 345 yards and one touchdown, while Stewart returned back 11 punts for 126 yards.

FOOTBALLGUIDE

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • The Daily Beacon

Season Predictions

Coming into this season, Team 121 is a mystery and expectations are all over the place.

The Vols lost six players to the NFL draft in addition to several other reliable contributors from a very talented roster last season.

This season, there are many more questions surrounding the team at several position groups, including the all-important quarterback position. Much of the team’s success will depend on what either Quinten Dormady or Jarrett Guarantano can do under center.

With that being said, there are many talented backups who will now be able to showcase their abilities. The defensive line should be stronger this season if healthy, and several experienced players will return to the linebacking core.

So how will this team project this season?

The SEC West draw of LSU and Alabama is the toughest of all SEC East teams and Florida and Georgia are usually close calls. Those are the four losses I’m predicting the Vols to finish with as they prepare for a bowl game with an 8-4 record.

Going to play at Kentucky could also be a potential trap game if the Vols manage to split the Florida and Georgia games.

With a very young and unproven roster, it’s simply a tall task to ask this team to motor through one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Damichael Cole,

Asst. Sports Editor

Many pundits, including myself, thought last year would be the year for Butch Jones to take this Tennessee team to the top of the SEC East.

The team featured a veteran roster loaded with talent and leadership. Jones’ recent recruiting has been fantastic, and it appeared that everything was heading in the right direction.

Then Texas A&M happened, and nothing has been quite the same since then.

The aura surrounding this team hasn’t been this diverse in years.

Some see Tennessee rebounding from a disappointing finish while others expect these Volunteers to take a fairly large step back.

My expectations?

They will finish the regular season with an 8-4 record, while having some impressive victories thrown in the mix.

Tennessee will fall to Georgia Tech in the season opener, simply due to the fact that this is a newer roster and the Yellow Jackets’ offense has proven difficult to defend.

With that being said, the likes of Indiana State, UMass, Southern Miss, Missouri and Vanderbilt will be disposed of rather quickly.

They’ll beat Florida and Kentucky; however, Georgia, Alabama and LSU will prove to be too much — handing the Volunteers their final three losses on the season.

Uncertainty looms, but the one question remains: How big of a hot seat will Butch Jones be on when this year concludes?

Last year was supposed to be the year.

It was supposed to be the season that the Vols finally lived up to the expectations created by Butch Jones’ recruiting feats and won the SEC East, notching a spot in the SEC Championship and maybe even a College Football Playoff berth.

Needless to say, it didn’t happen.

This season, the Vols will be entering play with an almost totally scattered set of expectations from media and fans everywhere. Some have Tennessee rebounding off of 2016 and showing improvement; others, not so much.

My prediction?

The Vols will notch an 8-4 record, which would be an identical mark to last year’s regular season. Three of the four losses will come against SEC opponents.

Tennessee will lose their season opener to Georgia Tech, who features a tricky option-attack offense that is tough to defend.

Indiana State, UMass, Southern Miss, Missouri and Vanderbilt will prove no contest and be easy wins for the Vols. They will defeat Florida for the second time in a row, but Georgia (my predicted SEC East Champion), Alabama and LSU will give Tennessee its other three losses on the year.

The biggest question is: how will Tennessee fans react to another eight-win regular season?

Cory Sanning, Staff Writer

Tyler Wombles, Sports Editor

3

4

FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

Kelly motivating teammates as opener nears Tyler Wombles

Sports Editor The articles have been written, and the stories have been told on John Kelly.

The junior running back became a Tennessee fan favorite last season due to his likable personality and on-field performance after starting the year as a third-string player.

This offseason, Kelly has remained the focus of media and fans alike as he prepares for his first campaign as a full time starter. But it isn’t enough for him.

Kelly, like his teammates, is ready to get the season started.

“I can definitely assure you that we are ready, more than ready (to play in an actual game),” Kelly said during media availability on Friday, Aug. 25. “We’ve been competing a lot this camp and just in practices and in the weight room.

“I can definitely say that our guys are ready to go out there and go against somebody other than ourselves because we go at it on the field and off the field. It’s going to be something good to see.”

One of Kelly’s signature traits is the way that he attempts to motivate teammates during

practices.

Whether it’s with his position group, where he is mentoring younger running backs such as freshmen Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan, or even on the defensive side of the field, Kelly works to instill confidence in his peers.

“I’m just trying to motivate everybody and keep everybody positive and just provide some positive energy,” Kelly said. “If it’s the defensive guys, the offensive guys, the coaches, specialists, everybody… I’m just trying to motivate them and make sure everybody got a positive attitude going out there in practice.”

It’s nothing new to senior offensive lineman Jason Robertson. He doesn’t feel that Kelly has changed his approach with his teammates since arriving on campus two years ago.

“With John Kelly, there’s not much new,” Robertson said. “He is the same guy since he has been here, not as far as his play goes, but just his personality. He is just very enthusiastic, constantly being vocal, talking to the o-line, quarterbacks, whoever it is, and just trying to keep everybody up during practice.”

Kelly ran for 630 yards and five touchdowns on 98 carries in 2016. He also caught six passes for 51 yards.

He played in 12 total games and started in Tennessee’s 55-0 defeat of FCS opponent

just trying to motivate everybody “andI’mkeep everybody positive and just provide some positive energy. ” John Kelly, running back Tennessee Tech.

Against the Golden Eagles, Kelly rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown on seven carries.

In an offense that will be breaking in a new quarterback and several young wide receivers, Kelly will likely be the workhorse that many predicted him to be. His tough, physical running style could be used to wear out opponents down the stretch.

Despite the offense’s young look, Kelly expressed excitement for what the team can accomplish on that side of the ball, especially with the help of first-year offensive coordinator Larry Scott.

“I thank Coach Scott for giving all of us a chance to make plays,” Kelly said. “He’s going

to give everybody a chance to be a playmaker because we’ve got some good playmakers on the offensive side… Everybody’s even waiting.

So, it’s going to be a good one.”

When the season kicks off and the Vols face off against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 in Atlanta, one thing is for certain: Kelly will not change his approach, even though the practice field has now given way to the game field.

He will still be the same Kelly, the one whose story has been told time and time again this offseason.

“It’s the same (in games),” Kelly said. “I don’t change up. Definitely I’m not going to change. It’s more motivation and encouraging though.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • The Daily Beacon

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FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

TEAM 121 DEPTH CHART SPECIAL TEAMS PUNTER 93 Trevor Daniel

KICKER 25 Aaron Medley 30 Brent Cimaglia

HOLDER 31 Parker Henry

PUNT RETURNER 1 Marquez Callaway

KICK RETURNER 29 Evan Berry 22 Micah Abernathy

LONGSNAPPER 46 Riley Lovingood 52 Elijah Medford

DEFENSE

LCB 8 Justin Martin

NB 7 Rashaan Gaulden

SS 18 Nigel Warrior

WLB 20 Cortez McDowell

MLB 53 Colton Jumper

SLB 11 Austin Smith

LE 1 Jonathan Kongbo

DT 39 Kendal Vickers

DT 99 Kahil McKenzie

RE 19 Darrell Taylor

RCB 12 Emmanuel Moseley

OFFENSE WR LT 15 Jauan Jennings 51 Drew Richmond

LG C 66 Jack Jones 75 Jashon Robertson 50 Venzell Boulware

TE 82 Ethan Wolf

RG 73Trey Smith

QB 12 Quinten Dormandy 4 Jarrett Gurantano TB 4 John Kelly

RT 63 Brett Kendrick

TE 44 Jakob Johnson

WR 8 Latrell Williams 10 Tyler Byrd 25 Josh Smith

WR 5 Josh Palmer 7 Brandon Johnson

7

Vols Positional Breakdown Damichael Cole

Asst, Sports Editor

Entering the 2017 football season, there are many unknowns on the Tennessee roster.

The Vols are returning seven starters on offense and six on defense, but they lost some very productive players in key positions.

Each position on the depth chart this year presents some questions, some more than others.

Let’s break down each position for the Vols going into the 2017 season.

KICKOFF 25 Aaron Medley

FS 24 Todd Kelly 22 Micah Abernathy

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • The Daily Beacon

Quarterback: The quarterback position is the most important, most popular and most heavily scrutinized position on the football field and the Vols have yet to name a starter.

However, the team seems to be in pretty good shape at this position.

Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano are both locked in a tight competition, but this should be looked at as a blessing more than a curse.

Dormady impressed the fanbase with his performance in the Orange and White spring game. He was a perfect 10-10 on passing attempts for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Guarantano has been praised for his athleticism, as he was one of the most highly recruited dual-threat quarterbacks in his class.

The Vols will have two quarterbacks who are capable of playing quality football, and if one struggles, the other will likely see playing time.

Running Back: Tennessee lost two running backs from last season, but they have a starter who’s ready to step in.

John Kelly came on strong in the second half of last season and ended the season rushing for 630 yards and adding five touchdowns.

Behind Kelly, there is a lot of uncertainty at the position.

Carlin Fils-Aime is returning and could receive a larger role. Last season, Fils-Aime received just 14 carries but found the end-zone twice.

The Vols also have three freshman running backs in the 2017 class: Tim Jordan, Trey Coleman and Ty Chandler. According to the coaches, all are expected to contribute this season.

Of the three, Chandler was the more heralded recruit, but Jordan was the first to get his stripe removed.

Expect Kelly to get the bulk of the carries and a young back or two to emerge as solid contributors behind him.

Wide Receiver: The wide receiver position

is shaping up to be a very competitive position with a lot of expected contributors.

Jauan Jennings is the unquestioned number one receiver. Jennings is destined for a big season.

Brandon Johnson, Marquez Calloway and Jeff George should also receive substantial playing time this season. Johnson was complimented by cornerback Justin Martin as being one of the toughest wide receivers to guard on the team.

In the slot, Tyler Byrd and Josh Smith should see most of the playing time behind Latrell Williams.

Of the four freshman wide receivers from the 2017 signing class, head coach Butch Jones has said that Jordan Murphy and Josh Palmer will see game action this season.

Tight End: The tight end unit will be led by Ethan Wolf this season.

Wolf returns this season with three consecutive seasons of over 20 receptions and four career touchdown catches.

Behind Wolf, the Vols don’t have much experience at the position.

Eli Wolf and Jakob Johnson have combined for three catches in their careers so far, so they will have a better opportunity to increase their totals.

Freshman tight end LaTrell Bumphus has also come in and impressed his unit, being the first offensive player to have his stripes removed.

Offensive Line: The offensive line has yet to name a set starting five, but there are several candidates who could see a lot of playing time this season.

Projected starting right tackle Chance Hall was lost in the preseason to an injury, so that opened up a position battle.

In camp, the line has dealt with injuries, but they are slowly starting to sort it out.

Jashon Robertson has been seeing a lot of playing time at center recently, but veteran Coleman Thomas has started 27 games at center in his career.

At tackle, Drew Richmond, Marcus Tatum and Brett Kendrick are battling for the two starting spots. Richmond and Kendrick both have starting experience from last season.

Tatum caught the eyes of coaches in camp and is really looking like a threat to grab a starting tackle spot.

Guard is a tough position to gauge, but the picture is clearer there than it is on the rest of the offensive line. Jack Jones has started seven games in his first two seasons and will likely grab one of the guard spots for his junior season.

The other guard spot will likely go to

freshman Trey Smith or sophomore Venzell Boulware. Boulware is the more experienced of the two, starting three games as a redshirt freshman. Smith was one of the top recruits in the 2017 class and will likely see playing time as well.

Defensive Line: After losing the program’s all-time sack leader, the defensive line will be looking for players to step up this season.

Brady Hoke has said that he wants to rotate up to 10 defensive lineman this season, but the team isn’t there yet.

The defensive end rotation has four guys who have received most of the buzz through camp. Darrell Taylor, Kyle Phillips, Jonathan Kongbo and Deandre Johnson are four defensive ends you can expect to see this season.

While the foursome only have a combined three starts, they are expected to get to the quarterback in the second year of defensive coordinator Bob Shoop’s system.

At defensive tackle, the biggest question mark is health.

Kendal Vickers has been an ironman, starting in 26 consecutive games, but behind him there are questions.

Kahlil McKenzie is healthy now, but he missed the final six games of last season due to injury.

Shy Tuttle is another defensive tackle who missed a lot of time last season. The coaches are slowly working Tuttle back in; Hoke stated that he has been looking better.

Behind those three are more options, but this is where Hoke will look to build his depth.

Quay Picou has been battling the injury bug lately and Alexis Johnson has been slowly coming along.

Freshman defensive tackles Matthew Butler, Kivon Bennett and Eric Crosby could help Hoke reach his 10-man rotation, but based on Hoke’s comments, they don’t appear ready for game action just yet.

Linebacker: In Shoop’s system, the linebacker position is very important, and he has depth to work with this season.

In the middle, projected starter Darrin Kirkland Jr. will be sidelined for an undisclosed amount of time, but they have experience behind him.

Colton Jumper started seven games last season, and Daniel Bituli saw a lot of time on special teams.

Another player who will likely see some time at linebacker is freshman Will Ignont, who has received rave reviews from players and coaches all throughout camp.

At weak-side linebacker, senior Cortez McDowell looks poised to grab the spot vacated by NFL draft pick Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

While he has only appeared in six games in his career, Quart’e Sapp looks like he will contribute at weak-side linebacker as well.

Defensive Back: A lot of eyes will be on the defensive backs this season, in particular the cornerback position.

After last season, many people were concerned about the depth at this position, but the coaches have added some players who will likely fill key roles.

Seniors Justin Martin and Emmanuel Moseley will return this season, but there isn’t much experience behind them.

However, the Vols did gain a graduate transfer from Louisville. Shaq Wiggins is a guy that brings over 20 games of starting experience to Tennessee, and he has also played at a high level while doing so. Wiggins earned an AllACC honorable mention as a sophomore at Louisville.

Sophomore Marquill Osborne played in 11 games last season but saw most of his action on special teams.

Freshman cornerbacks Cheyenne Labruzza and Shawn Shamburger have impressed teammates and coaches. Both players have had their stripes removed and will likely see some kind of action this season.

Rashaan Gaulden, who finished third on the team in tackles last season, will look to pick up where he left off last season at the nickel back position. Baylen Buchanon also saw time at the position last season, including one start.

To keep it simple, the Vols are very deep at safety. They have four players who received significant playing time last season. They also have a talented freshman who fans should expect to see.

Todd Kelly Jr. and Micah Abernathy, last year’s top two leading tacklers, return to the safeties unit as they’ll look to continue to get even better.

Nigel Warrior and Evan Berry also return to the safety position, giving them four safeties with valuable experience.

The starters at this position aren’t exactly set in stone. Warrior has been called “a physical freak” by teammates and even got one start last season as a true freshman.

Theo Jackson was the first guy on defense to have his stripes removed and has been a pleasant surprise. Teammates and coaches expect him to see playing time this season.

As a whole, the secondary does have holes that need to be filled, so it will be interesting to see who will fill those gaps.

Read more at utdailybeacon.com.

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FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

Tennessee adds four to Senior Bowl Watch List Staff Report The 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List was announced on Aug. 24, and four Tennessee seniors made the cut.

Defensive back Todd Kelly Jr., kick returner Evan Berry, punter Trevor Daniel and tight end Ethan Wolf were included on the list.

Kelly played in 12 games in 2016 and recorded a team-high 71 tackles. The safety also notched 2 tackles for loss including one sack, two interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble.

Kelly has the most career interceptions of any current Tennessee player (8) and was named to the 2017 Lott IMPACT Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy watch lists. He also received a nomination to the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Berry was named an Athlon Preseason AllAmerican this summer and to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team in August.

After a sophomore season in which he notched a 38.3 yard kick return average and garnered All-American honors by Sports Illustrated, Walter Camp and Sporting News, Berry averaged 32.9 yards per return his junior

year.

Berry holds a Tennessee-record 34.2 yards per return average. That mark is also the best average by any current player in the NCAA, regardless of division. He needs just 177 yards to break Willie Gault’s 1,854 program record.

Also named to the preseason watch list for the 2017 Ray Guy Award, which is given annually to the best punter in the nation, Daniel was included on the Preseason All-SEC Team.

He averaged 44.6 yards per punt in 2016 and downed 28 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Daniel also notched 21 punts of 50 yards or more.

Wolf, also included in the Mackey Award Watch List for his second consecutive season, caught 21 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns last season. He is fifth in Tennessee history in receiving by tight ends, having recorded 67 receptions for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

Only Luke Stocker (956) and Jason Witten (797) accumulated more yards in their tight end careers at Tennessee than Wolf.

The Vols have had over 120 total players play in the Senior Bowl since 1951. Steve DeLong (1965), Alvin Harper (1991), Charlie Garner (1994), Erik Ainge (2008) and Robert Ayers (2009) were named MVPs of their respective games.

Sophomore Evan Berry runs for a touchdown during the game against Kentucky. • File photo Two Tennessee players were included in the 2017 Senior Bowl. Quarterback Josh Dobbs and cornerback Cameron Sutton both played

with the South Team, and both were drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft.

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PUZZLES&GAMES

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • The Daily Beacon

9

STR8TS No. 1022

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9 7

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3

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41 Sound of reproach 42 It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recorded in a walk-off win 44 First female speaker of the House 46 Chuck of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meet the Pressâ&#x20AC;?

47 Louisa May Alcottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Boysâ&#x20AC;?

49 Erelong 50 Frequently going from one post to another 55 Christmas ornament, e.g.

57 Puts in a box 61 Evangelize â&#x20AC;Ś or what this puzzleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circled squares do?

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65 Enthusiastic response to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who wants dessert?â&#x20AC;?

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67 Gen ___ 68 Like emotions just after a tragedy 69 Craft company with a 2015 I.P.O.

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No. 1022

6

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD â&#x20AC;˘ Will Shortz

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts, Sudoku and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store at www.str8ts.com

16 He said that ambient music â&#x20AC;&#x153;must be as ignorable as it is interestingâ&#x20AC;?

17 Was loved by 20 ZoĂŤ of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Avatarâ&#x20AC;?

21 Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy, say 22 Know-it-all 25 Jasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vessel, in myth 28 Underside of an 8-Down 29 Giga- x 1,000 32 No holds ___ 35 Captain Nemoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vessel 38 Oral health org.

39 Comment after a fortuitous happening

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE F R O D O

W O O H O O

P L A N E

E A G E R

A R N O L D

A I R T R A G A V A X E Y E L

S A B I E M A N Z O N I S T E D T L E S O F L O W A N I T Y N A A I C O S T O R S B B Y C E R A L I S L A T

O O F S O D

A R L O

E V E L K N I E V E L D E E M

N D A S H A U N T E V E N P A E A R C A U S O O D L E N N S E D S H O S H E D L E N E S A B R P O B O Y A B B Y R I G G T N A P S G N A

D R I E S E A S E S Y E T

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DOWN 1 ___ Club 2 Defendantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry 3 Shortening for a bibliographer 4 House of Elizabeth II 5 The Hartford competitor 6 Note in the E major scale 7 Fly through, as a test 8 Houndâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;handâ&#x20AC;?

9 Nuisance in an online comments section 10 Shopping trip one may later regret 11 Variety show host of 1951-71 12 Cost to get in 13 Emotional state

18 Highlanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headwear

40 Title canine in a Stephen King book

19 Milk: Prefix

43 Baked brick

23 What gives you the right to bare arms?

45 Chef Emeril

24 â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will come ___ â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

48 Is a leadfoot

25 Toward the rear

51 ___ House (Washington landmark)

26 NPR segment?

52 Ibsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Gablerâ&#x20AC;?

27 One voting to indict or not

53 Gold standard?

30 Model-turnedactress Rene 31 Welcome at the front door 33 Certain office desk setup

54 Pvt.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superior 55 Vitamin whose name rhymes with a car engine 56 Chapel recess 58 Dustup

34 Hip-hopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kris Kross 59 Dr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders 60 Knock dead at the or OutKast comedy club 36 Call balls and strikes, informally 37 End of August?

62 Haul on a U-Haul 63 Rush

10

FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

Shoop, Vols look for better defensive play in 2017 Tyler Wombles

Sports Editor 2016 didn’t go as expected for Defensive Coordinator Bob Shoop and the Tennessee defense.

After leaving Penn State to become the defensive coordinator for the Vols, many fans expressed excitement that Shoop would increase the productivity of Tennessee’s defense to make a run at the SEC East title.

Instead, the Vols produced the second-worst regular season defensive performance in program history, allowing 536 yards per game, including 4,288 yards against SEC opponents, the most conference yards ever given up by Tennessee.

Now entering the 2017 season, Shoop is working to improve his defensive performance in his second year as coordinator. Part of that improvement includes having a deep roster, as the Vols struggled last year when players were injured.

“Defense is a little different than offense,” Shoop said during media availability on Friday, Aug. 25. “A lot of guys play no matter what (on defense), so we feel like we’ve got a pretty

good two-deep right now and maybe even then some. The guys have all practiced well.

“It’s been very, very competitive, so that’s positive.”

With competition at the various defensive positions yielding a deep rotation, Shoop is stressing to his veteran players that the better results lessening playing time could yield is better in the long run.

“You just have to look back to last year,” Shoop said. “We had so many injures that I think it benefits to play more guys…We’ve really tried to show them the benefit of them playing less snaps, yet being more productive.

And I think if it’s for the benefit of the team, I think the players have all taken the teamfirst approach and that’s something I’ve really enjoyed about this Team 121.”

One of those position groups that are being affected by young competition is the defensive backs, where Shoop sees sophomore Nigel Warrior as a potential impact player.

“Nigel had a great winter, great spring and a really good summer and camp and has arguably been one of our best players,” Shoop said. “I feel very comfortable with the safety position with him and TK (Todd Kelly Jr.) and Micah (Abernathy), Evan (Berry) and Theo Jackson.

I think we pretty solid depth at the safety posi-

tion.

“But Nigel’s had an exceptional camp …

They’re all important games, but I know the opportunity to play in Atlanta is a big game for him, and I think he’ll do well.”

Shoop’s unit will be tested right out of the gate when the Vols face Georgia Tech in Atlanta for the season opener. The Yellow Jackets run a triple-option offense that can pose glaring problems for a defense if the Vols are not properly prepared for it.

While Shoop has coached against the tripleoption before, he also has aid in other members of the coaching staff.

Defensive backs coach/special teams coordinator Charlton Warren is a former assistant for the Air Force Falcons, who run the triple-option themselves (Air Force also played Georgia Tech while Warren was there) and defensive line coach Brady Hoke has experience coaching against the system.

“I think really it’s not more lean-on as it has been a collaborative effort among the three heads (Shoop, Warren and Hoke) because we’ve all dealt with the triple-option at a lengthy point of our careers,” Warren said during the same media availability.

With his young roster and deep, competitive rotation, Shoop and the Vols will strive for this

season to be a vast improvement over the past one, starting week one.

“I’ve actually enjoyed (preparing for Georgia Tech),” Shoop said. “You talk about the early stages of film watching. That was in February.

We’re in the late stages of film watch now. We’re just kind of finalizing the game plan.

“ We’ve really tried to show them the benefit of them playing less snaps, yet being more productive. And I think if it’s for the benefit of the team, I think the players have all taken the team-first approach and that’s something I’ve really enjoyed about this Team 121.”

Bob Shoop, Defensive Coordinator

FOOTBALL GUIDE

Thursday, August 31, 2017 • The Daily Beacon

11

2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 09/04 09/09 09/16 09/23 09/30 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/04 11/11 11/18 11/25

Georgia Tech Indiana St. Florida UMass Georgia South Carolina Alabama Kentucky Southern Mississippi Missouri LSU Vanderbilt

The Tennessee Volunteers during football practice in Neyland Stadium.

Adrien Terricabras • The Daily Beacon

12

FOOTBALLGUIDE

The Daily Beacon • Thursday, August 31, 2017

2017

FOOTBALL PICK ‘EM

Alex Holcomb - Editor in Chief Tennessee 35 vs. Georgia Tech 28 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs. NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State

Nick Karrick - Chief Copy Editor Tennessee 24 vs. Georgia Tech 16 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs. NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State

Damichael Cole - Asst. Sports Editor Tennessee 34 vs. Georgia Tech 24 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs. NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State

Tyler Wombles - Sports Editor Tennessee 38 vs. Georgia Tech 41 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs. NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State

Rob Harvey - Managing Editor Tennessee 38 vs. Georgia Tech 28 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs.NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State

Kylie Hubbard - Asst. News Editor Tennessee 28 vs. Georgia Tech 14 Florida vs. Michigan South Carolina vs. NC State Georgia vs. Appalachian State Kentucky vs. Southern Miss Vanderbilt vs. Middle Tennessee Missouri vs. Missouri State