Wednesday, October 12, 2022

THIRD SATURDAY PREVIEW

FEELS LIKE

‘06

Undefeated Vols hope to turn tide on 15 years of loss to Alabama

The Daily Beacon

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Volume 142, Issue 7

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Wednesday, October 12, 2022

| @utkdailybeacon

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

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Sports Editor: David, Goliath and Vols’ possible route to CFP

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ANDREW PETERS Sports Editor

As of two weeks ago, I am the Sports Editor for The Daily Beacon.

There is a lot of pride that comes with that title, as some great writers have held this position before me, including Tim Vacek, who gave me my start in journalism at Bearden High School, Ryan Schumpert, my first editor at the Beacon and current Vols beat writer for Rocky Top Insider, and, of course, Josh Lane, my friend and former colleague who is now bringing you all the latest in Blount County sports as well as covering Tennessee sports over at The Daily Times.

A little bit about me: I joined the Beacon my sophomore year and covered softball later that year. My junior year I covered Tennessee soccer’s SEC title run and the Lady Vols’ Sweet 16 season in the winter. I covered Tennessee baseball’s historic season and wrote more game stories about the Vols winning than I could’ve ever imagined, and now I’m covering football.

Being on the football beat has been a great experience and I am excited to continue covering it for the rest of the season. And don’t look now, but basketball season is less than a month away.

I’ve already learned a lot in my first couple of weeks on the job – mainly how much more work Josh did than me. It is a hard but rewarding job, but I am grateful that I was prepared well for it by past editors and now feel ready to lead the Beacon sports staff for the next semester and a half.

But I feel half as confident in myself as I do in the rest of the staff here at the Beacon. Our sports writers are eager to bring the university the best sports coverage possible, and they are already killing it. They make stepping into this job much easier.

If you’ve stepped foot on campus anytime in the past month or so, you know that there’s a certain feeling going around – something in the air. What is that something in the air? A good football team.

Current Tennessee students have never experienced a good football team while on campus.

Current seniors saw Jeremy Pruitt put together a decent season their freshman year, and then experienced the worst Tennessee football season ever along with Pruitt’s fast downfall in 2020.

Last season, Josh Heupel gave fans the hope they needed with a solid first season, and that leads us to where we are now.

The defense of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 24, 2022. Nolan Keesee / Contributor As I walked from Neyland Stadium to my house in Fort Sanders after Tennessee’s win over rival Florida in late September, I thought to myself, “Is this Tennessee team legit?” The answer I came to was maybe.

Then two weeks later, the Vols marched into Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and made a fool of LSU, 40-13. I asked myself the same question as before but this time my answer was yes, this team is legit.

How legit? Legit enough to have a chance against Alabama.

Alabama has dominated Tennessee for the last 15 years. Not only have the Crimson Tide beat the Vols every year since 2006, they have flat out dominated Tennessee. Every year it’s a David and Goliath story, but Goliath comes out on top time and time again.

But now, David — the Vols — have a chance.

Alabama is still the powerhouse it has been for years, but it has struggled more than normal.

A close call in Texas against the Longhorns left the Crimson Tide looking mortal, and last week Texas A&M was a few yards away from defeating Alabama.

It seems like Alabama is due for a loss, and Tennessee is the team to do it.

The Vols are a 7.5-point underdog, but that number could change depending on a few key players’ health statuses, the big ones being Tide quarterback Bryce Young and Vols’ receiver Cedric Tillman.

Tennessee matches up well with Alabama on paper. Its offense will have to shine, of course, and its defense will have to have a game like it did against LSU, and there needs to be minimal mistakes, but that’s a given when you’re playing a top team in the country.

As for the off-the-field factors, Tennessee fans will be in full effect on Saturday. The atmosphere at Florida was already insane, and now Tennessee has another ranked win under its belt as the Tide come to town. This will also be the first time two top-10 teams have played in Neyland Stadium since 1998. Not to mention ESPN’s College GameDay, SEC Nation and a handful of other shows will be in Knoxville, just to add to the hype surrounding the game.

Every fan in the country hopes that their presence will make a difference in a game, and for

Tennessee fans, they have proved time and time again that they can make a difference. Baker Mayfield, former Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman winner, called Tennessee “a different type of loud” after the Sooners came to Knoxville in 2015. Other quarterbacks have talked about how it was hard to call out plays over screaming Vol fans. Alabama head coach Nick Saban has to be nervous for his players – especially the ones playing in Neyland for the first time.

My last point on this game: I talked to Alabama’s The Crimson White sports editor Austin Hannon this week about the game, and he told me how fans and students genuinely feel nervous heading into the game. For Tennessee fans, that alone should be enough to instill some confidence heading into Saturday.

I want to mention the College Football Playoff briefly. If Tennessee wins the game on Saturday, it will be in the CFP conversation. If the Vols lose, they can still be in the conversation. The great part about having such a difficult schedule is that it gives you room to lose.

Here is my more likely scenario and less likely scenario for Tennessee making the CFP. Likely scenario: Tennessee defeats Alabama and loses to Georgia. The Vols would have to win every other game too, but that doesn’t seem like a problem at this point. Then, Georgia would have to lose the SEC Championship game to Alabama. After that, it would be up to the CFP Committee to make a decision on which team is most fit – or maybe we would even see three SEC teams in the CFP. Less likely scenario: Tennessee loses to Alabama, defeats Georgia and wins all the games in between. The Vols are probably not going to beat Georgia on its home field, but there is a chance, of course. In this scenario, Tennessee would go to the SEC Championship, where it could probably afford to lose to Alabama again, but a win would be ideal.

Both of the scenarios have a lot of factors I’m not discussing as well. Tennessee could have a fluke loss to Missouri, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, etc.

We also will have to see how Lane Kiffin finishes out the season down in Mississippi.

So Vol fans, don’t buy your ticket just yet, but know that a CFP appearance is not at all unrealistic.

SPORTS

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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Tennessee prepares for litmus test against Alabama ANDREW PETERS Sports Editor

College football coaches often emphasize how they prepare for each game the same, regardless of the opponent. But does that change when rival Alabama comes into town? Not for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s squad.

“We look at it as a one-week season,” quarterback Hendon Hooker said. “So this is our championship game.”

It might be a metaphorical championship game for the Vols, but for Vol fans, the Alabama game might as well be the championship game.

This year’s contest between No. 6 Tennessee (5-0, 2-0 SEC) and No. 3 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) garnishes the most hype in a long time – hype from both fans, and the rest of the nation as ESPN’s College GameDay is returning to Knoxville, along with SEC Nation.

Hooker and his team aren’t letting the noise get in the way of preparation though. They know their task at hand and have blinders on focusing on practice and preparation.

“We really just take it as a grain of salt,” Hooker said. “Not getting too high, not getting too low, just staying even keeled and make sure we’re doing our job every day.”

The Alabama game is different this year.

Most games in the Vols’ 15-year losing streak have looked like Alabama as a double-digit favorite and the Vols hoping to go in and pull off an upset. Not this year though.

There’s a reason Tennessee is now in the same conversation as teams like Alabama and Georgia, and it’s because of the work Heupel and company have done in the last two seasons.

“The expectations that we should be concerned about are our own expectations,” Heupel said. “The reason our kids have gotten and continue to build and get better is because they’ve paid attention to the things that matter.”

The Crimson Tide is just a 7.5-point favorite and Tennessee has a legitimate shot. This game is a litmus test for the Vols.

Tennessee has already secured big wins at Pittsburgh and LSU along with a home win over Florida. The Vols haven’t seen a beast quite like Alabama though. With Alabama, there is a beast to prepare for on the field while also drowning out the outside noise.

“This week we have to prepare the right way,” Heupel said. “We have to practice well, and the playing part of it will take care of itself.

The outside noise has no bearing on how we play. Let’s go compete and be our best on game day.”

The Vols have a lot going for them heading into Saturday’s game, but one of the biggest things is confidence. Tennessee dominated LSU 40-13 on the road last week, giving the team a big momentum boost right before one of the biggest games of the year.

“I think our players have gained confidence because of the way that they continue to grow and the way they continue to play as much as

anything,” Heupel said. “There are a lot of things that go into that. Our kids have been so much more consistent in their preparation, their habits and getting to kickoff the right way.”

If Tennessee can come out of the game with the win, it will gain more than just bragging

rights. A win will put the Vols in position for a College Football Playoff appearance, something that probably seemed unimaginable for most fans at the beginning of the season.

“Our players have earned the right to be able to get to this point, to play a game like this,” Heupel said.

Tennessee Volunteer head coach Josh Heupel during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Neyland Stadium on Saturday Oct. 9, 2021. Alexandra Ashmore / The Daily Beacon

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Quarterback Hendon Hooker, No. 5 of the Tennessee Volunteers, during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 24, 2022. Nolan Keesee / Contributor

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Looming Legacy The Crimson White’s Sports Editor Austin Hannon previews Tennessee - Alabama ANDREW PETERS Sports Editor

Ahead of No. 6 Tennessee’s biggest game of the season so far against No. 3 Alabama, The Daily Beacon talked with The Alabama Crimson White’s Sports Editor Austin Hannon, who previewed the Crimson Tide heading into Saturday’s matchup.

What is the overall feeling on campus and in the community heading into this game?

“I think a lot of people are afraid that this 15-year streak might be on the line on Saturday. Alabama’s kind of stumbled through the season a little bit, which is not something you can usually say about a Crimson Tide team, but there’s been some close games. Obviously Saturday (vs. Texas A&M) was a close game, albeit without Bryce Young on the field. It’s just not been a satisfying season for Alabama so far. On the other hand, Tennessee has been very satisfying. They’ve already beat Florida, they went on the road and beat LSU last week, so they’ve kind of got everything going for them. So, kind of two teams right now that, I would say one

is kind of underachieving a little bit, the other obviously overachieving. But I think a lot of people at the beginning of the season thought that Tennessee could be in this position come October 15, and here we are.”

Alabama played a tight one last week against Texas A&M, what went wrong in that game?

“They came in 24-point favorites, which made me think that Bryce Young was going to play. We got closer to kickoff Friday night, and of course he wasn’t going to play. The line never moved though, that was a little odd. Milroe obviously started. He’s young. He didn’t perform where Saban and the offensive staff wanted him to, but once again, it was his first start against a – let’s say it – a pretty talented Texas A&M team, even though they’re 3-3.

Turnovers were a problem, four turnovers, three of them were fumbles, and it directly led to Texas A&M’s success. A&M scored 17 of their 20 points off turnovers, so it wasn’t the defense’s fault, they were insanely good Saturday night. It wasn’t a defense thing and it really hasn’t seemed like a defense thing yet. If you go back to the near loss at Texas, the near loss at Texas A&M, it’s kind of been an offensive thing.”

Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) makes a catch over his defender for a 38-yard gain versus the UL Monroe Warhawks on Sept. 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Al. David Gray / Crimson White

Is there any update on Bryce Young’s status? If he can’t play, can Jalen Milroe hold his own against Tennessee?

“We talked to Saban (Monday) morning.

He’s still kind of stuck with the same thing he did last week where he’s not giving too much information. Oddly enough, Bryce Young last game came out in full pads and didn’t play. He went through warmups but didn’t actually participate in throwing the ball before the game on Saturday night. My thought is that Bryce Young is fine and that it was a precautionary thing last week not to play him. In terms of Jalen Milroe having success on the road at Neyland Stadium, I think the chances of Alabama winning this game are very low if Bryce Young doesn’t play. Saban said (Milroe) looked anxious on Saturday, and that was against his own friendly fans at Bryant Denny Stadium. So if Milroe is the quarterback on Saturday, it’s going to be a long four and a half hours for Crimson Tide fans.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge Tennessee presents to Alabama?

“Saban said Tennessee has maybe the best offense in the entire country, and he was serious about that. It’s true. Just watching Tennessee play the last five or six weeks, it starts at the quarterback. Hendon Hooker has been great. It’s crazy to see how far he’s come from last year when it was, was it going to be him or Joe Milton, we didn’t really know. He kind of took over the job, Tennessee ended up having a great season and built up those expectations from this year, and it’s been everything Tennessee fans could have wanted. The receiving core looks great, you’ve got McCoy, Tillman, Hyatt. That’s a handful to deal with. You’ve got a great offensive line. I think Tennessee’s running back room is not talked about nearly

“People are afraid that this 15- year streak might be on the line Saturday.”

AUSTIN HANNON Sports Editor, The Crimson White

as much obviously, but they’ve got a bunch of good running backs in there with Small and Wright. Tennessee’s offense is going to be a big handful, but Alabama’s defense has been great so it’s going to be a who can stop who kind of battle, and we’ll see who gets the upper hand between the Alabama defense and the Tennessee offense.”

On the flip side, what do you think Alabama is going to do well in this game?

“It depends who plays, right? If Bryce Young plays, we’ve seen this Alabama team kind of run the air-raid type offense. You’ve got talented receivers, obviously. The quarterback has won the Heisman Trophy before. You’ve got kind of a developing offensive line that’s not quite there yet but has improved throughout the season so far. And if it’s Milroe, it’s the running game. Alabama snapped the ball 70 times last week, 51 of the 70 were runs, so it’s kind of going to depend on who’s the signal caller. If it’s Bryce it’s going to be more pass heavy and if it’s Milroe it’s going to be more run heavy. I think there’s success there either way, but there’s no doubt in my mind that if Bryce Young plays, they’ll have a lot more success on offense than if Milroe does.”

Wide Receiver Jalin Hyatt No. 11 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium.

Nolan Keesee / Contributor

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2021

CALEB JARREAU Staff Writer Vol fans have made their presence known this season.

Early in the second quarter this past Saturday, Hendon Hooker threw a dime to a streaking Jalin Hyatt, putting Tennessee up 20-0 over LSU with the 45-yard touchdown reception.

“Rocky Top” echoed throughout the stadium as Hyatt and the rest of Tennessee’s offense celebrated with students and fans in the southeast corner of the stadium following the touchdown.

Except this game wasn’t being played in Neyland Stadium. It was being played in arguably the most hostile environment in all of college football: Death Valley.

“To be honest, it didn’t even feel like we were on the road,” Hyatt said following Tennessee’s dominant win over LSU. “As far as Vol nation coming out, supporting, especially here in Baton Rouge, it’s a blessing to be a part of this group.”

Tennessee fans traveled in droves to the state of Louisiana, witnessing the Volunteers move to 5-0 for the first time since 2016. Videos went viral on social media all week of Vol nation taking over popular destinations in Louisiana, like Bourbon Street.

“Our fan base, can’t say enough about it — phenomenal,” head coach Josh Heupel said in his postgame press conference. “Driving in, seeing all the orange, (fans) banging on the bus. Getting in the stadium, seeing it everywhere inside the stadium.”

As Tennessee took a commanding 37-7 lead in the third quarter, the sellout crowd in Tiger Stadium began flocking for the exits.

However, Vol nation stayed until the final whistle. As they had done two weeks before after the win against Florida, Tennessee’s fanbase stayed in their seats and celebrated with their team. Heupel, among others, was high-

fiving the crowd of orange as they headed into the locker room.

Chants of “It’s great! To be! A Tennessee Vol!” echoed in the visiting team tunnel of Tiger Stadium as Vol nation left. The noise was deafening.

“The energy from the very beginning, though — you could feel it as soon as we got anywhere near the stadium,” Heupel said.

“When our players walked out, man, our fans were in their seats early. You could feel their energy. As the game unfolded, they were a factor and a part of the game for us.”

Heupel was not the only person who felt that Vol nation’s presence made a difference on Saturday. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, who finished with 239 yards and two touchdowns, could feel the love from Tennessee’s traveling fanbase.

“It’s a blessing,” Hooker said. “Shoutout to Vol nation for making the trip down here and showing up in a huge way. I felt like their presence was definitely the difference in the game.”

Last time Tennessee played in Neyland Stadium, the Volunteers got a historic victory in front of a sold-out, checker-boarded crowd.

In 2022, Tennessee has sold out four games so far, packing Neyland Stadium with 101,915 rowdy fans. It was announced via social media that only 5,500 tickets remain for the rest of the 2022 campaign.

Tennessee’s matchup with Florida was also the most-watched game of that weekend, averaging 5.57 million viewers on CBS. Tennessee is set to welcome No. 3 Alabama to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, in what will be a hostile environment. College Gameday and SEC Nation will both be in Knoxville.

All eyes will be on Knoxville this weekend, and Josh Heupel expects it to be electric.

“You love the energy from our fan base,” Heupel said. “There’s nothing like playing in Neyland. I can’t wait for (this) week’s atmosphere. Expect it to be absolutely electric.”

FOOTBALL

2022

Vol fans’ impact felt by players, coaches

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PICK ‘EM

Eric Woods Staff Writer (28-7) Tennessee 31 vs. Alabama 38 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

Jack Church Contributor (27-8) Tennessee 24 vs. Alabama 45 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

Andrew Peters Sports Editor (21-14) Tennessee 35 vs. Alabama 42 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

Bella Hughes Design Editor (21-14) Tennessee 36 vs. Alabama 40 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

Kailee Harris

Digital Producer (20-15)

Tennessee 36 vs. Alabama 41 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

Josh Lane Former Sports Editor (20-15)

Upperclassmen cheer on the Vols in the student section of Neyland Stadium as the Vols play Akron on Saturday Sept. 17, 2022. Alexandra Ashmore / The Daily Beacon

Tennessee 35 vs. Alabama 38 Penn State vs. Michigan Oklahoma State vs. TCU NC State vs. Syracuse Mississippi State vs. Kentucky USC vs. Utah Kansas vs. Oklahoma

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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Keys and Predictions for this season’s most-hyped game ANDREW PETERS AND ERIC WOODS Sports Editor and Staff Writer

predictions as well.

This week, the Vols are 5-0 heading into the Alabama game and looking for their first win over the Tide in 15 years.

Keys: Andrew Peters

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) throws down a Utah State lineman on his way to the quarterback versus the Utah State Aggies on Sept. 3 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa Ala. David Gray / Crimson White Each week, Andrew Peters, the sports editor and football beat writer at The Daily Beacon, gives his keys and predictions to Tennessee’s upcoming football matchup. This week, Beacon staff writer Eric Woods gives his keys and

1. Stop Alabama at the line of scrimmage Tennessee is not going to stop Alabama through the air. The Tide’s receivers are too good for the Vols’ secondary. So, Tennessee’s defensive line needs to step up and force Alabama to deal with some difficult second and longs and third and longs.

The defensive line was great against LSU, but it needs to have its best game of the season on Saturday.

2. Win the offensive battle It sounds simple, but the key for Tennessee on Saturday is to have the better offensive game. Tennessee needs to play fast and make it a high scoring game to make up for what will likely be an offensive masterpiece by Alabama.

Florida and LSU both kept their offenses on the field as long as possible, going for it on risky fourth down situations against the Vols to try to keep up with their offensive production. Tennessee needs to force Alabama to do the same.

Keys: Eric Woods

1. Aggressive play calling on both sides of the ball

The Vols have no chance against Alabama if they play passive. On both sides of the ball, Josh Heupel and the rest of the coaching staff cannot be afraid to take risks. On the offensive side of the ball, that might mean rolling the dice on fourth downs. Tennessee has to finish drives with touchdowns. Against LSU, the Vols offense was able to get away with settling for field goals against a struggling offense. The Crimson Tide can score effectively and efficiently, and the Vols must be able to match and even get ahead.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee has struggled to get off the field. Alabama is one of the best teams in the country on third down. Tennessee simply cannot just sit back in coverage in those situations and put pressure on Bryce Young.

2. Contain Jahmyr Gibbs Jahmyr Gibbs is the X-Factor for the Crimson Tide, plain and simple. He is the most dynamic player on the team and in the country. Gibbs is a lethal runner and effective pass catcher with over 700 yards and five touchdowns combined.

Gibbs is the key to opening up offense for the Tide and shutting down offense for the Vols.

Vols linebackers and secondary must know where he is at all times.

SPORTS

Though Tennessee has its best chance to defeat the Crimson Tide in years, the Vols won’t be able to contain Alabama’s air-raid offense, especially if Bryce Young is able to play. The game will be a great test of where Tennessee is actually at, but ultimately Alabama has the better team and will come out on top.

Tennessee 35, Alabama 42

Predictions: Eric Woods

This is the time where Tennessee shows what type of team it is. Is just another promising year for the Vols? Or is this the year where they get over the hump and become a premier college football program again? It isn’t as simple as a win being the former and a loss being the latter; a win would most definitely be huge, but a loss isn’t detrimental. I think Bama will ultimately come away with the win as the more complete team, but Tennessee will show that it can hang with top teams in the country. Win or lose, I believe that the Vols will establish themselves as a serious contender in the SEC East moving forward.

Tennessee 31, Alabama 38

Predictions: Andrew Peters Alabama -7.5 | O/U: 65.5

Football Grades: Volunteers humble LSU Tigers in Death Valley ANDREW PETERS Sports Editor

No. 6 Tennessee played its best game of the season on Saturday, routing LSU on the road 40-13 on its way to a 5-0 start heading into No. 3 Alabama this week.

In a change of pace from the first four games, Tennessee’s defense came to play in the win, while the offense was its normal highproduction self.

Here’s how the Vols graded out against LSU.

Quarterback: A

Hendon Hooker once again gave Heisman Trophy voters an example of why his name belongs in the conversation.

The veteran quarterback torched the Tigers’ defense – which was the best defense Tennessee has faced all season statistically. He threw for 239 yards and a pair of touchdowns on an efficient 17-27 and also picked up 56 yards on the ground.

It was a great performance Saturday – not his best of the season – but enough to guide the Vols to a dominant win.

Running Backs: A

Jabari Small had his best game of the season Saturday, posting 127 yards and two touchdowns on 22 rushing attempts. He was the start of Tennessee’s offense – a change from Tennessee’s typical pass-heavy offense.

Jaylen Wright also had a solid 59-yard per-

formance, giving Small a break when he needed it.

Together, the pair showed what they can do in the backfield. Small can pick up big yardage and Wright comes in to do the dirty work, punching in short runs for first downs.

season.

Byron Young led the way for the Vols’ front seven, recording five tackles and 2.5 of Tennessee’s five sacks.

The Vols also picked up nine tackles for loss on the game and held LSU to 55 rushing yards.

Bru McCoy was the star of the show on Saturday for the Vols. The transfer from USC had his best game in orange, recording 140 yards on just seven receptions. He had a huge 48yard reception to set up a touchdown a few plays later.

Jalin Hyatt gave the Vols some great production as well with 63 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including one of Hooker’s best passes of his career on a 44-yard dime.

The receivers had a relatively slow day for the most part, but still were great.

Tennessee’s secondary was once again lackluster against the Tigers, but it managed to help hold LSU to just 13 points. LSU picked up 300 yards through the air – a lot from a quarterback who has not been great passing the ball.

The Vols’ secondary will need to have its best game of the season on Saturday against Alabama.

Wide Receivers: B+

Offensive Line: A

Tennessee’s offensive line protected Hooker well while also blocking well for the running backs. LSU recorded just two tackles for loss and no sacks – though a big hit did force a Hooker fumble.

The offensive line will need similar production to take on Alabama’s defensive line next week.

Front Seven: A

Tennessee’s front seven was outstanding on Saturday. It was a bright spot in the Vols’ defense that has been lackluster overall this

Secondary: C

Tennessee’s win over LSU solidified the Vols as a top team in the SEC this season and gave them momentum heading into Alabama. It was a complete game from start to finish, something that they have improved upon greatly from last season.

Special Teams: A

From the opening play, Tennessee’s secondary came out hot. LSU muffed the kickoff and Paxton Brooks recovered his own kick. On the next drive, Dee Williams had a big 58-yard punt return that set up a field goal a few plays later. Chase McGrath was 4 out of 5 on field goals.

Coaching: A

Josh Heupel did everything he needed to on Saturday to pick up a win and continue to build confidence heading into one of the biggest games of the year.

The second-year coach was calm, cool and collected, coasting to the win.

Overall: A

LSU junior quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tackled after running the ball on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, during LSU’s defeat to Tennessee 13-40 in Tiger Stadium. Erin Barker / The LSU Reveille

NEWS

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

Minor policy continues to maintain oncampus safety 8 years later

FRANCES SEITERS Contributor

The University of Tennessee implemented a child abuse policy in 2014 to ensure the safety of minors visiting the UT campus.

The policy has faced several changes in recent years, including a change in authority.

Programs for Minors was a standalone program until it became a part of Campus Scheduling and Event Services. This shift was crucial because of the policy’s focus on programs registering to use UT venues and event space.

In coming years, more changes are planned to help increase the efficiency of the registration process by adding more personnel. In terms of the policy, its presence has never failed the campus and administration sees no reason to change much.

Kylea Boutwell, director of Campus Scheduling and Event Services, came into the role last year when the program was making its transition.

“I don’t think we would ever relax the policy for obvious reasons,” Boutwell said. “If anything we would make it more strict.”

The policy was initially created after Pennsylvania State University former assistant football coach, Jerry Sandusky, was imprisoned for the abuse of minors. In 2011, Sandusky was charged with 21 felonies and faced 442 years in prison by 2012. Following this occurrence, universities across the country took action towards keeping minors safe on their campuses, including UT. UT has consistently spread the word about the policy. It is sent to every student, staff and faculty member twice a year via email. This email is strategically sent a couple of weeks into the semester in efforts to avoid the overflow of welcome emails.

Ellen Hunter, Programs for Minors manager, explained the importance of regular reminders.

“With the turnover of faculty coming and going and of course students, if you send that out every fall and spring semester then you’re going to make sure you’re covering all the bases

and make sure everyone who is on the UT campus as an employee or a student is aware of the policy,” Hunter said. “Everyone comes and goes.”

Also known as SA0575, this policy specifically differentiates who is considered a “covered adult.” This category includes anyone who is over 18, a university employee or anyone the program director thinks is going to come into contact with a minor.

As an individual applies for a program to be registered through UT’s system, background checks and training are required for every “covered adult” participating before the program can be approved.

“That’s just in case nothing falls through the cracks,” Hunter said. “We would rather overtrain and over-background check someone Daily than take the slightest chance someone isn’t trained properly or had their background check done.”

No reported cases of child abuse have occurred since the policy was enacted. Because of the extra steps taken in the policy’s process, UT is a safe environment for every person stepping on campus.

The policy’s purpose has not faced any backlash, but the amount of extra steps that are required have resulted in pushback.

“Nobody likes extra work,” Boutwell said.

“Nobody wants an extra step that they don’t have to take, but this is one of those things where it really, really does make a difference.”

When people hear about the policy’s importance, they immediately become more receptive and understanding about the circumstances.

The program’s website provides details about the policy and its impact along with the requirements needed to have a program registered. It gives contact information for administration, the required forms and the training course required to have a registered program.

The website also gives a quick overview of the signs of abuse and neglect.

Every minor that steps foot onto a college campus should never feel like their safety is compromised, so it is important that policies such as SA0575 are actively enforced.

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Programs for Minors was a standalone program until it became a part of Campus Scheduling and Event Services. File / Daily Beacon

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NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

College shakeup comes into view Large-scale academic restructuring moves to board approval after months of heated deliberations AUTUMN HALL News Editor

Provost John Zomchick introduces Chancellor Donde Plowman preceding her Flagship Address in the Powell Recital Hall of Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, on Thursday Sept. 29, 2022. Alexandra Ashmore / The Daily Beacon On Sept. 19, Chancellor Donde Plowman and Provost John Zomchick sent an email to faculty regarding academic restructuring plans for the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, College of Music and College of Arts and Sciences, along with the establishment of a new College for Interdisciplinary Programs.

The newest proposal is a pared down version of an earlier proposal which would have split the College of Arts and Sciences into smaller colleges. Faculty pushed back against that plan, which they said was not the best course of action.

The restructuring plan, which has been kept largely out of public view by administration for the past year, aims to accommodate the administration’s strategic vision and help to provide the resources needed for each program to thrive.

Plowman and Zomchick’s email announced

a divisional plan for Arts and Sciences, which was proposed by Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and psychology professor Theresa Lee and modeled after the structure of colleges at top-ranked flagships including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Virginia, the University of Georgia and the University of Michigan.

There will be a pilot of a new divisional structure within the College of Arts and Sciences that will be assessed two years after its implementation. The college will be divided into divisions of Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and each section will have its own dean that will report to the executive dean.

Zomchick and Plowman believe that the division will allow for better communication within each division, and will create better collaboration and accommodations among the college’s 700-plus faculty members.

“Our goal has been to make sure we have an academic structure that enables the success of our strategic vision, provides the best opportunity for disciplines and programs to thrive, and ensures we have the resources and support to be successful in the quickly changing landscape of higher education,” Zomchick and Plowman said in the email.

The specifics have not been decided and many details remain unknown. The statement provides broad, loose ideas for an upcoming presentation to the Board of Trustees in February. There are several issues that are definitive focuses of the restructuring, however.

Campus administrators see a definite need for a separate Baker school or college for public policy with a similar focus to the existing Baker Center. UT officials believe that the addition of degree programs will allow for both public policy and public administration professionals to be active in the proposed college. The college would also house the new Institute for American Civics.

A new college has been proposed to house and support interdisciplinary programs that do not fit in existing campus structures, such as data science and global development.

According to the statement, there is also a strong push among department heads for the College of Music to become independent from the College of Arts and Sciences.

While some minor facts are known about

the restructuring, Misty Anderson, English department head and professor, feels that she does not have enough information to know what the big picture changes will look like.

She explained the lack of clarity she sees in the model.

“The School of Music seems to want its own path, but motives for the rest are less clear. It’s hard to understand the real costs or benefits given the new budget model, which has a lot of ambiguous charges for the colleges,” Anderson said.

Since The Daily Beacon published news of the academic restructuring proposal in June, students and faculty have felt blindsided by the proposed changes.

Riley Speas, an Arts and Sciences senator in the Student Government Association (SGA) and sophomore geography and global studies major, explained her frustration with the lack of information given to students and faculty about the plans.

“I was really shocked. It felt like I was slapped in the face. As a student, I had no idea it was even happening. It was frustrating because this affects so many students … If a major part of my academic career is being affected, I feel like I should have some sort of role in it,” Speas said.

SGA has not played a role in developing the proposed changes. Speas also believes that students and faculty members have not been adequately represented in the decision-making process.

“Separating hard sciences from social sciences doesn’t make sense to me because everything is so deeply ingrained together … The new Vol Core gen eds are trying to emphasize liberal arts and create a more well-rounded general education program. It is counterintuitive almost,” Speas said.

The current plan is not interested in splitting the College of Arts and Sciences into individual colleges, but rather proposes a threedivision separation under the single college.

Anderson shared Speas’ concerns about how the division of core requirements could lead to a more limited education.

“I’m concerned that we’ll put even more pressure on students to pick majors before they know about the possible paths. One of the great things about Colleges of Arts and Sciences is that they give students time to find their focus while integrating ideas from across the core fields of knowledge,” Anderson said.

Anderson does not want students to lose the traditional exploration that they receive from the core curriculum within the College of Arts and Sciences. She believes that the proposed division could work well, but maintaining a united College of Arts and Sciences is crucial to maintaining the curiosity that students experience while discovering their field of interest.

Anderson sees a public research university as a place where everyone should be able to get a broad education without accumulating abundant loans.

She explained her disagreement with UT’s administrative development plans.

“I believe we should invest in more fulltime professors, not more managers and administrative structures … My focus is on smaller classes, fair wages and a vibrant, engaged community. The people of Tennessee deserve to have a public research university where they can have all of that without going into debt,” Anderson said.

“I think they still can, but we have to invest in the core, not the superstructure.”

All proposed changes will be presented before the UT Board of Trustees for review in February 2023.

Strong Hall houses the anthropology and earth & planetary sciences departments, as well as several lab spaces in the College of Arts and Sciences. File / The Daily Beacon

ARTS & CULTURE

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

River Breeze opens with big vision LAUREN WARD Staff Writer

Parker Frost, a middle-aged “concert junkie,” visits on average 50 to 60 concerts a year and has found everything wrong with concert venues to create an ideal event center of his own.

Frost envisioned a seamless concert experience starting from downtown Knoxville. He pictured college students being able to walk about Market Square for food and then wanting to continue their evening at a concert venue.

River Breeze Event Center’s outside venue.

Lauren Ward / Daily Beacon In 2020, Frost was looking to take a very large property — what used to be a drive-in in 1947, then a farmers’ market which had not been in use in the last 15 years — and turn it into a new addition to the entertainment culture in Knoxville.

“What does Knoxville need, right?” Frost said. “I’ve lived here since ‘97 and there’s never been an outdoor event center. So that’s what we’re trying to bring to life. But it’s not successful without patrons, so getting people to come out and support is the most important thing.”

River Breeze Event Center opened in east Knoxville, which is an area that is beginning to appeal to more patrons and becoming a popular location. Frost said he’s seen stores in proximity to the venue flourish since the event center opened.

Upon entering, much like a music festival, there are wrist bracelets that allow cashless payments for food and the bar area as well as an optional PIN number if someone loses their bracelet.

“People seem to love it,” Frost said. “It’s a big festival model but not a typical venue model.”

The venue also wants to support local food and drink companies by hosting them at events. Knoxville’s Schulz Braü Brewery is one of the companies partnered with the venue.

“When we came out here (visiting the venue), there was like, nothing,” Ben Oliver, sales manager of Schulz Braü Brewery, said. “But we

just kinda believed in the vision they had and thought it was something that Knoxville needed and was ready for, and that it was a great opportunity for us.”

In addition, Frost never wanted someone to wait in line for food, drinks or for the bathroom, especially while a concert is going on.

“They’ve been great with letting us set up lights in the beer garden area, it’s really comfortable back there,” Oliver said. “And just the point of sales with the wrist bands is phenomenally quick. Everything’s grab and go.”

The concerts are also conveniently earlier in the evening, so when it’s over, people can resume their plans back at the Square while the night is still young or get home in time for work the next day.

River Breeze integrated shuttle routes from Market Square, Publix at the University Commons, Barley’s in the Old City, State Street Garage and most recently, Food City in east Knoxville. That way, concert goers wouldn’t have to worry about transportation or driving after a night out.

Though the center’s opening was held back a year due to COVID-19, Frost says by next year they are planning on having more than just concerts. In the foreseeable future, the venue hopes to host BBQ festivals, auto shows, weddings and even offer hotel packages for those that are coming from out of town.

To celebrate its opening, River Breeze is hosting a “Fridays in Fall” concert series with a variety of bands.

Street sign for Knoxville’s newest music venue, River Breeze Event Center, on Wednesday Sept.

28, 2022. Lauren Ward / Daily Beacon Coming up, there is a “Beat Bama Pep Rally” event on Oct. 14, which is free admission.

The Head and The Heart will be performing at River Breeze on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. General admission is $46 and a VIP section is offered for private seating at $81. General admission prices for other River Breeze events vary.

Blackberry Smoke will also be performing at the venue on Friday, Oct. 28.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Conner Smith, ‘I Hate Alabama’ singer, releases second single inspired by UT football SHELBY HANSEN Contributor

that would inspire fans during football season.

On Aug. 26, 2022, Smith released a new single entitled “Orange & White,” which is inspired by a Tennessee vs. Georgia football game. This single follows last year’s “I Hate Alabama,” the song that spread across TikTok and the University of Tennessee campus.

“I Hate Alabama” was released in October of 2021, and Smith was unsure that his label would allow him to publish it. He recorded it for fun and put a video of it on Instagram. The next morning, it had over one million views.

“It was the first song I put out that I didn’t write,” Smith said.

“I listened to it, and it just had a magic to it. The fun part about it is that the song’s kind of a weird, backhanded compliment of ‘Yeah, you stole my girl and you beat us at football every year.’”

After the rise of “I Hate Alabama” and seeing the way it impacted students at Tennessee, Smith knew he wanted to continue writing game day songs.

“It’s been really cool to see this do what it’s done, especially as a Tennessee fan,” Smith said. “You see a lot of Tennessee fans really get into it and make it part of their game day soundtrack, if nothing else.”

“Orange & White” was inspired by the suc-

cess of “I Hate Alabama” and the upcoming football season. Smith has focused on his career as a musician, but most of his friends are students at the university. For them, it will be their final football season as students.

“For me, it’s really just staying on brand of college as a theme and staying true to who I am in this season of life,” Smith said. “And so we wrote the song looking at football season and kind of riding towards it. Tennessee just holds a lot of memories for me and my family, and every show I play, there’s been someone in Tennessee Vols gear. My music has become synonymous with it, and that’s been really cool to see.”

Smith’s football-inspired songs have created a lasting impression Conner Smith on the students at UT. Sophomore Claire Martin has added the songs to her playlists on Spotify and listens to them before most games.

“I first heard ‘I Hate Alabama’ on TikTok,” Martin said. “I like his music because I relate to it a lot. I think because it has a lot of Vols references in it, it makes me more likely to listen to it.”

Smith is currently touring with Thomas Rhett and Parker McCollum and will be doing arena shows with them until November. Afterwards, he plans to focus on writing new music

to release and planning college tours.

“One thing I always try to do is be authentic to who I am and where I’m at in my life and in my music, which is where ‘I Hate Alabama’ and ‘Orange & White’ kinda come in,” Smith said.

“I care about the music I share, so I’m definitely going to continue that same formula of just being authentic and true to who I am as I move forward in the next year.”

“Tennessee just holds a lot of memories for me and my family.”

Country singer Conner Smith’s single “I Hate Alabama” has been streamed millions of times, largely by Vols fans. Courtesy of Spotify Musician Conner Smith was a little boy when he attended his first University of Tennessee football game. His father raised him up onto his shoulders, and in that moment, a Volunteer was born. As he grew up in Nashville, he found a way to incorporate his love for football into his music, resulting in several game day songs

“A lot of Tennessee fans really get into it and make it part if their game day soundtrack,” said Conner Smith about his hit single “I Hate Alabama.” Courtesy of Spotify

UT’s TikTok of the Month: The ‘shameless clout-chaser’ EMMA JOHNSTON Staff Writer

UT senior Max Thompson’s TikTok went viral this month. While many of his videos have blown up, this video about controversial UT fashion trends received a particularly large amount of attention. So far, it has received 2.4 million views and close to 400,000 likes, but those numbers are still growing.

Originally from San Diego, California, Thompson is double majoring in marketing and business analytics. The former Daily Beacon columnist began interviewing UT students on Ped Walkway during finals week in May 2022.

The inspiration for these videos came from students on other college campuses. Thompson had seen other students’ videos be well -appreciated. So, he decided he was the man to bring the activity to UT since he has years of experience making college-based TikToks under the witty username @shamelesscloutchaser.

Thompson sets up his tripod on Ped Walkway to get students’ opinions, stories and ideas.

He asks his interviewees a variety of questions ranging from, “What is one of your hot takes?”

Senior Max Thompson, known as @shamelesscloutchaser on TikTok, interviews passing students for Tiktok on Ped Walkway. Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. Edward Cruz / The Daily Beacon to “What is the single biggest problem in your life right now?” Sometimes the responses are humorous, and sometimes they are insightful.

“These videos are all about the students.

Everyone always asks me how I choose which interviews to post, and I always respond that I don’t have to choose. Every student I’ve spoken to has had an awesome story, and I just try to post all those conversations,” Thompson said.

In one of Thompson’s most viewed videos in September, he holds his signature banana as a pretend microphone and asks a student what fashion trend he has seen too much of this semester. Thompson chose this topic of fashion

because he thought the average college student would find it relatable.

The interviewee proceeds to explain why he hates seeing people wearing “high Nike socks.”

The interviewee describes that his strong feelings toward the fashion trend are due to the imprints and tan lines the socks leave behind on those who wear them.

As the interviewee is expressing this opinion, freshman William Becker walks in the background of the video wearing the very socks being discussed. Becker gives the camera a nervous smile and a thumbs up as he sneaks in and out of the camera’s view.

Many viewers assumed that the incident was staged to give the video a comical twist.

Yet, Becker was not aware that the socks he was wearing were the subject of conversation a few feet away from him.

“I honestly had no clue that they were talking about socks during the video. I was just trying to be in the video if I’m being completely honest,” Becker said.

Thompson’s interviews have created a space on campus for students to share their opinions and anecdotes.

However, his platform doesn’t stop there.

He also makes other college-based TikToks that viewers enjoy. A popular one features Thompson being shown on the jumbotron at a UT football game. Instead of screaming or dancing, he just stares at the camera with a straight face and wide eyes.

His hope moving forward is that he will be able to continue entertaining others. It makes him happy to be able to provide others with amusement.

Thompson credits his present success to the students he has had the opportunity to speak with.

“This whole thing would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the fantastic students that have taken the time out of their day to speak to me,” Thompson said.

OPINIONS

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

Boghani: Why should you care about Iran?

SANA BOGHANI Columnist

Imagine being someone who is forbidden from having control over their dreams and ambitions, let alone one’s clothing. While we are fortunate to enjoy many of our most fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, regardless of gender or other identifying factors, there are still countries around the world where exercising such a basic right is worthy of punishment.

I am talking about the recent widespread protests in Iran sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year-old Iranian woman. According to a recent New York Times article, Amini was in custody by the Morality Police on Sept. 16 with “accusations of violating the hijab mandate.” To put this issue in perspective, the Morality Police is an aspect of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) that places severe restrictions on freedom of ex-

pression, such as enforcing an ultra-conservative dress code for women. According to the U.S. Embassy Amini was supposedly arrested for “wearing a hijab too loosely,” which is a head covering commonly worn by Muslim women.

These rules trace back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran that resulted in the country’s transformation from a secular, industrial state to a strict, ideologically conservative one. However, under the leadership of former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, the Morality Police became less harsh in their conduct. In fact, the head of the force claimed that women would no longer be arrested for violating the given dress code. On the other

hand, the UN Human Rights Office has asserted that during the term of current president Ebrahim Raisi, young women have been slapped, beaten and forcefully taken into police custody on several occasions.

Since the death of Mahsa Amini, protests have expanded to as many as 80 cities in Iran. A number of prominent activists and journalists have been arrested during this process. In addition, Reuters reported that “at least 41 people have been killed in the week-long unrest,” although official figures are yet to be released. Furthermore, widespread internet blackouts continue to be prevalent and are hindering crucial communication with the rest

Iranian students hold signs in Charles Krutch Park on Sept. 24 to commemorate the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody under the Islamic Republic of Iran and the protests that have followed. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon

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of the world.

In light of Amini’s supposed “hijab violation,” what could be the impact of this issue on Muslims who wear hijabs in the United States? First of all, a hijab is one of many symbols of one’s identity as a Muslim. However, mandating the hijab on a national level reduces its symbolic significance for those who do not wish to make it a part of their physical appearance. As a result, certain women outside Iran could begin viewing the hijab as a strict accessory rather than a respectable garment worn out of personal choice. Although the tensions in Iran may lead one to adopt this perspective, it is not the best direction to follow since one’s identity should not be dictated by anyone but the person themselves.

Ultimately, why should this issue matter to someone living here in Tennessee or, quite frankly, anywhere else in the world? First of all, Amini’s death resulted from a clear violation of human rights. While some may argue that women are treated fairly in Iran with full access to education and the freedom to work in a professional setting, these basic privileges do not justify police brutality. Secondly, the tensions in Iran are not being extensively covered by the media. But each of us holds a responsibility to speak out against those who try to suppress or eliminate basic individual liberties. With this attitude of courage, we can all hope to never have to witness or even imagine another Mahsa Amini.

Film According to Grant: Remembering a moment in life

GRANT T. MITCHELL Columnist

The film I’m writing about today is an okay one. It’s not great or defining by any means, but what the film shows and discusses, at least in my recollection, is something that really relates to me now as I cope with someone I knew having passed too young.

The 2009 film “Everybody’s Fine” stars Robert De Niro as a father who is hoping to visit he and his recently deceased wife’s children who are scattered across the country. This comes after all his children, one by one, cancel their planned trips to come to his house for the holidays.

Again, while the film wasn’t an awards contender by any means, its exploration

Drew Barrymore and Robert De Niro in “Everybody’s Fine” (2009). Courtesy of IMDb into the impact of a person’s presence on the people around them is notable. Over the course of the story, De Niro reflects on his children’s stations in life and his personal relationships with them and wonders where things changed between them. He also wonders what his impact and meaning was to them and if he is out of place going to see them.

To me, my friendships over the course of my freshman and sophomore years of college really feel like they reached a high point with a group of us in the South Commons of Hodges Library on campus. In this group there were roughly 20 of us all in about the

same place in life, exploring what it meant to be ourselves and the directions we wanted to go and who we wanted to become.

Along that journey, we had our moments of self-doubt and consideration of what everything meant and where we were going. I sure know that I was very much trying to figure things out. We supported each other, spent everyday together and made far too much noise and laughed more than we probably should have in a library.

Ultimately, as the school year ended, so too did the South Commons friend group.

Partly because of some small drama that happens in friend groups from time to time,

but also just because time and life march forward. We all remained friendly and still saw each other and hung out every now and again, but the main core of the group and everyone coming together each day/week was no more. It brought on a great sense of mourning for the loss of a special group that for a moment in time made life feel almost perfect.

With De Niro in “Everybody’s Fine,” he looks for those moments and holds onto them as he tries to reconstruct relationships he hadn’t realized he had lost. His exploration of his personal choices and life decisions in being the parent he was before, compared to where things are now is an incredibly relatable but somber viewing experience.

For the South Commons gang, it was us all together and even though there were plenty of stressors and things going on outside of us in life, school and work, we had each other. While this friend group came apart over time, all the people who had been a part of it have remained in my heart. Including the girl who recently passed away at the age of 23. Though I did not know her well, she was always a kind and sweet person, and her loss is felt by me and all the lives she touched.

Goodbye Serena and thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 12, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE