Tennessee Quarterback Hendon Hooker To Return For 2022 Season

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Hendon Hooker. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker will be returning to the Volunteers for the 2022 season after a stellar 2021 season, leading the team to seven wins and the TransPerfect Music City Bowl game berth.

Hooker put on a show in his first season in Knoxville under first year head coach Josh Heupel. He completed 180 of 261 passes for 2,567 yards and 26 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He also rushed for 561 yards on 148 attempts with five scores.

The Greensboro, North Carolina, native enters the bowl game having thrown at least one touchdown pass in 11 straight contests, which is tied for fourth in UT annals. He is one of only six FBS players this season with at least 25 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, joining Pitt Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett, Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman, Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ritter and UTSA’s Frank Harris.

A semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, Hooker ranked third in the FBS and was top in the SEC in passer efficiency rating at 182.16. He shattered Tennessee single-season records for completion percentage (69.0) and passer efficiency. He averaged 9.8 yards per passing attempt, which ranked third nationally.

Hooker led a Vols offense that ranked in the top 25 nationally in total offense (459.0 – 16th), scoring offense (38.8 – ninth), rushing offense (212.0 – 19th), first down offense (23.8 – 19th) and third down efficiency (46.2 – 13th). Hooker and Heupel’s impact led UT to its second-highest point per game total in modern school history, behind only the 1993 squad (42.8 ppg).

The Vols and Hooker will take on Purdue on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium for the Music City Bowl. Kickoff is scgeduled for 2 p.m. CT.

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Joins Ohio Valley Conference

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The Brentwood-based Ohio Valley Conference has welcomed the University of Arkansas Little Rock as its newest member. The OVC has seen the departure of four schools over the past two years.

Little Rock, which sponsors 13 of the OVC’s 19 championship sports, will become official members on July 1, 2022. The University marks only the 22nd full-time member in the 74-year history of the Ohio Valley Conference.

“The OVC is delighted to add Little Rock to its membership, given its history of competitive success and its commitment to student-athletes,” says OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. “As we discussed the process of membership, there was an immediate acknowledgment that the values of our conference and their institution align. Our intention is to create a long-lasting partnership that will enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the competitive success of the entire OVC.”

Since making the jump to Division I, Little Rock’s athletic programs have 50 conference championships, including a combined 21 for men’s and women’s basketball, with 40 NCAA postseason appearances by Trojan athletic programs. Additionally, the department boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.31 through the spring 2021 semester.

The Trojans have had 11 Academic All-Americans since 2000 with six Trojan athletic programs receiving academic recognition by its respective governing organizations in 2020-21.

“In accepting the Ohio Valley Conference invitation, we begin a new and exciting chapter for UA Little Rock and Trojan Athletics that better aligns our sports portfolio with available conference resources and reaffirms our commitment to athletic and academic excellence,” says UA Little Rock Chancellor Dr. Christy Drale.

“I am very excited about our opportunity to join the Ohio Valley Conference as we look ahead to the future of Little Rock Athletics,” adds Director of Athletics George Lee. “In doing our research of the Ohio Valley Conference, the history and tradition of the league made it an enticing new conference home for our Trojan athletic programs as we look forward to adding our mark to the history of the OVC.”

This announcement comes a few months after the OVC and Southland Conference announced a football scheduling partnership, which is set to start in the 2022 season.

College Corner: Vandy Baseball Tickets, Vols Football, Lipscomb First Pitch Dinner

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Vanderbilt Baseball Tickets On Sale Now

Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Tickets for 2022 Vanderbilt University baseball home games are now on sale. The Commodores will host 34 games at Hawkins Field, highlighted by eight weekend series. Vandy will host three-game sets against Oklahoma State, Army, Wagner, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida, Texas A&M and LSU.

Seating changes and upgrades offered to Vanderbilt baseball fans in 2022 include the infield of Hawkins Field with new mesh chair-back seating. Select sections of the outfield have also seen an upgrade to mesh chair-back seats.

Additionally, Hawkins Field will feature new premium seating areas: The Press Box Club, 744 Club, Outfield Loge Boxes, Outfield Terrace and the Hawk’s Nest. Outfield season ticket holders will receive a complimentary cushioned chair back for this season.

A portion of each season ticket purchase will count towards a gift to the National Commodore Club, making every VandyBoys season ticket holder a Vanderbilt donor as well. Pricing of season tickets will be adjusted to reflect the improved amenities.

Former season ticket holders are able to renew or complete the purchase by logging into their ticket account. Fans interested in buying season tickets for the first time should call the ticket office to place their order.

 

 

Tennessee Football Players Named To Coaches All-SEC Coaches

University of Tennessee football players Velus Jones Jr., Theo Jackson and Cade Mays were each named to the Coaches All-SEC postseason teams. This marks the second time in three seasons that the Volunteers had at least three players named to the postseason All-SEC teams.

Jones earned first-team honors as an all-purpose player and a return specialist. Jones is the first Vol to earn all-conference honors as an all-purpose player since Evan Berry in 2015. He is the only player in the nation with 700-plus receiving yards (722), 500-plus kickoff return yards (506) and 200-plus punt return yards (272). He ranks third in the SEC in all-purpose yards, averaging 126.3 per game.

Jackson earned All-SEC second team recognition at defensive back after turning in the best season of his collegiate career. The super senior led all SEC defensive backs with a career-high nine tackles for loss and ranked third in the league with 12 passes defended, which was also a career high. The Nashville native set career bests in tackles (73) and sacks (1.5) as well.

Mays joined Jackson as a second-team selection after being named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this season following standout performances in wins at Missouri and Kentucky. Tennessee finished the year ranked fourth in the SEC and 16th nationally in total offense (459 ypg).

UT’s rushing attack was especially effective, ranking third in the conference and 19th in the country with 212 rushing yards per contest. The Big Orange also ranked third in the league and ninth in the FBS in scoring offense, averaging 38.8 points per game.

 

 

Baseball Reporter Ken Rosenthal To Headline Lipscomb’s First Pitch Dinner

Lipscomb baseball’s 7th annual First Pitch Dinner will be headlined by award-winning baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal on Jan. 29 and the Shinn Center.

Rosenthal is one of baseball’s premier reporters who works for The Athletic, MLB Network and serves as a sideline reporter for Fox Sports baseball coverage.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. CT for a Bisons meet and greet followed by dinner and a live auction. Items up for auction include vacations, game experiences and other memorabilia.

Tickets for the annual dinner are not required, but guest donations to the program are encouraged and appreciated. Limited VIP tables will be available for purchase, which will grant purchasers a private meet and greet with Rosenthal and also includes a photo. You will also receive the choice of a player or coach to sit at your table.

Annual proceeds from the Bullpen Club are put directly towards supporting Lipscomb student-athletes, coaches, and staff. This support helps with upgrades to the Ken Dugan Field at Marsh Stadium, the purchase of additional training equipment, supplements to the travel budget, and acquiring additional items which allow the coaches and players to reach their highest potential.

Tennessee State University & NFL Hall Of Famer Claude Humphrey Dies At 77

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Former Tennessee State University football player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey died on Friday (Dec. 3) at the age of 77.

Humphrey was an All-American defensive tackle at TSU, playing for the Tigers from 1964 to 1967. He was initially an offensive tackle, but was switched to defensive end in his freshman year, where he became a three-time All-American.

Humphrey solidified himself as a Tigers legend by playing in four college all-star games in his senior year: the Senior Bowl, the Blue-Gray Game, the Coaches All-American Game and the College All-Star game. He finished his collegiate career as the all-time leader in sacks at TSU with 39 and currently ranks fifth.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Humphrey’s family during this very difficult time,” says Director of Athletics, Dr. Mikki Allen. “Mr. Humphrey was truly loved by his TSU family and across the landscape of football.”

He went on to have a stellar professional career, being selected in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft and going third overall to the Atlanta Falcons. In his rookie season in Atlanta, he was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Humphrey played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons (1968-74, 76-77) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1979-81).

Humphrey was named All-NFL or All-Pro eight times, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl on six different occasions during his tenure in Atlanta. In his 1980 season with the Eagles, Humphrey totaled a team-high 14.5 sacks on the way to an NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XV.

“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Claude Humphrey,” says Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Known as a hard worker and a reliable teammate, Humphrey was always willing to help the team wherever needed and knew success was achieved collectively. His humble spirit guided him on and off the field.”

Humphrey has been inducted into the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, Georgia Hall of Fame, Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Hall of Fame, Atlanta Falcons Hall of Fame, and his high school’s Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, and his college and high school both retired his jersey.

University Of Tennessee, Purdue To Face Off In 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl

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The University of Tennessee and Purdue University are set to meet in this year’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 30.

The 7-5 Volunteers and 8-4 Boilermakers will square off for the second time since their first meeting at the 1979 Bluebonnet Bowl. Purdue won that contest by a score of 27-22 in Johnny Majors‘ third season.

“I’d first like to thank Scott Ramsey and the TransPerfect Music City Bowl for their enthusiasm about hosting Vol Nation,” says Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “There is extraordinary love and support for the Vols in and around Nashville, and it will be incredible to see Big Orange fans from all across the country converge in the mid-state to celebrate our football team during bowl week. We’re all incredibly proud of our football student-athletes, coaches and staff for earning this postseason opportunity.”

Tennessee had an exciting season behind head coach Josh Heupel’s first season winning games against Missouri, Kentucky and South Carolina. The Vols became bowl eligible on Nov. 20 after beating South Alabama 60-14.

“We are excited about finishing this first season in our home state in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl,” says Heupel. “It’s a great opportunity for us to put the finishing touches on the positive momentum we have created over our first 11 months. I am especially thrilled for our seniors, who get one more chance to compete. Purdue is an outstanding and well-coached team. I look forward to seeing all of Vol Nation in Nashville, and I know our team has appreciated your support the entire season.”

It will be Tennessee’s 54th bowl appearance, which ranks fifth nationally. It will also be the Vols’ third Music City Bowl appearance since UT topped Nebraska 38-24 in 2016.

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN. Tickets for the game are on sale here.

Jacobi Wood And Tuti Jones Lead Belmont Over Lipscomb In Battle Of The Boulevard Double Header

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Pictured: Belmont’s No. 24 Jacobi Wood. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

The Belmont Bruins took both wins from the Lipscomb Bisons in the annual Battle of the Boulevard. The women’s teams played a gritty game with Belmont coming up victorious 67-62 while Belmont’s men’s team blew out Lipscomb 94-65.

Sophomore Tuti Jones led the Bruins to the first of the night after scoring a career-high 29 points, 16 of which came in the first half. She was 10-for-13 and carried Belmont when they were down 29-23 at halftime.

Jones also had six steals which was a massive factor in the Bruins win. Lipscomb turned the ball over 20 times and Belmont was able to score 16 points off those turnovers.

Former Bruin and current Lipscomb graduate transfer Maddie Cook led the team in points, scoring 20 off the bench in her return to the Curb Event Center. Cooke’s performance kept the Bisons in contention throughout the final quarter.

With the comeback win, the Bruins currently have a 49-26 lead in the all-time series and 27-11 lead over Lipscomb in the Division I era.

Pictured: Belmont’ No. 0 Tuti Jones. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

The highly anticipated men’s game was not as close as the women’s game as the Bruins took an early lead and never faltered.

Belmont’s 3-point offense was as powerful as ever as the team shot 41.5 percent from behind the arc. Sophomore Jacobi Wood played his best game of the season so far, scoring 17 points with five 3-pointers.

Eight minutes into the first half, the Bruins already secured a massive 22-9 lead over the Bisons who were without their best player Ahsan Asadullah. Asadullah averages 17 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game. The Bisons struggled immensely on both sides of the court without their star-center.

The Bruins were able to capitalize on the Bisons poor shooting, having 36 rebounds. Lipscomb only shot for 26 percent from the 3-point line and was only 1-10 from the arc at halftime.

Along with Wood, senior Nick Muszynski and junior Ben Sheppard had big games. Sheppard scored 16, shooting 4-8 from the 3-point line. Muszynski scored 15 points and played a major role on defense having eight rebounds and three blocks.

Belmont has won 17 of the last 19 meetings in this legendary rivalry and has cut Lipscomb’s all time series lead to 75-74 with Belmont having a chance to tie it next season.

Titans’ Kevin Byard Placed On Reserve/Covid-19 List

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Titans Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is the latest player to be sidelined with injury or illness as he’s been placed on the reserve/Covid List.

Byard has been one of the team’s keys to success this season, leading the defense with 64 tackles and five interceptions. He is tied for third in the league.

The Titans injuries and deactivated players continue to pile up after Derrick Henry was placed on the injured reserve after needing foot surgery. Tennessee is also without star wide receivers AJ Brown and Julio Jones. Brown suffered a chest injury during the Nov. 21 game against the Texans, meaning he will miss a few games. Jones has been out since Week 9 with a hamstring injury.

Tennessee has lost two straight games against the Texans and the New England Patriots after winning six straight. They now head into their bye week, but will face the last place Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 12.

Chris Young To Headline SEC Championship Concert In December

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Chris Young. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Multi-Platinum country artist Chris Young will headline the first-ever T-Mobile SEC Championship Concert on Dec. 3, the eve of the SEC Championship game between No. 1 Georgia and No. 3 Alabama.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I pretty much live and breathe football,” says Young.  “I am beyond pumped to team up with T-Mobile and the SEC to headline the concert before the SEC Championship game! Let’s GO!!”

Young will perform his hit songs, such as “Famous Friends,” “Tomorrow,” and “Gettin’ You Home,” alongside special guests and fellow Sony Music Nashville artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Kameron Marlowe. The show will take place at Georgia International Plaza outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The show is free and open to the public with no ticket required. Fans on the ground can catch photo opportunities, food and beverages available for purchase, and more. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. CT with performances from Marlowe and Tenpenny, followed by Young taking the stage at 7 p.m. CT.

For fans who cannot attend in-person, T-Mobile will host a worldwide livestream broadcast of Young’s performance beginning at 6 p.m. CT via Young’s YouTube and Facebook channels.

Young has had an immensely successful career as he’s a member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, has nearly 5 billion on-demand streams, 13 million singles sold, 12 career No. 1 singles, and 22 RIAA certified projects.