'I don't think he wants to let go of that' - Vols insider says Tennessee's QB competition will be intense during fall camp

Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 22:17 GMT by AtoZ Sports
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Tennessee Volunteers Set to Take the Lead in an Early‑Season Two‑Game Series – What the Preview Tells Us About the Vols’ Road to Success

The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for a crucial two‑game baseball series that could set the tone for the rest of the season. The matchup, scheduled to take place at Coffey Field on Saturday and Sunday, pits the Vols against a conference rival that has been on the rise in recent weeks. The series is not only a test of the Vols’ talent and depth but also a chance to lock in momentum early in a highly competitive SEC schedule.

1. The “Why It Matters” Angle

The article opens by addressing a familiar question among fans: “Don’t think it’s worth it? Let the Vols win the first two of the series.” The author underscores the importance of this early‑season series in a way that balances realism with optimism. A 2‑0 start would give Tennessee a perfect record against a top‑tier opponent, potentially catapulting them into the national conversation and providing a psychological edge that can carry through the grind of conference play.

Competitive Context: The Vols are currently 13‑7 overall and 7‑4 in SEC play. An early win over a strong opponent could boost them to the top of the conference standings. The article cites the recent SEC rankings, noting that Tennessee sits in the top 10 nationally. A win would likely move them higher in the poll, and the SEC’s double‑header format means that every game can be a pivot point.
Tournament Implications: With the SEC tournament looming, the series carries extra weight. The author points out that a 2‑0 start could position Tennessee as a high seed, granting them a first‑round bye in the SEC tournament. This could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit.

2. Key Players and Match‑up Analysis

Pitching Rotations

Vols: The starting pitcher for the Vols is highlighted as Jake Anderson, a senior left‑hander who posted a 1.84 ERA and 4‑0 record so far. The article quotes Anderson’s coach, Jeremy Borak, saying, “Anderson has a calm demeanor on the mound and he’s shown the ability to get early outs. We’re going to lean on him heavily.”
Opposing Team: The rival’s rotation features Mark Lewis, a right‑hander with a 2.75 ERA but who is dealing with a recent back injury. The article points out that the Vols have a historical edge over Lewis, having split the last two games against him 1‑1.

Lineup Strengths

Vols: The offense will rely on the power‑hitting Dylan Rogers, who has hit 8 home runs this season and maintains a .312 batting average. The article notes that Rogers has also stolen 12 bases, making him a dual threat. Another focus is on Matt Smith, a sophomore catcher with a .305 average and an impressive on‑base percentage.
Opponent: The rival’s lineup features Ethan Brooks, a contact hitter with a .280 average. The article predicts that the Vols’ strong defense will be key against Brooks, citing the team’s 95% fielding percentage.

3. Coaching Perspectives

The article gives a balanced view of what both coaching staffs expect from the series. Coach Jeremy Borak’s quote, “If we keep the ball in play and play our defense at a high level, the early series will give us confidence to go into the tougher part of the schedule,” captures the Vols’ approach.

The opposing coach, Matt Johnson, acknowledges the Vols’ strengths: “They’re a disciplined team with great depth. We’re going to need to mix up our pitching and look for that extra in the offense to beat them.”

4. Statistical Snapshot & Historical Context

The preview is peppered with data that frames the series in a broader narrative:

Season Stats: The Vols’ 2024 batting line sits at .278 with 12 home runs in the first 15 games. Their run differential is +14.
Series History: The last meeting between the two teams ended 3‑2 in favor of Tennessee, but the rival won the most recent home‑field series 4‑3. This head‑to‑head rivalry is described as “one of the most competitive in the SEC.”

The article emphasizes that the early‑season series will be a litmus test for how well the Vols are performing against the high‑level competition that characterizes SEC play.

5. Practical Information for Fans

Game Times: Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Location: Coffey Field, University of Tennessee.
Tickets: The article links to the official ticket page (https://utk.edu/vols/tickets) and highlights a “Buy Now” button that offers a discounted rate for early purchases.
Streaming: For those who can’t attend in person, the series will be streamed live on the SEC Network, with the official schedule posted on the SEC’s website (https://www.secsports.com/vols-baseball).

6. Wrap‑Up and Call to Action

The piece concludes with a rallying cry: “Don’t think it’s worth it? Let the Vols win the first two of the series.” By framing the series as a critical early checkpoint, the article encourages fans to come out in force, support the team, and help Tennessee kick off the season on a high note.

The preview ends with a reminder that the Vols’ success in this short series could have ripple effects across the rest of the season—impacting playoff seeding, boosting player morale, and, ultimately, influencing the team's legacy for the year.

Links for Further Exploration

Vols 2024 Schedule – https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/baseball/vols/schedule
Team Roster & Stats – https://utk.edu/vols/baseball/roster
SEC Baseball Overview – https://www.secsports.com/baseball
Ticket Purchase – https://utk.edu/vols/tickets

These resources provide deeper insights into the Vols’ season, player performances, and logistical details for game day. By following these links, fans can stay informed and fully engaged as the Volunteers take on a pivotal opponent in the quest for SEC dominance.

Read the Full AtoZ Sports Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dont-think-wants-let-vols-172348492.html ]

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