Power-T Talk

With Tennessee playing a buy game in November, Power-T Talk went a little more broad in this week's episode. First, wetalk about the November schedule and the impact conference realignment has had for November. Then we go through the ratings for both the offense and defense; does it matchup with our overall view of the season on both sides of the ball? Then we have some fun, drafting a 7-on-7 backyard football team with the current crop of college football players. We do a twirl on the coaching carousel and how the NIL/portal era has changed college football head coaches. Finally, we give a couple scattered Tennessee thoughts to bring them    0:00- Introduction 1:21- The last November "buy" game? 5:15- State of non-conference November rivalries 7:56- Late season Defense check-in: It's that bad, isn't it? 22:41- Offensive Ratings: Maybe a little harsh 33:15- Drafting our "backyard" football team in 2025 47:08- The coaching carousel twirls 1:06:12- Final Tennessee Volunteers thoughts

Welcome to Power-T Talk, Year 2026! We are back and discussing the world of college football as we delve into the playoffs and the silly season that is the transfer portal. First, we discuss the current landscape of college football; how legitimate is a national title in 2026? And what era produced the "most legitimate" titles? In reviewing the Music City Bowl, what our the main takeaways from Tennessee's loss? Tennessee announced their defensive staff, we give a quick synopsis of the new coaches on that side of the bowl. Looking at the transfer portal and what Tennessee has lost...but also which transfer out bothered us the most. Then we review the upcoming five days of playoff games and give (unserious) predictions! 0:00- Introduction 0:27- Daniel's New Year Diatribe...The legitimacy of college football champions 8:48- The NFL-ization of college football 14:07- The Portal "Market" & future development of players 19:25- Would a college football head coaching job even be fun? 24:27- Initial Music City Bowl Game Thoughts 27:41- The snap counts made zero sense defensively 34:48- How being unable to stop the run ruins everything 38:41- Defensive staff overhaul 45:13- Addition by subtraction on the defensive line 50:39- Who has Tennessee lost in the portal so far 54:18- Why Lance Heard leaving sucks 1:05:58- Playoff conversation (NCAA & NFL!)

Welcome back to Power-T Talk! This week, we shift the focus to the hardwood and go over the Tennessee Basketball team's first 11 days. We look at the positives and negatives and what we are looking forward to as we inch closer to conference play. Then we go over our favorite plays for the 2025 football season and what holiday cheer it brought us. We have a fun little game and do a holiday wish list for the football team in 2026. Then we go over the departures so far for Tennessee and the impact it will have on the program.   0:00- Introduction 0:49- BasketVols Update: Not a disaster! 4:37- Any true concern about the three game losing streak? 12:37- The lack of outside shooting 18:16- What do the advanced numbers say about the offense? 22:53- Is there a Nate Ament problem? 29:12- Our favorites plays from the football season 37:08- Tennessee Football Holiday Wish List 53:42- Looking at Tennessee's current departures 1:05:02- Ending

Power-T Talk continues to chug through the college football lull with big news and a big change at defensive coordinator. Daniel and Zack break down Tim Banks' firing and review his tenure at Tennessee. With the quick decision to go with veteran Jim Knowles, we break down how the scheme can bring success to Tennessee's defense and how accomplished Jim Knowles' resume is. Joey Aguilar is suing to get one more year of college football, but is this actually good for Tennessee in the long-term? The college playoff committee loves to cause a stir; we break down the fallout of Notre Dame's meltdown and initial playoff thoughts. Plus, we Around The NCAA and continue to ride Moore coaching carousel news.   0:00- Introduction...Make College Football Again 5:01- Tennessee makes a major move and let's Tim Banks go 16:17- Were we surprised Tennessee went with Knowles? 20:20- Reviewing Jim Knowles' resume 26:09- Breaking down what Knowles likes to do defensively 35:54- The potential impact of Joey Aguilar getting 2026 eligibility 55:11- Notre Dame's hissy fit 1:06:53- Intial playoff thoughts 1:16:45- More rides on the coaching carousel/Sherrone Moore out at Michigan 1:32:41- Ending

Remember, remember, the 29th of November. After the last four years of dominating the in-state rivalry, Tennessee got a taste of their own medicine after Vanderbilt exacted sweet revenge with a 45-24 beatdown of our Volunteers. Power-T Talk looks and discusses the tragic performance by the defense and if it was enough to convince us to move on from key defensive coaches. We also discuss some of the offensive issues that plagued Tennessee in the second half. Then Baton Rouge calls us to podcast about Lane Kiffin and his inability to help himself. Plus, we go Around The NCAA and circle things up with the coaching carousel.  0:00- Introduction...Disgusting performance 6:27- Defense...how shockingly bad was it? 11:12- Defensive Grades...What went wrong defensively? 19:35- Should heads roll for this performance? 31:53- Offensive Grades...How much blame does Heupel's side of the ball get? 42:47- It didn't matter but officiating was a disaster 47:19- Lane Kiffin and ESPN 58:17- LSU's future with Kiffin at the helm 1:03:01- Rest of the SEC coaching carousel & um, Penn State wake up? 1:11:13- The playoff is stupid and we are all dumber for it  

Power-T Talk is back in time for your Thanksgiving Holiday! For Florida, they backed down and there was no easy out from the Tennessee onslaught. We go over what the victory means, plus our grades for offense and defense. A big game awaits the Vols in Neyland as Vanderbilt looks to continue their playoff bid. We break down elite the Commodores offense is and how the Vols can try to contain Diego Pavia. After the Vols got their swagger back, we believe the offense is going to put up points on Vanderbilt's suspect defense. We also pick who wins the Tri-Star Showdown on Saturday. In Around The NCAA, we break down Rivalry Week, and what games we will keep our eye on, plus controversial diatribe about conference championships.    0:00- Introduction/Exhale 4:25- The score...we do not care 10:28- Offensive Grade/Rating 22:38- Defensive Grade/Rating 32:59- Florida's Future+the weirdness of not playing them next year 35:57- Vanderbilt Preview: Legitimately great offense 48:30- The Commodores defense is extremely gettable 54:40- Biggest concern on Saturday? 59:08- Score Predictions 1:07:57- Rivalry Week Radar 1:13:46- The Game mini-preview...plus conference tiebreakers are dumb 1:20:28- The Diatribe...It's time to get rid of conference championship games 1:27:57- We are thankful for this awesome sports week

Power-T Talk previews the Tennessee Florida game, one of the SEC's best rivalries! First, we review the mundane New Mexico State performance and if it actually matters. Also, what's going on with the backup QB role? Then we preview what Florida does on offense and defense and how Tennessee can attack both sides of the ball. Daniel asks Zack is some of his concerns about this game are logical or illogical, plus Zack goes off about being coaching aggressively in this game. Looking ahead, how big of a difference is 7-5 and 9-3 for the program? Then finally some Around the NCAA talk with the coaching carousel and why Mike Leach was right about committees.  0:00- Introduction...Daniel (and fam) go to Neyland 5:19- Offensive Rating against New Mexico State 11:17- The backup QB situation 14:15- Previewing the House of Horrors in Gainesville...Florida is not good! 18:39- Looking at Florida's putrid offense 29:46- How does Tennessee's offense stack up against the Gator defense? 36:32- Logically, we should win...but...the horrors relived... 40:27- Frozen in time...what concerns are objective and subjective 54:29- Tennessee cannot be conservative in this game 59:17- The Grand Canyon size difference between 9-3 and 7-5 1:03:20- The most reluctant score predictions in history 1:08:54- As the (college football) world turns... 1:15:18- Two diatribes for the price of one 1:30:36- Final thoughts on Tennessee vs. Florida

After a crushing loss to Oklahoma, Power-T Talk is back to discuss Tennessee football. We review how the Vols lost themselves and made too many mistakes to win such an important football game. Then we talk about the frustrations currently with the program. We have a small diatribe about Vol fans saying the season over. We then break down and give our offensive and defensive grades for the week. We wrap it with Neyland's atmosphere and go Around The NCAA.  0:00-Introduction/ How the Vols lost themselves 6:52- The mistakes continue to mount up 12:11- The lack of complimentary football 15:13- Stagnation frustrates everyone 19:32- BREAKING: Season is not over! 26:45- Offensive Grade vs. Oklahoma 40:06- Defensive Grade vs. Oklahoma 48:29- Has Neyland lost any juice? 52:52- Around The NCAA...Where Power-T Talk was right and where Power-T Talk was wrong 59:55- Final thoughts going into the bye week

It's becoming a new annual tradition for the Tennessee Volunteers, it is Dark Mode week! We first break down the victory against Kentucky and discuss how terrifying it must be to play against the Volunteer offense. Then we breakdown why the Tennessee defense continues to give us nightmares. We talk about Oklahoma as they try to navigate the darkness of playing in Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma's offense is not scary, but can Tennessee put enough fear into the Sooners? Or will the Vols defense go pumpkin mode again? Oklahoma's defense is a monster to deal with...but Tennessee might have enough tricks to treat Vol fans to fireworks on Saturday. We also give score predictions that might get Zack kicked out of the Halloween party. In Around the NCAA, Brian Kelly's house of horrors finally came crashing down after a thunderstorm of criticism. In "The Diatribe", Daniel & Zack tell reporters they don't need to share every piece of candy they get with a text message during the coaching carousel. Finally, we discuss how spooky the season can turn for either Oklahoma or Tennessee with a loss.  0:00- Introduction 2:53- Good News First: Offense Grades 12:18- How impressed are you with the offense? 16:40- We are a Joey Aguilar appreciation podcast 21:02- Defense Grades: It was truly THAT BAD 28:57- The biggest issue? The defense is getting worse 33:52- Dark Mode Time: Offensive breakdown of Oklahoma 44:50- What makes Oklahoma the best defense in the country? 1:02:06- The 3 keys to a Dark Mode victory 1:13:08- Score Predictions (Spoiler, Zack is not a VFL while Daniel is) 1:18:55- Brian Kelly falls from his tower 1:32:07- Zack has a problem with football reporters 1:40:28- A massive swing game for both programs  

After one of the saddest weeks in Tennessee athletics in a long time, we are back to discuss the latest happenings. Tony Vitello is now the San Francisco Giants manager and leaves Tennessee baseball after eight glorious years. We reflect on his impact. The Third Saturday in October was a flop for Tennessee. We let out the frustrations with a major vent session, plus give out offensive and defensive ratings. Kentucky is 2-4 but Tennessee cannot afford a let down. We do a quick preview against Kentucky for Saturday night's game. Then we go Around The NCAA to discuss Florida firing Billy Napier.    0:00- Introduction 2:26- The shocking departure of Tony Vitello 14:41- Does Tony Vitello work in the Major Leagues? 22:23- The immediate frustrations of the Alabama game 27:02- Did we sort of, kind of...out play Alabama? 34:13- Why this loss left such a bad taste in our mouth 37:25- Defensive Ratings 46:53- Offensive Ratings 53:29- Tennessee didn't lose because of the officals, okay, we know...but........ 58:17- Rip the band-aid off and let's talk about the Goal Line play 1:05:33- The margin of error is gone 1:08:16- Previewing the Kentucky game and why this should be a solid Vol win 1:19:47- Must play well, no excuses on Saturday 1:22:00- Around The NCAA: Silly season is upon us 1:29:03- The College Football Playoff is still possible

It's The Third Saturday In October. One of the special rivarly games is this weekend, and we have got you covered. First, we give grades and review Tennessee's too close victory against Arkansas. Then we explain why the TSIO is special once again after a long drought. We preview what Alabama does well and why the Tide's offense is so damn efficient, and if the Vols can recover from a poor defense last week to make an impact. Tennessee also has a damn good offense, and we discuss where Tennessee can take advantage against some of the TIde's weak spots. After giving score predictions, we finally, we go Around The NCAA and talk about Penn State's decision to move on from James Franklin.  0:00- Introduction 3:07- Initial Arkansas thoughts and Offense Rating 13:29- Defense Rating...NOT GOOD 20:13- Which players on defense are not doing their job? 23:53- Stats showing how bad it was defensively...including 3rd and 4th down 28:18- Is the defenisve issues scheme or talent? 33:27- What does the Third Saturday in October mean to you? 41:44- What makes Alabama's offense so successful? Scouting report on the Bama offense 48:47- Where can Tennessee have success on defense? 1:00:16- Alabama scouting report on defense 1:11:21- Third down matters...and how can Tennessee pull off the upset? 1:15:52- Pick with your head, not your heart...score predictions for Saturday night 1:19:35- James Franklin's firing from Penn State and what it means for college football 1:32:33- Why is a Bammer an analyst for this game???  

It's Mississippi State game week! After an easy win against UAB, Daniel and Zack are back to talk about Tennessee football's upcoming matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. WIth a quick UAB review, did anything stand out from Tennessee's bounce back win? And what ratings are we giving the offense and defense from week 4? Jeff Lebby was Josh Heupel's offensive coordinator at UCF, we break down the similarities and who to look for on the Bulldogs' offense. Why Daniel and Zack both believe Tennessee will score points this weekend on the Bulldog defense. Plus, a breakdown of the future SEC schedule for Tennessee and what stands out.  0:00- Introduction 2:19- UAB Review with Offense Rating/Grade 7:53- Defense Grade for UAB game 14:44- Mississippi State Offense Preview 27:51- Mississippi State Defense Preview 41:47- What is the Bulldogs plan to upset Tennessee? What are you looking specifically for Tennessee to counter attack? 48:42- Heupel Road Woes: Is it a legitimate concern? 57:54- Score Predictions: Do we have the Vols taking the road dub? 1:02:22- The future SEC schedules and what stood out 1:12:22- Around The NCAA  

After a heartbreaking loss on Saturday, Daniel and Zack saddle up to talk about Tennessee's narrow loss to Georgia. How much of a kick to the ribs was the loss? And also, why are we actually encouraged? The defense gets its grades and while it was not pretty, it might not be as bad as you think. Josh Heupel was cooking on Saturday, so Daniel and Zack review the recipes of what made the offense click against Kirby Smart's vaunted defense. Zack has some gripes about the gameday decisions that were made while Daniel plays (mostly) good cop. The boys do a quick UAB preview for Saturday and why they are encouraged moving forward.    0:00- Introduction 2:26- How much of a kick to the ribs was it? 11:15- What is the one word to describe Saturday's game? 18:14- Let's admit it: Georgia made plays 22:35- Defensive Grades: Was it truly that bad? 32:16- Run Defense, not as bad as you think! 35:15- The problems with the strategy and player execution on defense 46:25- Offensive Grades: Loving what Tennessee is doing 57:32- How impressive the Tennessee passing game is right now 1:03:59- Personnel questions at RB 1:09:28- Good Cop, Bad Cop: Zack's frustrations with the gameday decision making 1:21:51- Defending the drive after Josephs' sack and final thoughts on the Georgia game 1:26:41- UAB Preview

Daniel and Zack get together to discuss the Game of the Week in College Football for week 3 as our Tennessee Volunteers take on the Bulldogs of Georgia! After a quick review of Tennessee's massive victory against East Tennessee State, the boys go in depth on Georgia. What has stifled Tennessee's offense when they go against Kirby Smart and his Dawgs? Also, some shocking stats on how Georgia succeeds against Tennessee's defense. Then, they devise a game plan to beat Georgia and give score predictions. Plus, Zack needs to rant! 0:00- Introduction 1:38- ETSU Review: Did anything major stand out? 4:54- Offense Overall Grade 9:59- Defense Overall Grade 16:42- Kirby's Dream World; What stands out from past games against Georgia's defense? 24:42- What can Tennessee do offensively from previous years? 37:04- Third Down is the key 42:37- Georgia has beaten Tennessee with their passing game??? Really? 56:09- Guys, we promise...Kirby Smart respects Neyland Stadium 1:01:04- How will Tennessee win this game?  1:09:24- Score Predictions 1:17:25- Looking ahead into September for other big NCAA games 1:21:34- Zack's Rant; There are good college football coaches! 1:29:18- Final Thoughts as we head into Saturday  

Basketball season is here! And Power-T Talk has got you covered! After doing a quick dive into college basketball in 2025, we go in-depth into Rick Barnes' program and why Tennessee basketball has never been better. We praise Barnes' adaptability and the adjustments he has made that has correlated into unprecedented success at Tennessee. Then, we break down Nate Ament's game and what he can mean for Tennessee in 2025-2026. We then breakdown the other new incoming players and preview the roster, along with our biggest concern for the upcoming season. Then, we finally talk about Josh Elander being hired as the new Tennessee baseball coach.  0:00-Introduction/College Basketball! 2:45- It's hard to know who is good in today's game 6:45- State of the Program: It's never been better 11:53- Rick Barnes' adaptability does not get mentioned enough 18:47- Tennessee and the NCAA Tournament 22:22- What is Nate Ament's ceiling? 29:10- Will Ament be the engine for the Tennessee offense? 31:43- The impact of the the transfer class and what all three incoming transfers bring 36:48- The unique addition of Ethan Burg 40:27- A fun freshman class that's not just about Nate Ament 45:08- The Core Four: Tennessee's returning players are vital in 2025-2026 49:37- What is our biggest concern for Tennessee's season? 56:38- What Josh Elander brings to Tennessee's baseball program

We are back to preview Arkansas as Tennessee comes off bye. After poking fun at Penn State, we review Bobby Petrino's promotion to interim head coach after Sam Pittman's firing. We then go over our ratings through five games and do some grading on both the offense and the defense so far. Then we break down Arkansas as they come in with a top 10 offense, but also a bottom 10 defense. Then, we pick our national champion after six weeks.  0:00- Introduction 0:54- College Football, what a sport am I right? 3:12- Quick thoughts on the coaching change at Arkansas 9:57- Ratings check-in...what are our grades for Tennessee'a offense through 5 games? 22:15 Ratings check-in part 2...what are the grades for Tennessee's defense? 32:52- Who is the MVP so far for Tennessee? 37:17- What newcomers in 2025 have stood for the Vols? 43:45- Start of the Arkansas preview and why this game could get weird! 49:42- Previewing the Arkansas defense...they are really bad! 56:04- Previewing the Arkansas offense...they are really good! 1:07:11- Will Heupel be aggressive this game? And score predictions 1:14:10- What's your most annoying college football take you'll defend to the death? 1:26:26- It's been six weeks...let's pick out a national champion! 1:31:47- A sneaky, sneaky good college football slate  

After a stressful Saturday, we are back to discuss Tennessee's overtime win versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs. We talk in depth about how stressed Saturday was and the overall vibes the game gave us. Then we go deep into the offensive rating for the game. Did the turnovers overshadow the positives that the offense showed? We also give a defensive rating and how much improved we thought the defense looked despite giving up 34 points. There were a lot of big plays to talk about, but what plays stood out that maybe were overshadowed? We also talk about the heinous ending in the 4th quarter that Tennessee narrowly avoided disaster to. Then some Around the NCAA talk.  0:00- Introduction/Ready For The Bye Week 2:05- IT WAS SO STRESSFUL 7:23- Overall frustrations, Overall Positives 12:06- Offensive Ratings against Mississippi State 26:10- Defensive Ratings against Mississippi State 39:40- Special Attention to the Special Teams Disasters 44:25- What plays (besides the obvious) stood out to us? 56:32- WTF happened at the end of the 4th quarter?!?!? 1:07:08- Our biggest worry for the rest of the year 1:12:57- Looking ahead to the rest of the schedule 1:19:55- Quick, Gritty Around the NCAA review 1:25:19- Which current Power 4 opening would you want the most? 1:34:36- Wrap Up, Preview the bye week  

Tennessee is 1-0, which means Daniel and Zack are back to review Tennessee's solid season opening win. They "empty the notebook" and review what stood out against Syracuse, with reviewing Joey Aguilar's performance. Daniel and Zack go into the film room and preview the tweaks that Tennessee made on offense. The guys give there ratings and grades on both sides of the ball, along with looking over what boxes Tennessee checked in game 1. Plus looking to the home opener and Around The NCAA Football talk. 0:00- Introduction 1:54: Empty The Notebook- What stood out to you about Game 1? 6:02: How Did Joey Aguilar Play? 10:53: The Tweaks Tennessee Made To Amplify Their Offensive Production 20:46: Giving Ratings And Grades To The Offense & Defense, Plus Injury Impacts 35:16: Did Tennessee Check Some Of Our Pregame Boxes? 55:04: Looking Ahead To The Home Opener & Around The NCAA

Power-T Talk brings the final Carol of the Bells in 2025! We will return the first week of January, but first we must go over what we have on Santa's list! We look into tidings of comfort and joy that bowl season brings and if is has the same Christmas Spirit it used to. We look to see what underclassmen could be promoted to important elves on defense in the bowl game against Illinois. Mike Matthews was on the sleigh team in 2025, but could he become the head reindeer with a breakout bowl game for Tennessee's offense? As Illinois looks to grinch away a victory from Tennessee, we preview what gifts Bret Bielema's team could bring to the Music City Bowl. Peyton Lewis is hitting the transfer portal but is it worth having a Blue Christmas about it? We unwrap what the playoff games brought us over the weekend and predict which teams not will not have themselves a merry little christmas time with the Quarterfinals upcoming.    Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!   0:00- Introduction 0:49- What does bowl season mean in 2025? 5:21- How important is the bowl season for the underclassmen on defense? 9:10- Who are we looking for on offense? 16:36- What does Illinois bring to the table as a team? 25:39- Any concern about Peyton Lewis in the transfer portal? 31:25- Will we see any changeup at QB for the bowl game? 37:00- Does Tennessee win? 39:51- Playoff talk...Most surprising thing from the weekend? 43:40- New Year's Playoff Predictions 46:02- Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Power-T Talk!

It's Game Week! Daniel and Zack come to you with notes and deep dives into Tennessee's Week 1 opponent, Syracuse! But first, Josh Heupel got an extension from AD Danny White. The boys delve into quick thoughts on what that means for the future of the program. Then, two millenials get sappy about Lee Corso's final College Gameday. Is Syracuse sneaky good? Further evaluation is given, along with predictions for Saturday's game, along with season predictions for your Tennessee Volunteers. Some quick College Football Playoff talk and then a look into the future about the SEC scheduling and permanent opponents. Then, Daniel's Diatribe...can we stop using generational so much, please? 0:00- Introduction 0:27- Josh Heupel Extension 3:44- Tribute To Lee Corse 14:23- Analyzing Syracuse 31:44- Predictions For Tennessee vs. Syracuse 38:05- Predicting Tennessee's 2025 Season & Schedule Overview 45:20- College Football Playoff Talk 49:49- Who Should Be Tennessee's (Future) Permanent SEC Opponents? 53:47- Daniel's Diatribe: How We Define "Generational" Talent 1:01:09- Final Thoughts For Game Week