After another slow start, Tennessee (2-0) enjoyed a breakthrough performance in a convincing 45-24 win over Virginia Tech in the Battle at Bristol Motor Speedway last Saturday night. Now the Volunteers turn their attention to their next non-conference opponent in MAC foe Ohio, which handled Kansas in Week 2, 37-21.
Here’s what coach Butch Jones had to say during Wednesday’s SEC teleconference.
Opening statement(s):
“I’m very disappointed in the start (vs. Virginia Tech). We have lacked intensity for four quarters, so that’s something we will continue to work toward.”
“We scored four out of five touchdowns in the red zone. We progressed well but we have to make progress from Week 2 to Week 3.”
On Sheriron Jones and his sideline demeanor:
Butch Jones lauded backup QB Sheriron Jones for his mental energy and intensity each day. Glad he changed mind on transfer.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) September 14, 2016
“I can’t say enough about Sheriron. He left and transferred back after realizing he left his home. That’s something we pride ourselves on, the intensity isn’t just the guys on the field but the guys on the sidelines.”
On whether Jones would be interested in playing another game like last week at Bristol:
Jones says that he would be open to play another game at Bristol Motor Speedway in the future.
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) September 14, 2016
“I would in a couple of years. We enjoy home games but that took three years to prepare. That crowd noise and the distractions that it brings… that takes years of planning.”
On whether a decision has been made for a starting five across the offensive line:
Butch Jones says Vols haven't decided starting 5 on OL yet for Ohio game. More competition and evaluation to be done this week.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) September 14, 2016
“We will still have one more practice, but I liked how the group after it yesterday. It’s still early in the planning stage but we will come to that bridge as we continue to evaluate.”
On the SEC teleconference, Butch Jones says they'll "cross that bridge" at the end of the week regarding any offensive line changes.
— Patrick Brown (@pbrown247) September 14, 2016
More on the offensive line:
“We have to make more progress. Our details, our communication have progressed, but you are only as good as your last snap. We need more consistency. We took strides.”
On Jack Jones:
Butch Jones said he was "very encouraged and exicted" about the play of OL Jack Jones. Likes his intensity, toughness and internal drive.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) September 14, 2016
“Jack has come a long way, he has consistently progressed each practice, he did some good things for us (vs. Virginia Tech). You can see the intensity; I was encouraged about his play. He needs to continue that moving forward.”
On getting Tennessee ready for Ohio and how it will be different than Appalachian State:
“I know what Ohio is all about — it played Tennessee in 2009 and performed well, I thought they could have won. It’s about being a mature team and being better than we were the day before. We need attention to detail, we need that urgency in our preparation.”
More on Bristol and its “wow” factor:
“On Friday, seeing 100,000 fans outside the stadium was a ‘wow’ moment for us and our players. It was truly spectacular. Once we settled down, it was a great teaching tool for our team.”
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
