Despite a rocky start to the season, Tennessee appears to be ahead of schedule under first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt. Not only did Pruitt guide the Volunteers to a 24-7 upset against No. 11 Kentucky last Saturday, the win brings them one game within a guaranteed bowl bid.
The nation has taken notice of Pruitt’s rebuilding job, and on Tuesday, he was named The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week.
According to the press release announcing Pruitt’s recognition, “The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors the football coach whose program embodies the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity, while also having success on the playing field during the previous week.”
Tennessee (5-5, 2-4 SEC) outgained the Wildcats 412-262 and forced three turnovers as Pruitt earned his second win against a ranked opponent this season. According to the release, Pruitt is the only active SEC coach to have beaten two ranked opponents in his first season in charge.
“Coach Pruitt’s win against Kentucky was a statement win for both him and the Tennessee program,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “Beating two ranked teams in your first season as head coach is an impressive feat. Coach Dodd would be proud of how quickly Coach Pruitt has made an impact on this program.”
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
