IIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTT’SSSSSSSSSSSSS MONDAY!!!!!!
And there’s plenty to get into after a busy week of happenings in Knoxville, so let’s cut the nonsense and get to it…..
1) Man, UT fans, you all dropped the hammer on Jonas Aidoo. Just like the Vols did on the court to the rest of the Razorbacks in the Vols’ 76-52 win.
That was pretty brutal to hear on TV. Every time he touched the ball, you could sense it. But…he and the Hogs kind of brought it on themselves. They apparently did a one-fly-we-all-fly with Aidoo landing the dunk right to end their warmups.
Well, Tennessee absolutely took it to Arkansas inside all game long, right where Aidoo was supposed to defend. The Vols ended up pulling down an astounding 51-29 rebounding edge, with 24 of them coming on the offensive glass. Just pure domination inside.
With the concern when Aidoo initially left being rim protection, it’s absolutely chef’s kiss perfect how the Vols dominated on the glass and around the rim on Saturday. Amazing how things work out sometimes.
2) The BasketVols have a big week ahead, and they’ll be up against it with a quick turnaround against Florida on Tuesday night in Gainesville.
The #8 Gators dropped a 106-100 fire fight in Lexington on Saturday, so they’ll be coming into the contest looking to get back on the right foot. Tennessee is going to have to keep guard Walter Clayton, Jr. under wraps as much as they can. He had 33 points against Kentucky, and their other starting guard, Alijah Martin, had 26. They combined 11-24 from three together. Tennessee is going to have to guard tightly on the perimeter tomorrow night.
3) I’m curious to see how things play out with Tim Banks in the coming days or weeks.
Banks has been linked to multiple ACC gigs, particularly at Clemson and Miami, both of whom recently parted ways with their current defensive coordinators.
Personally, I think it would be a mistake to let Banks walk and hope they find a way to bring him back this season. His contract went through the 2024 season.
However, Banks was on the road with Josh Heupel recruiting this weekend, so for those holding out hope that he returns, this is a pretty good sign.
Grateful for @coachjoshheupel and @CoachTimBanks for stopping by @pikeroadFB to come see me #GBO #WeRolling @Madhousefit #WeBuiltDifferent @CoachForrestL @GrangerShook @graylin30 @coachjermelbell @BHoward_11 @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @Vol_Football @HallTechSports1 pic.twitter.com/KxGxnstZKd
— Braylon Outlaw (@B__Law5) January 6, 2025
4) Former Vol Jerod Mayo was absolutely screwed over on Sunday, as he was fired basically in the locker room after the Patriots’ season-ending win over the Bills.
That was the end of his first season. The roster was flat-out poor. He was starting a rookie quarterback. That was as much a situation to fail as any you’ll see in the league.
And to give him his walking papers after just one year felt really gross and borderline makes it a bad-faith hire in the first place. Like he was a bridge until someone they had their eye on became an option. That’s extremely unprofessional and a true slap in the face.
I hope he gets another opportunity down the road, and that it’s at a better-run organization than the artists formerly known as the New England Patriots.
Go Vols!