Latest / The Mike Keith Show / The Mike Keith Show | HEATH SHULER, FAIZON BRANDON, HENDON HOOKER, BRAYLON STALEY (9.24.26)

Transcript

The Mike Keith Show | HEATH SHULER, FAIZON BRANDON, HENDON HOOKER, BRAYLON STALEY (9.24.26) · The Mike Keith Show

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_03: From the peaks of the smokies.
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_03: To the banks of the Mississippi.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_03: This is your hall for the University of Tennessee.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_03: It's the fall network.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_03: Inside access, I'm a state.
• 0:29
  SPEAKER_03: From Rocky Top, direct from the coaches.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_06: What would you say if we allowed you to listen in on a conversation between Heath Tueller, Hendon Hooker, and Faison Brandon, the current Tennessee quarterback and two legends, all three originally from North Carolina?
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_06: We have it for you on this edition of the Mike Keith Show.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_06: We've got Jason Swain and Brent Hubbs both have deep insights into Saturday's game, and they'll be by to share them.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_06: We even got Tennessee whiteout Braylon Staley to stop by the studio for some of his thoughts on the ball passing game and the SEC opener.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_06: It is a lot of football, and it must begin by law with Josh Hyper.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_06: Thoughts from Tennessee's head coach are presented by Calhout.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_06: From a coaching standpoint, what is the biggest off-field challenge that you face during a big game week for your team?
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_13: Yeah, just keeping the main thing, the main thing.
• 1:43
  SPEAKER_13: Um, you know, uh a lot of people coming in for the ballgame, uh, a lot of TV exposure, uh, understand what's important and uh being where your feet are, winning in preparation and uh practicing the right way.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_13: That'll take you to kickoff.
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_06: How much do you rely on your veteran players at moments like this?
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_13: Uh well, absolutely.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_13: I think the guys that have had experience and understand it's 11 on 11 between the white lines going to be a great environment.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_13: Uh the quality of the opponent.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_13: Um, you know, Aaron Carter uh talked to uh our football team early in the week about uh what it takes to win uh in a week like this against an opponent like this.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_13: And uh uh it's been a good week.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_06: It helps a lot to have been there like Tennessee has.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_13: Yeah, absolutely.
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_13: Uh that's why you come here.
• 2:24
  SPEAKER_13: You want to play in big ones, uh, know the environment's gonna be nice and juicy and uh be a lot of fun to play in.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_06: Fais on Brandon, obviously playing in his first Southeastern conference game.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_06: What is the thing or the things that he will see in this environment, in this game, entering conference play that he maybe hasn't seen before and has to be ready for?
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_13: Well, I just think uh, you know, the speed of the game, the physicality, um, you know, uh Texas in their own way, uh, structure-wise, uh pressure-wise, uh, there'll be things there that he's got to recognize.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_13: Um, ball security is gonna be important for him in this one that's inside of the pockets when he escapes the pocket too.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_13: Um, but it's 11 on 11 between the white lines and uh go settle in, go play each play independent and uh go try to win this thing in the fourth quarter.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_06: For Brandon and for the entire offense, is this challenge as much mental as it is physical?
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_13: Uh I I think for everybody in these games, because it it comes down to small details, uh defensively recognizing a formation, a back set, uh, your tips and reminders that uh your coaches have given you the same thing on the offense.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_13: Uh you got to play hard, but you got to play with fundamentals too, because you're playing light competition.
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_06: Arch Manning is the quarterback for Texas.
• 3:38
  SPEAKER_06: What will be the challenge for your defense going against a quarterback who has the versatility of Arch Manning?
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_13: Yeah, versatility and experience.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_13: Uh he's played a lot of football.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_13: Uh, he's done a good job taking care of the football.
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_13: Uh, he's got the ability to extend and go make plays with his feet.
• 3:55
  SPEAKER_13: Uh, there's some design quarterback run, uh, but he's got the ability, if you're not keeping contained, to pull it on some of the read schemes.
• 4:05
  SPEAKER_13: Um, and uh certainly when he drops back, he's got the ability to extend plays uh as a passer first.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_13: So you got to match things out down the football field, uh, and then you gotta be ready to go get them.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_06: What are the other challenges about going against Texas's offense?
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_13: Well, I think their line of scrimmage, they got dynamic backs and uh certainly great skill players that have uh tremendous speed out on the perimeter.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_06: Special teams a factor in every conference game, huge factor in some more than others.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_06: Texas has notoriously been a very good special teams team under Steve Sarkeesian.
• 4:37
  SPEAKER_06: What are the challenges there that Tennessee has to focus upon?
• 4:41
  SPEAKER_13: Yeah, uh some of it's pre-snap.
• 4:43
  SPEAKER_13: Uh they're punting, a lot of shifts in motions, uh, making sure that uh we're in the right alignments and have the ability to match things out.
• 4:50
  SPEAKER_13: Um, but they got great athleticism uh on all four core uh units, so we got to do a great job uh playing with fundamentals.
• 4:58
  SPEAKER_06: But that's an area where Tennessee has grown extensively as well.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_06: So ready to meet that challenge, maybe even excited about it.
• 5:05
  SPEAKER_13: Absolutely.
• 5:06
  SPEAKER_13: Uh it's the third phase of the game.
• 5:07
  SPEAKER_13: You got to win that phase.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_13: Um, it's gonna be critical for field position.
• 5:11
  SPEAKER_13: It will change the way the game's played on Saturday afternoon.
• 5:13
  SPEAKER_06: All right, rock and roll.
• 5:14
  SPEAKER_06: Well, it will be from the start.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_06: Everybody knows people are gonna be very excited, but getting conference play at home against Nealand Stadium against an opponent like Texas, it doesn't get much better.
• 5:25
  SPEAKER_13: Now it's gonna be a great Saturday afternoon inside uh Nealand Stadium.
• 5:29
  SPEAKER_13: I can't wait to go play with these guys.
• 5:30
  SPEAKER_06: All right, Coach Josh Heipel, brought to you by Cal Hoons.
• 5:33
  SPEAKER_06: We'll have more coming up in just a moment.
• 5:36
  SPEAKER_03: This is the Mike Keith Show.
• 5:38
  SPEAKER_03: It's side access, delivered by Uber Eats.
• 5:42
  SPEAKER_01: Today's show sponsored by Pilot, official travel stop of the vault.
• 5:46
  SPEAKER_01: See you out here by First Horizon, Big Bank Muscle, Small Bank Hustle, by Food City, the official supermarket of the Tennessee Volunteers, UT Medical, the official health care provider of the vault.
• 5:59
  SPEAKER_01: Rackley Roofing, let us fix your lead, the proud official roofer of the big orange, by Farm Bureau Insurance, the official insurance of the Valls, Tennessee Insurance for Tennessee Life.
• 6:13
  SPEAKER_12: Being at the Valls game saved my life.
• 6:16
  SPEAKER_12: It was a normal day going to the game with my son, but this time it felt like a sledgehammer hit my chest.
• 6:22
  SPEAKER_12: The UT medical team knew exactly what they needed to do, and just kept me calm throughout the process.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_12: It was probably the most serious heart attack that you could have.
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_12: The team declared me, worked quickly, efficiently, and I did catch the end of the game.
• 6:39
  SPEAKER_01: These are the stories of the region's academic health system.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_22: Hey ball fans, I'm Nathan Robinson.
• 6:45
  SPEAKER_22: Looking for a new home?
• 6:47
  SPEAKER_22: Find your home sweet home with Clayton, Oakwood, and Love Homes.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_22: Whether you're buying your first home or searching for your forever home, there are teams across Tennessee are here to help.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_22: With 31 locations statewide and energy smart homes built for comfort, quality, and savings, there's never been a better time to make your move.
• 7:03
  SPEAKER_22: Visit your local home center today and turn every game into a home game.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_22: Clayton Homes, Oakwood Homes, and Love Homes.
• 7:10
  SPEAKER_22: Proud sponsors of Tennessee Athletics.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_22: Go Vault.
• 7:15
  SPEAKER_21: Out of here.
• 7:23
  SPEAKER_21: Out of here.
• 7:31
  SPEAKER_21: Out of here.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_21: Out of here.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_22: Some talent is not just protecting the quarterback.
• 7:48
  SPEAKER_22: Some talent is all in the matter.
• 7:50
  SPEAKER_19: Some talent no one is protecting it.
• 7:54
  SPEAKER_19: We protect each other.
• 7:55
  SPEAKER_19: We protect to stay ready.
• 7:57
  SPEAKER_19: Protection looks different, depending on where you stay.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_19: Whether it's protecting the quarterback or protecting what matters at all, the responsibility is to study the best five methods.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_19: Designed to inspire, made to protect, proven, disturbing.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_13: When you travel across the great state of Tennessee, one thing you're sure to find is big orange passion.
• 8:19
  SPEAKER_13: You see it throughout every inch of the volunteer state, just like you see First Horizon.
• 8:24
  SPEAKER_13: Serving communities big and small, offering big bank products with small bank passion.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_13: What else do you need?
• 8:31
  SPEAKER_01: Big bank muscle, small bank hustle.
• 8:34
  SPEAKER_13: That's First Horizon, the official bank of the Valls.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_13: Probably serving Tennesseans for over 160 years.
• 8:43
  SPEAKER_11: Different seasons, different sports.
• 8:46
  SPEAKER_11: Same volunteer spirit.
• 8:48
  SPEAKER_11: For over 30 years, Vall Nation has shown up.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_13: Now it's time to finish strong.
• 8:53
  SPEAKER_13: Sort aluminum, sort plastic, keep landfills clean.
• 8:57
  SPEAKER_13: And when you see green compost bins on campus, use them because the future is zero.
• 9:03
  SPEAKER_11: And we're just getting started.
• 9:05
  SPEAKER_11: Sponsored by Eastman, Waste Connections, UT Sustainability, and Food City.
• 9:13
  SPEAKER_17: In the heart of every community, caring comes naturally.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_17: At Farm Bureau Health Plants, we are your neighbors, your friends, and partners in health.
• 9:23
  SPEAKER_17: We believe everyone deserves the very best care tailored to your unique needs.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_17: Become a valued member of our family, and we'll take care of you and yours.
• 9:33
  SPEAKER_17: Together we care.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_17: Together we grow.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_17: Together we thrive.
• 9:39
  SPEAKER_17: Farm Bureau Health Plans.
• 9:41
  SPEAKER_17: Plan on us.
• 9:46
  SPEAKER_06: It's time for the Planet Fitness Heavy Lift with Jason Swain, presented by Planet Fitness.
• 9:52
  SPEAKER_06: The Planet Fitness Black Card, only$24.99 per month.
• 9:56
  SPEAKER_06: Bring a friend anytime and recover in the Black Card spa.
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_06: Join today?
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_06: As promised, Jason Swain of the Ball Radio Network.
• 10:08
  SPEAKER_06: Welcome.
• 10:09
  SPEAKER_06: Here we are.
• 10:10
  SPEAKER_20: This is the week, my friend.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_20: Here we are.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_06: This is the week.
• 10:13
  SPEAKER_06: You watch tape.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_06: How would you evaluate Texas as a football team?
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_06: Not based on hype, based on tape.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_20: Talented.
• 10:24
  SPEAKER_20: Talented.
• 10:24
  SPEAKER_20: Multiple can do several things.
• 10:27
  SPEAKER_20: Sarkeesian is one of the best play callers in the in the country.
• 10:30
  SPEAKER_20: Will Muschamp has been doing this a very, very long time from the defense coordinator position.
• 10:34
  SPEAKER_20: He's going to send pressure.
• 10:36
  SPEAKER_20: And so it's about going out there and executing for Tennessee and putting your best Fem out there, your best foot forward.
• 10:44
  SPEAKER_20: And Vall Nation, we know they're going to bring it.
• 10:48
  SPEAKER_06: So this week we knew what was excuse me.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_06: So this week we knew what was coming.
• 10:54
  SPEAKER_06: They were going to make it quarterback versus quarterback, Arch Manning against Faison Branded, both excellent stories.
• 11:02
  SPEAKER_06: How does Tennessee keep the game from being about Arch Manning against Faison Brandon?
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_20: I think you gotta tell the truth to your players because they see all they see all of it.
• 11:12
  SPEAKER_20: Hey, this is what the media is going to try to do.
• 11:15
  SPEAKER_20: I've learned their tactics.
• 11:16
  SPEAKER_20: I'm part of it.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_20: And so you can't Well, you know what's interesting.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_20: Exactly.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_20: Yeah, but you you can't get caught up in that.
• 11:23
  SPEAKER_20: You understand that football is the ultimate game.
• 11:24
  SPEAKER_20: It's not quarterback versus quarterback, it's not one-on-one basketball.
• 11:28
  SPEAKER_20: It's about 11 guys doing their job all at once and being consistent doing it for 60 minutes.
• 11:32
  SPEAKER_20: And so you have to harp on that.
• 11:34
  SPEAKER_20: And then you have to make sure you remind the guys it's Texas.
• 11:38
  SPEAKER_20: Yes, they're number one in the country.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_20: They're a really good team, but you got to just do your job.
• 11:43
  SPEAKER_20: Don't try to do somebody else's job.
• 11:44
  SPEAKER_20: Don't try to be a hero.
• 11:45
  SPEAKER_20: Don't try to be Superman.
• 11:47
  SPEAKER_20: Just do your job.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_20: And if everyone does that, then Tennessee will have a great chance to win.
• 11:51
  SPEAKER_06: In your time as a Tennessee player, you played with freshman quarterbacks.
• 11:57
  SPEAKER_06: So you know what these moments are like.
• 11:59
  SPEAKER_06: For the next 48 or so hours, as a teammate, how is it important to help Faison Brandon, a freshman quarterback?
• 12:07
  SPEAKER_20: Just let him know, man.
• 12:08
  SPEAKER_20: I got your back.
• 12:09
  SPEAKER_20: Just do you, be you.
• 12:11
  SPEAKER_20: Uh don't be afraid to go out there and make plays.
• 12:14
  SPEAKER_20: At the end of the day, have fun, man.
• 12:16
  SPEAKER_20: It's it's football.
• 12:16
  SPEAKER_20: Like you have worked your tail off to get to this point, and the whole country will be watching, and I can't wait to see you play.
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_20: That's kind of a message I would send to a young guy.
• 12:25
  SPEAKER_20: Just let him know, hey, we we we have you, we got your back, we're gonna make plays for you.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_06: After just nine combined catches in the first two games, Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews caught a combined eight passes against Kennesaw State.
• 12:38
  SPEAKER_06: Did Tennessee specifically design the offense to feed the ball to those two guys to get them ready or more ready for this Saturday?
• 12:47
  SPEAKER_20: I think with for receivers, you gotta give them the ball.
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_20: I mean, because I mean, they run so much during practice.
• 12:54
  SPEAKER_20: Um, you got to reward them, you gotta give the dog a bone.
• 12:57
  SPEAKER_20: And so I thought we did that without, you know, revealing too much of what we want to do offensively this season.
• 13:03
  SPEAKER_20: And the defense really dictates what you want to do too.
• 13:06
  SPEAKER_20: And Kennesaw State, you know, presented some opportunities for us.
• 13:09
  SPEAKER_20: We took advantage of some, missed on some others, something that we'll clean up.
• 13:13
  SPEAKER_20: But this is the game where you need your best players to play well.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_20: And Mike Matthews is one of your best players, Berlin Staley is one of your best players.
• 13:20
  SPEAKER_20: So I expect a heavy dose of those guys.
• 13:22
  SPEAKER_06: Tennessee was not great on third down offensively against Kennesaw State.
• 13:26
  SPEAKER_06: What's what must the Vols do well against Will Muschamp in this Texas defense to be better on third down?
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_20: You gotta be ahead of the sticks.
• 13:34
  SPEAKER_20: You gotta be really good on first down.
• 13:36
  SPEAKER_20: And play calling can help with that.
• 13:38
  SPEAKER_20: I mean, you don't want to be predictable.
• 13:40
  SPEAKER_20: You've played three games now, and so go back, do some self-evaluation.
• 13:44
  SPEAKER_20: What are you doing on first down majority of the time?
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_20: Are you a run it type of team on first down, or uh do you throw it and where do you throw it?
• 13:52
  SPEAKER_20: So self-scouting will help us a lot, I think.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_20: Uh, but you got to be really good on first down.
• 13:57
  SPEAKER_20: You got to get four at least four yards on first down so that way you can put yourself in a good position on third down and be ahead of the sticks.
• 14:03
  SPEAKER_06: But Texas's run defense has been outstanding.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_06: For example, against Ohio State, they held the Buckeyes to less than 100 yards rushing.
• 14:11
  SPEAKER_06: Tennessee has obviously run the ball well in their first three games.
• 14:15
  SPEAKER_06: Maybe they don't get 300 yards rushing, maybe, maybe not even 200, but how does Tennessee run effectively against Texas's stout rushing defense?
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_20: Yeah, I mean, phase-on's legs will be, I think, an important part of this game.
• 14:28
  SPEAKER_20: Also, the the quick passing game can be an extension of the running game.
• 14:33
  SPEAKER_20: You know, those now throws, those screen passes straight to the receiver uh after the snap, that can be an addition to the running game.
• 14:40
  SPEAKER_20: And so if you treat it that way, I think Tennessee can loosen up the defense a little bit.
• 14:44
  SPEAKER_20: All right, so I've thrown out some stats.
• 14:45
  SPEAKER_06: Third down offense, obviously, rushing offense.
• 14:50
  SPEAKER_06: Give me another stat, offensively or defensively, that you think will be important on Saturday as the balls take on Texas.
• 14:57
  SPEAKER_20: I mean, red zone.
• 14:59
  SPEAKER_20: Red zone offense will be important because you're you're not gonna beat Texas kicking field goals.
• 15:04
  SPEAKER_20: Like you get at you got to get to the red zone, you gotta score touchdowns, and that's where you got to have playmakers, you know, on the outside making plays.
• 15:11
  SPEAKER_20: You gotta have some dudes in the trenches when everyone knows you gotta run the football, you gotta push the line of scrimmage, and you gotta pick up the first down, you gotta pick up touchdowns, you gotta kick field goals in certain moments, but you can't get used to doing it.
• 15:24
  SPEAKER_20: You gotta score touchdowns.
• 15:25
  SPEAKER_20: So red zone offense.
• 15:26
  SPEAKER_20: All right.
• 15:27
  SPEAKER_06: Noon kickoff, Eastern time on Saturday.
• 15:30
  SPEAKER_06: As a player, particularly a guy playing at home, do you like the noon kickoff?
• 15:35
  SPEAKER_20: I'm getting hummed up thinking about just playing Texas, just playing the number one team in the country.
• 15:40
  SPEAKER_20: I don't care if it's noon, I don't care if it's 3 30, uh, I don't care if it's a night game.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_20: I want the opportunity.
• 15:46
  SPEAKER_20: This is why I came to Tennessee to play in games like this.
• 15:50
  SPEAKER_20: So I like it for this team because this team is used to handling their business the moment they wake up.
• 15:57
  SPEAKER_20: Um, I like it for this matchup because Texas is traveling across a time zone, different time zone, losing an hour, and then having to get up and play a new game.
• 16:06
  SPEAKER_20: So I like it for that reason.
• 16:07
  SPEAKER_20: But if I'm a player on this team, I don't care where the game is played, I don't care when the game is played, let's put the ball down.
• 16:13
  SPEAKER_20: Let's do it.
• 16:14
  SPEAKER_20: So, how's this week been for you?
• 16:16
  SPEAKER_20: I'm fired up, man.
• 16:17
  SPEAKER_20: I I've had to pace myself.
• 16:20
  SPEAKER_20: And I'm not playing.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_20: I know.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_20: Yeah, I'm fired up for our fans.
• 16:23
  SPEAKER_20: College Game Man is going to be here.
• 16:24
  SPEAKER_20: We get a chance to show, you know, the country, the world how special this place is.
• 16:28
  SPEAKER_06: This guy will be on the radio coming up at 9.30 Eastern time, 8.30 Central on Saturday morning on the Ball Radio Network, Jason Swain with the Heavy Lift sponsored by Planet Fitness.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_06: Thanks for the time.
• 16:41
  SPEAKER_06: See you Saturday.
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_06: Let's do it.
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_06: All right, more of the Mike Keith show coming up right after this.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_03: This is your home for coaches and players.
• 16:49
  SPEAKER_03: One-on-one from Rocky Top.
• 16:51
  SPEAKER_03: This is your ball network.
• 16:59
  SPEAKER_08: Can you say one nice thing about Texas?
• 17:02
  SPEAKER_08: No.
• 17:03
  SPEAKER_08: I can't.
• 17:03
  SPEAKER_08: They got good risking probably.
• 17:08
  SPEAKER_01: No.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_19: I can't.
• 17:11
  SPEAKER_15: Yeah, maybe.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_15: I don't think I can be honest.
• 17:56
  SPEAKER_06: After catching two short passes in the blowout when over Furman, Staley caught a 20-yard touchdown pass at Georgia Tech, and then hauled in four aerials against Kennesaw State, including another touchdown.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_06: The timing of Staley's building momentum is perfect.
• 18:14
  SPEAKER_06: With number one Texas coming to town.
• 18:17
  SPEAKER_06: Do you like a noon start?
• 18:20
  SPEAKER_15: I mean, I'm not really like into like the time.
• 18:23
  SPEAKER_15: I'm I can play whenever I whenever they you know schedule a game.
• 18:26
  SPEAKER_15: Just set the ball down.
• 18:27
  SPEAKER_15: Just set the ball down.
• 18:28
  SPEAKER_05: So I'm I'm ready for the 12 o'clock game and you know, hopefully they're ready.
• 18:32
  SPEAKER_05: Alright, so I ask him too, is and I'm gonna ask you, anything different for the pregame meal because it's an early game?
• 18:39
  SPEAKER_15: Uh same pre-game meal.
• 18:40
  SPEAKER_15: I think it's just a little earlier.
• 18:42
  SPEAKER_15: Okay, that's the only thing.
• 18:43
  SPEAKER_05: But I'm talking about what you like to eat.
• 18:45
  SPEAKER_05: Um, same thing.
• 18:46
  SPEAKER_05: I'm gonna eat the same exact thing.
• 18:48
  SPEAKER_05: You eat the same thing before every game.
• 18:50
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 18:50
  SPEAKER_05: Have you always?
• 18:52
  SPEAKER_05: Always back to high school.
• 18:54
  SPEAKER_05: Back to high school, see, it was a little a little different because we have like different meals.
• 18:58
  SPEAKER_15: Right.
• 18:58
  SPEAKER_15: You'd never have as many choices.
• 18:59
  SPEAKER_15: Yeah.
• 19:00
  SPEAKER_15: So and you know, college here, it's the same, you know, same kind of meal uh, you know, laid out, and I just get the same thing over and over.
• 19:07
  SPEAKER_06: And you can the meals you can get essentially uh spaghetti to eggs to and everything in between.
• 19:14
  SPEAKER_06: So you can have different and you just have the same thing every time.
• 19:19
  SPEAKER_06: Is that how you are with everything in your life?
• 19:21
  SPEAKER_05: Are you are you that organized with how you do your studies and your training and your I'm very organized.
• 19:28
  SPEAKER_15: Um so like I give a football example, um, so film Mondays, training immediately right after after lift.
• 19:36
  SPEAKER_15: Uh go up and watch some film, go home for a little bit, chill a little bit, come back, training room again, meetings.
• 19:43
  SPEAKER_15: So that Monday is the same every time.
• 19:46
  SPEAKER_15: You're regimented.
• 19:47
  SPEAKER_05: I gotta keep the same Monday.
• 19:48
  SPEAKER_05: So how did Braylon Staley become so regimented?
• 19:51
  SPEAKER_15: I mean, you know, Coach is Coach Pope, you know, he instilled in me to like, you know, I gotta have a uh good routine.
• 19:57
  SPEAKER_15: You know, he said, keep your same routine, and then all he always tells me, like, train like a pro.
• 20:02
  SPEAKER_15: That's how I'm gonna do it.
• 20:03
  SPEAKER_15: So I'm gonna I'm gonna be a pro one day, so I gotta I gotta start early.
• 20:07
  SPEAKER_05: Big stage.
• 20:09
  SPEAKER_05: Whole country's gonna be watching.
• 20:10
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 20:11
  SPEAKER_05: Yeah, you you know this.
• 20:12
  SPEAKER_06: That's why you came to Tennessee, right?
• 20:14
  SPEAKER_06: All right.
• 20:15
  SPEAKER_06: Um to play Nealand Stadium in a game like this, what's it what's it like if you're asked to describe it to someone?
• 20:24
  SPEAKER_05: Surreal.
• 20:26
  SPEAKER_05: Surreal.
• 20:26
  SPEAKER_05: It's so many fans.
• 20:29
  SPEAKER_15: Obviously, we're gonna have a college game day there, you know, everybody gonna be there.
• 20:33
  SPEAKER_15: It's just you know, a lot.
• 20:34
  SPEAKER_15: It's it's a real feeling.
• 20:36
  SPEAKER_15: Stands gonna be packed out, gonna be loud, checker kneeling, it's gonna be crazy.
• 20:41
  SPEAKER_06: Texas, in terms of what they do coverage-wise in the secondary, what are the challenges for you and Mike Matthews and Radarius and Travis and TK and and all the wide receivers?
• 20:52
  SPEAKER_15: Oh, just a really good group.
• 20:54
  SPEAKER_15: Um, you know, they they are very skilled, they're they're able to limit like the uh bigger receivers, uh just like going down the field.
• 21:02
  SPEAKER_15: Um, so you know, I think we just gotta hone in on the details this week um in practice, you know, be you know on our Ps and Q's and just you know, just be ready to come on Saturday.
• 21:11
  SPEAKER_06: Like it feels like you and Faison Brandon are getting very close to being totally on the same page.
• 21:18
  SPEAKER_06: And it takes a minute.
• 21:19
  SPEAKER_06: Yeah.
• 21:20
  SPEAKER_06: What has to happen for you to get it the where the to the place where you guys want it to be in order to be able to make those big plays in the passing game?
• 21:29
  SPEAKER_15: I think just um being able to keep talking to him, um, you know, just see what I want to see what he sees, uh tell him what I see, um, you know, and then in practice being able to catch every ball that he threw my way, you know, so it come natural in game.
• 21:41
  SPEAKER_15: So that's all I do.
• 21:42
  SPEAKER_05: What's it like playing with FaZe on Brandon?
• 21:44
  SPEAKER_15: Is is amazing.
• 21:46
  SPEAKER_15: Uh, you know, last game he broke the pocket and you know, scrambled for a couple, and I'm just looking like, man, like he real deal.
• 21:53
  SPEAKER_15: So, you know, it's amazing playing with a a younger quarterback, uh, you know, just dialing the office up.
• 21:57
  SPEAKER_06: So you and Mike Matthews had nine cases.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_06: Catches combined in the first two games, but then the last game against Kennesaw, eight catches combined.
• 22:05
  SPEAKER_06: So it looks like you and number four are starting to pick it up together at the same time.
• 22:11
  SPEAKER_06: How have you seen Mike's play so far this year?
• 22:14
  SPEAKER_06: Because I know you're his biggest fan.
• 22:15
  SPEAKER_15: Man, he's he's been very awesome.
• 22:17
  SPEAKER_15: Um, you know, people don't you know recognize the the run game a lot, but Mike has been a big you know impact into the run game.
• 22:24
  SPEAKER_15: He putting his hat on people on safety's uh corners, you know, doing his thing, you know, he finishing blocks.
• 22:30
  SPEAKER_15: And so I think he's been really good.
• 22:31
  SPEAKER_15: Uh he's he's grown a lot, uh, you know, making making catches downfield, and like I said, the blocking.
• 22:36
  SPEAKER_05: So he's he's grown a lot.
• 22:37
  SPEAKER_05: All right.
• 22:38
  SPEAKER_05: I know you work with First Horizon, the jersey patch.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_05: Did you help them do that?
• 22:42
  SPEAKER_05: Did you put that together?
• 22:43
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 22:44
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 22:45
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 22:46
  SPEAKER_05: I did.
• 22:46
  SPEAKER_05: But it looks good.
• 22:47
  SPEAKER_05: I do.
• 22:48
  SPEAKER_05: I like the patch.
• 22:48
  SPEAKER_05: I like good people at first horizon.
• 22:51
  SPEAKER_05: Yes, sir.
• 22:51
  SPEAKER_06: Official back of the balls, official wide receiver of the balls, Braylon Staley.
• 22:55
  SPEAKER_06: Yes, sir.
• 22:56
  SPEAKER_06: Thank you so much.
• 22:56
  SPEAKER_06: Of course.
• 22:57
  SPEAKER_06: All right, back with more of the show right after this.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_08: It's time now for the block of the week, presented by Cracker Barrel.
• 23:04
  SPEAKER_06: Power formation.
• 23:06
  SPEAKER_06: Two blockers offset to the left.
• 23:09
  SPEAKER_06: They'll run Morris on the right side, and Morris goes charging through at right guard, past the 40, then past the 35, and Moss gets him on the ground at the 33, gate of eight, and the balls move the chains again.
• 23:26
  SPEAKER_08: Slow down and savor breakfast at Cracker Barrel, their new sweet cream caramel apple pancakes, combine crispy golden edges, fluffy centers, and sweet fall flavors in every bite.
• 23:38
  SPEAKER_08: Welcome home.
• 23:39
  SPEAKER_01: You're one-on-one with Mike Key, sponsored by Food City, the official supermarket of the Tennessee Volunteers.
• 23:46
  SPEAKER_01: By Farm Bureau Insurance, the official insurance of the vault, Tennessee Insurance for Tennessee Life.
• 23:53
  SPEAKER_01: By First Horizon, Big Bank Hustle, Small Bank Hustle.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_01: By Pilot, official travel stop of the vault.
• 24:00
  SPEAKER_01: See you out here.
• 24:02
  SPEAKER_01: By Rackley Roofing, let us fix your lead, the proud official roofer of the big horn.
• 24:08
  SPEAKER_01: And by UT Medical, the official healthcare provider of the vault.
• 24:38
  SPEAKER_06: Your local Ford dealer.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_06: Sponsor of Testy Athletics.
• 24:43
  SPEAKER_11: At Rackley Roofing, we are not a one-man team.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_11: We're actually not a two-man team.
• 24:48
  SPEAKER_11: Everyone is a critical part of the journey.
• 24:50
  SPEAKER_01: Championship teams are not built by one person.
• 24:53
  SPEAKER_01: Great companies aren't either.
• 24:55
  SPEAKER_11: Like the Vols, coaches and players need to learn to handle the pressure, including the pressure of success.
• 25:02
  SPEAKER_22: We invest in the next generation.
• 25:04
  SPEAKER_11: We invest in our community.
• 25:05
  SPEAKER_06: And most importantly, we invest in our employees.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_00: Want to change the world?
• 25:10
  SPEAKER_00: Change it.
• 25:11
  SPEAKER_00: One roof at a time.
• 25:20
  SPEAKER_09: Sun is shining, it's a beautiful day.
• 25:25
  SPEAKER_09: Wake up, sleepy head, get up and play.
• 25:30
  SPEAKER_09: Everything's yellow, it's a beautiful sight.
• 25:33
  SPEAKER_09: Star beam shows makes everything bright.
• 25:36
  SPEAKER_09: Come on now, let's get away.
• 25:38
  SPEAKER_09: Make every day brighter with the sunny southern goodness of Mayfield Dairy.
• 25:43
  SPEAKER_13: In Big Orange Country, we live for big moments, but we know there are surprises along the way.
• 25:49
  SPEAKER_13: When you need help with auto, some peace of mind for your home.
• 26:03
  SPEAKER_10: That's why I trust Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, the official insurance of the balls.
• 26:08
  SPEAKER_10: Tennessee Insurance for Tennessee Life.
• 26:11
  SPEAKER_06: Not funny, guys.
• 26:13
  SPEAKER_07: Tennessee is growing.
• 26:15
  SPEAKER_07: New homes, new businesses, new opportunities.
• 26:19
  SPEAKER_07: Natural gas powers that progress.
• 26:22
  SPEAKER_07: Efficient energy, reliable systems, dependable when communities need it most, ready for today's demands and the growth happening across our state.
• 26:32
  SPEAKER_07: Because in Tennessee, progress isn't slowing down, it's moving forward.
• 26:38
  SPEAKER_07: Natural Gas, fueled for the future.
• 26:43
  SPEAKER_13: Brought to you by Food City, it's the Ask Coach Hypel Show.
• 26:46
  SPEAKER_13: Hello, and welcome to Ask Coach Hepel.
• 26:49
  SPEAKER_13: I'm your host, Josh Hypel.
• 26:51
  SPEAKER_13: Glenn asks, Coach, how does one join the Vol Navy?
• 26:55
  SPEAKER_13: It's a great question.
• 26:59
  SPEAKER_13: Well, Glenn, you don't necessarily need a boat.
• 27:02
  SPEAKER_13: You need a friend with the boat.
• 27:04
  SPEAKER_13: Always arrive with beef, fresh cut by a Food City butcher, and you'll be welcomed aboard.
• 27:09
  SPEAKER_13: This has been Ask Coach Hyper.
• 27:11
  SPEAKER_06: With me, Coach Hyper.
• 27:13
  SPEAKER_06: Saturdays are all about the big orange.
• 27:15
  SPEAKER_06: From the roar of Neeland Stadium to the energy of the tailgate, one thing belongs on every game day menu.
• 27:22
  SPEAKER_06: Calhoun.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_06: Whether you're dining at one of Calhoun's nine-area restaurant locations, taking the feast to your tailgate, or grabbing a bike from one of Calhoun's locations inside Nealand Stadium, Calhoun's makes it easy so you can focus on cheering the balls to victory.
• 27:39
  SPEAKER_06: Calhoun, a taste of Tennessee.
• 27:46
  SPEAKER_06: Welcome back to the Mike Keith Show, delivered by Uber Eats.
• 27:50
  SPEAKER_06: Heath Schuler was excited to meet and speak with Faison Brandon.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_06: Like Brandon, the 1993 Heisman Trophy runner-up hails from North Carolina.
• 28:00
  SPEAKER_06: And like Brandon, Shuler was a much ballyhooed prospect.
• 28:05
  SPEAKER_06: Heath Schuler wanted to ask Faison Brandon some questions.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_06: Another North Carolinian, Hendon Hooker, was excited to do the same.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_06: So Hooker took some time away from Titans practice to join a conversation between the three volterbacks.
• 28:23
  SPEAKER_06: The result was just cool.
• 28:27
  SPEAKER_02: Well, first of all, I have to welcome uh two incredible great men, uh great quarterbacks, two greats from North Carolina.
• 28:38
  SPEAKER_02: Um Hendon Hooker is uh is here on um video with us, and Faison Brandon.
• 28:44
  SPEAKER_02: Um two guys that I really look up to.
• 28:46
  SPEAKER_02: I love the way both of you play.
• 28:48
  SPEAKER_02: And um just want to kind of you know kind of talk back and forth and kind of keep it really open and and uh kind of get into some insights that you know, from a viewer standpoint, a lot of detail of you know what quarterbacks are looking for.
• 29:02
  SPEAKER_02: So um, and uh Hendon, I want you to jump in at any time on any question you may have, but um let's first talk about being a quarterback in high school and what that transition is now because you're just one year removed.
• 29:16
  SPEAKER_02: You're one of the youngest quarterbacks in the country, um, the youngest to ever start at the University of Tennessee.
• 29:24
  SPEAKER_02: What is that transition like from going from high school in North Carolina to be the starting quarterback at the University of Tennessee?
• 29:33
  SPEAKER_23: Um, I really say uh just a lot more preparation, you know, than high school, you know, just learning the playbook and stuff like that, just a lot more that goes into it um than just high school.
• 29:45
  SPEAKER_23: That was that's the biggest thing I would say.
• 29:47
  SPEAKER_02: Handon, would you say that sometimes it's that what is considered open in high school is a little bit different in college, and then also what being open in the NFL is like?
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_14: For sure.
• 29:57
  SPEAKER_14: It's uh it's a big difference um from guys just being scot-free, you know, running down the field by themselves to guys being a lot closer to now guys actually touching your receiver, but he's open.
• 30:08
  SPEAKER_14: Um it's a it's a it's a big jump.
• 30:11
  SPEAKER_14: And like Faison said, it's a lot of preparation and a lot of um you know different analysis that you go through throughout the week, you know, just so you can have a clear mind when you go out there and play.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_02: Yeah.
• 30:22
  SPEAKER_02: So let's talk about clear mind.
• 30:23
  SPEAKER_02: That's that brings me to my next question.
• 30:26
  SPEAKER_02: All right, your first start.
• 30:27
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, you're in Nealand Stadium, and then you can remember your first start.
• 30:31
  SPEAKER_02: What are some of the things that you did to prepare?
• 30:33
  SPEAKER_02: Not from a game standpoint, but how do you control your emotions?
• 30:37
  SPEAKER_02: Because I mean, you're so excited.
• 30:38
  SPEAKER_02: How do you kind of bring yourself, calm down?
• 30:40
  SPEAKER_02: What is kind of some of those, those pregames rituals that you do to kind of calm yourself as a quarterback?
• 30:46
  SPEAKER_02: You got to have a clear mind going into the game.
• 30:49
  SPEAKER_23: Um well, I feel like the biggest thing for me was just the preparation like during the week, just so like when it came to like game day, I wasn't, you know, thinking about the plays uh where I need to go with the ball, just where I can go out there and just play freely and play fast.
• 31:04
  SPEAKER_23: I feel like that was the biggest thing to help me just go out there and be calm.
• 31:07
  SPEAKER_02: So does that calmness start at what point in time during the week?
• 31:11
  SPEAKER_02: Is it is it, you know, Friday night after the dinner, you kind of say, okay, I I'm completely prepared.
• 31:16
  SPEAKER_02: I'm not worried about the coverages, I'm I'm locked in and you start getting game ready mentally.
• 31:22
  SPEAKER_02: Or do you still like even after the the team dinner and the little meeting that you may have, that you really start, you know, kind of checking the boxes uh even before you go to bed at night?
• 31:32
  SPEAKER_23: I kind of feel like it's that Friday night, um, is whenever I'm, you know, not trying to really look over it too much, uh just like not wanting to overthink anything.
• 31:42
  SPEAKER_23: Um I feel like it's that Friday night is whenever I kind of start to just settle down and you know, just think about the game, think about making plays and stuff like that.
• 31:52
  SPEAKER_02: And then what was your kind of that first time at the university uh that you got your first start?
• 31:57
  SPEAKER_02: And what was that game preparation, the mental game preparation that you had to take in?
• 32:03
  SPEAKER_14: Um my first start was I just had a lot of a lot of butterflies.
• 32:07
  SPEAKER_14: I was super excited, but also super nervous.
• 32:10
  SPEAKER_14: Um, but I knew that the work that I put in you know earlier that week and uh work I put in during camp, um, all of that will come to fruition um you know when the ball was snapped.
• 32:21
  SPEAKER_14: I just wanted to go out there, have fun, and do my job.
• 32:24
  SPEAKER_14: Um I I had to calm myself down because warm-ups, I was too excited jumping around and uh losing a lot of fluids.
• 32:33
  SPEAKER_14: I was down in Miami, uh my first start I ever had in college football.
• 32:37
  SPEAKER_14: So losing a lot of fluids ended up cramping in like the second quarter.
• 32:41
  SPEAKER_14: Um, but you know, it's just a it's just a time to uh you know embrace everything that you're going through because it's all gonna be a uh lifelong lasting memory um that you know that you're gonna want to cherish and and tell your kids about one day.
• 32:55
  SPEAKER_02: Henan, I always felt like watching you play is after the first time that you engaged with the defense and you got hit, I felt like all the butterflies, everything, all those emotions is away.
• 33:06
  SPEAKER_02: It was almost like you needed to get that first hit out of the way and you were ready to play ball then.
• 33:11
  SPEAKER_02: Same way?
• 33:12
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, do you feel the do you feel the same way?
• 33:14
  SPEAKER_23: Yeah, I fight's definitely uh I've heard Fray says, you know, it's time to play ball now.
• 33:18
  SPEAKER_23: I fight uh it definitely uh takes all the butterflies away after that.
• 33:23
  SPEAKER_02: Yeah, it does.
• 33:24
  SPEAKER_02: Okay, two incredible runners.
• 33:27
  SPEAKER_02: So at one point in time, many, many years ago, I held the the quarterback rushing uh for numbers of touchdowns in a season, and this guy came along and just absolutely just ran up and down the field and shattered those.
• 33:41
  SPEAKER_02: So it was always great to kind of pass that torch along with the the great ability that Hendon had.
• 33:48
  SPEAKER_02: I see that his ability, Hendon Hooker's ability to run, was it was a timing deal.
• 33:55
  SPEAKER_02: I felt like he knew when to run at the right time.
• 33:57
  SPEAKER_02: And I'm seeing that in you.
• 33:59
  SPEAKER_02: You had a fourth down play last week, fourth and three.
• 34:03
  SPEAKER_02: You get on the run, and there was a receiver that could have been questionable whether he's open or not, and you chose to pick up the the first down with your legs.
• 34:12
  SPEAKER_02: Tell us about how you like to run.
• 34:15
  SPEAKER_23: Um, you know, I wouldn't say I'm gonna run first, but I feel like whenever, you know, things aren't there or you know, the back is covered, you know, and my last check down or anything like that.
• 34:26
  SPEAKER_23: Um I just try to, you know, go get positive yards, you know, not take any negatives.
• 34:31
  SPEAKER_23: That's kind of how I look at it.
• 34:32
  SPEAKER_02: Get a chance, hit and then you you pick up that first down, don't you?
• 34:35
  SPEAKER_02: Tell us about what your thought process is, what made you such a great runner?
• 34:41
  SPEAKER_14: Um I think that I think just playing in the rhythm of the game, um, is it a time where I need to use my legs?
• 34:51
  SPEAKER_14: Do I have to use my legs?
• 34:53
  SPEAKER_14: You know, do I want to use my legs?
• 34:55
  SPEAKER_14: Because I'd rather share the ball and uh and and throw it, you know, rather than run it.
• 35:00
  SPEAKER_14: But if if times um are called for me to run, then I like to take advantage of that.
• 35:06
  SPEAKER_14: I actually have a question for um for Fazon.
• 35:10
  SPEAKER_14: Faison, what what's what's your mental like before the game?
• 35:13
  SPEAKER_14: And what do you tell your teammates around you to get them going before the game?
• 35:19
  SPEAKER_23: Um I really just try to stay calm, you know, not try to be like too hype or too, you know, low, just kind of I'll say even kill, joking a little bit uh before the game, but you know, just trying to be locked in at the end of the day, but just making sure everybody everybody's not too uptight or just too loose trying to be in the middle.
• 35:40
  SPEAKER_02: Because it becomes kind of contagious along and when the quarterback, when you when your teammates look at you and you're calm in a in a stressful situation or going into a tough game, if you remain calm, I think it becomes contagious because they're all eyes are upon you, they're looking to you for that leadership ability.
• 35:55
  SPEAKER_02: And and so I I see that in in the way that Hendon played.
• 36:00
  SPEAKER_02: Um Hendon, why don't you talk about being in the lot in the classroom with a guy that I have the utmost respect for, and that's Joey Hosley.
• 36:11
  SPEAKER_02: And then I'd love that Faison to be able to tell me kind of his thoughts and what what the mentorship that uh Joey Hosley meant to you and and then and what you've learned so far, because I think from your first day on campus, Faison, until you know that first game, I think you your growth and knowledge of the game uh really was incredible to watch.
• 36:34
  SPEAKER_14: Yeah, I I would say uh Coach Hosley is just an incredible teacher, um, incredible person, um a great motivator.
• 36:42
  SPEAKER_14: Uh, and I think that just instilled so much confidence in us from the teaching on the field to the teaching in the classroom.
• 36:50
  SPEAKER_14: So right before the game, him just saying, you know, three simple words, you know, you're the best in the country.
• 36:55
  SPEAKER_14: It it can it can shoot your confidence through the roof, and that's someone that you want to run through a through a brick wall for.
• 37:02
  SPEAKER_14: Um, I feel like my development from the day I stepped on campus at Tennessee with Coach Hosley to the day I that I left, um I still am extremely grateful for what he's instilled in me and what he still instills in me uh when I do get a chance to talk to him here and there.
• 37:22
  SPEAKER_14: Um but just flat out 100% great ball coach and great person as well.
• 37:29
  SPEAKER_23: Yeah, you know, Coach Joey is just I'd say a great leader and uh, you know, just a great person.
• 37:36
  SPEAKER_23: You know, he's the same person every day, bringing a lot of energy at practice in the meeting rooms, just keeping the energy high.
• 37:43
  SPEAKER_23: Um so you know, when we step out on the field, it's just like he's the same guy.
• 37:47
  SPEAKER_23: I haven't seen him like any different.
• 37:49
  SPEAKER_23: He's always got a lot of energy.
• 37:51
  SPEAKER_23: He teaches a lot, like he knows what he's talking about.
• 37:53
  SPEAKER_23: If you miss a pass, like he'll tell you what you did wrong and how to fix it and things like that.
• 37:59
  SPEAKER_23: Um, so I would say he's just a great teacher and a great energy giver and the same person every day.
• 38:05
  SPEAKER_02: And I and I asked that question because there's a reason behind that.
• 38:08
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, being the quarterback, starting quarterback at the University of Tennessee, there's a lot of pressure that comes with you.
• 38:13
  SPEAKER_02: All right.
• 38:14
  SPEAKER_02: Expectations are extremely high.
• 38:16
  SPEAKER_02: So you need to find someone that will keep you grounded and keep you focused.
• 38:19
  SPEAKER_02: Um I would say that that Coach Halsley was one of those individuals for for Hendon.
• 38:25
  SPEAKER_02: David Cutcliffe was that person for me.
• 38:27
  SPEAKER_02: And I'm sure that you're gonna find that uh that Joey's that same way for you.
• 38:32
  SPEAKER_02: Are are there other people in your life that you kind of turn to that that kind of helps you maintain being grounded?
• 38:38
  SPEAKER_02: Because I mean, Hendon will tell you, I mean, playing this quarterback, it only gets exponentially even more and more.
• 38:45
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, Hendon couldn't go anywhere in this town.
• 38:47
  SPEAKER_02: You know, he's always noticed still this day when he comes back.
• 38:50
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, that he gets a stand in ovation every time he comes back to the stadium.
• 38:53
  SPEAKER_02: You know, it it becomes a different way of life.
• 38:56
  SPEAKER_02: So um who who is kind of keeping you grounded?
• 39:00
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I was you talking about like here?
• 39:03
  SPEAKER_02: Anywhere, yeah.
• 39:04
  SPEAKER_23: Who do you who do you lean to?
• 39:06
  SPEAKER_23: I would say my parents, you know, they always, you know, taught me like stay humble, stuff like that.
• 39:11
  SPEAKER_23: Because, you know, it can be taken at any given moment.
• 39:14
  SPEAKER_23: Um, you know, so really just my parents, um, I feel like they helped me, you know, stay grounded.
• 39:20
  SPEAKER_02: That's great.
• 39:21
  SPEAKER_02: Well, uh, and then I got a chance.
• 39:23
  SPEAKER_02: We had uh uh Faison and I had dinner back in the summer together uh at the uh your uh official visit, and it was a buffet style that we that normally have.
• 39:33
  SPEAKER_02: And um I noticed something about you because everybody says, What do you know about Faison?
• 39:38
  SPEAKER_02: I said, Well, let me tell you, I don't know.
• 39:39
  SPEAKER_02: I said, You can all everyone can see how great he is on the field and how well he played in.
• 39:43
  SPEAKER_02: I said, But I will tell you one thing that I saw, and I want you to tell me about your relationship with this individual afterward.
• 39:50
  SPEAKER_02: You got up for to go back for seconds in the buffet line, and you leaned over, and your mom and dad were there, and your sister was there, and you asked your parents, do you guys need anything?
• 39:59
  SPEAKER_02: But you looked at your younger sister and you reached, you said, Hey, can I get you anything?
• 40:04
  SPEAKER_02: From a parent and from a person that, you know, that this game is far more than just the X's and O's.
• 40:10
  SPEAKER_02: It's about individuals, and you want to pull for that person that actually is humble and who is, you know, that that looks to others first uh to be a great quarterback.
• 40:21
  SPEAKER_02: I watched Hendon do that with my own son.
• 40:23
  SPEAKER_02: How Hendon would, you know, when Navy was a quarterback here, I watched him kind of be a leader to my son.
• 40:28
  SPEAKER_02: Tell me about your relationship with your sister.
• 40:31
  SPEAKER_23: Um, you know, I love my sister to death.
• 40:33
  SPEAKER_23: Uh just willing to do anything for her, you know.
• 40:36
  SPEAKER_23: Um, I know she'd probably be having a rough time, like especially the when I first had left, um, miss me and stuff.
• 40:42
  SPEAKER_23: So, you know, whenever she calls, I try to answer and whenever she takes, just takes her back, and whatever she needs, just try to get it to her.
• 40:49
  SPEAKER_23: Uh since I know like I'm not there to be able to like talk to her and stuff.
• 40:53
  SPEAKER_23: So um really just wasn't willing to give her anything or do anything for her.
• 40:58
  SPEAKER_02: So all right, Hen and last question, I'm gonna let you uh uh kind of end this.
• 41:03
  SPEAKER_02: Um give Fais on, you you're the one of the great quarterbacks to ever play at this university.
• 41:10
  SPEAKER_02: Give uh Fazon some advice, not the on the field, but kind of how to manage the kind of the world as as as he's gonna be facing more and more you know interviews and people and attention.
• 41:23
  SPEAKER_02: Um how do you handle it?
• 41:25
  SPEAKER_02: Because I think you handled it incredibly well as a player.
• 41:28
  SPEAKER_14: Yeah, um I would say first and foremost, you know, always keep God first.
• 41:33
  SPEAKER_14: Um, you know, stay stay in your prayer life, keep that strong.
• 41:37
  SPEAKER_14: Because at the end of the day, you know, that's what we're gonna be falling back on, is just our prayer and um you know our strength in Jesus Christ.
• 41:45
  SPEAKER_14: Um, but you know, you got a great head on your shoulders, you carry yourself extremely well.
• 41:50
  SPEAKER_14: Um, you play with confidence, you know, you walk with confidence, and don't let anyone take your shine.
• 41:56
  SPEAKER_14: Don't let anyone you know take that confidence away from you.
• 41:58
  SPEAKER_14: Always know who you are and where you're from.
• 42:02
  SPEAKER_14: Um, I say that properly because you're from the borough.
• 42:05
  SPEAKER_14: Um, but you know, just continue to to stay the course.
• 42:10
  SPEAKER_14: You have a great um you have a great rapport, you know, in the building, a great rapport on how you handle your work when you come into the building.
• 42:19
  SPEAKER_14: Um, my hat is off to you.
• 42:21
  SPEAKER_14: I haven't seen any other quarterbacks other than myself there in the summertime.
• 42:25
  SPEAKER_14: So to see you there makes me feel really good and knowing that you have what it takes, you know, to break every record that's there and win as many ball games as you want to want to win, man.
• 42:38
  SPEAKER_14: Continue to be the pillar in the community that you have been, you know, to the kids.
• 42:43
  SPEAKER_14: And um, you know, you never we're never too big to to shake someone's hand or take some advice from someone because you never know when you get a life gym.
• 42:50
  SPEAKER_14: So always continue to be humble and continue to um you know stay the course.
• 42:55
  SPEAKER_02: Oh yeah.
• 42:56
  SPEAKER_02: Well, that's coming from an incredible quarterback.
• 42:58
  SPEAKER_02: And like I said in the beginning, what an incredible man that and uh leader that Hendon Hooker continues to be in this state.
• 43:05
  SPEAKER_02: Best of luck from now we got three quarterbacks from the state.
• 43:09
  SPEAKER_02: Let's represent North Carolina extremely well.
• 43:11
  SPEAKER_02: But we are so proud that you are here and representing um the great state of Tennessee and and the University of Tennessee and being the starting quarterback uh at such a young age and being able to do so many great things on the field and and off the field as well.
• 43:25
  SPEAKER_02: So best of luck Saturday, Hendon, best of luck Sunday.
• 43:29
  SPEAKER_14: Appreciate you.
• 43:30
  SPEAKER_14: Do you think me?
• 43:32
  SPEAKER_03: Getting you ready for the game.
• 43:33
  SPEAKER_03: The Mike Keith Joe, delivered by Breakfast in your Ball Network.
• 43:43
  SPEAKER_06: It's time for the Built Ford Tough preview with Brent Hubbs of BallQu.com and the Ball Radio Network.
• 43:51
  SPEAKER_06: Brent Hubb, it's so good to see you.
• 43:53
  SPEAKER_06: Thanks for making time.
• 43:54
  SPEAKER_18: Absolutely.
• 43:54
  SPEAKER_06: All right, historian Brent Hubbs goes first.
• 43:57
  SPEAKER_18: You're the historian with the
• 44:00
  SPEAKER_06: On the Vault Network, 33 to be exact.
• 44:02
  SPEAKER_06: Texas is the best football team to visit Neeland Stadium since.
• 44:07
  SPEAKER_18: Just start looking at 2021 Georgia, 2023 Georgia.
• 44:11
  SPEAKER_18: Both those teams were number one teams in the country.
• 44:13
  SPEAKER_18: That 21 Georgia team was elite on defense.
• 44:16
  SPEAKER_18: The 23 Georgia team was better offensively, had more weapons, but it's got to be one of those two teams that came into Knoxville here.
• 44:25
  SPEAKER_18: That 21 team went on and won won the thing.
• 44:27
  SPEAKER_18: I mean, you had a lot of defensive players.
• 44:30
  SPEAKER_18: They were much more defensive-minded and built around defense in 21, uh, but they were really good.
• 44:36
  SPEAKER_18: Those two teams certainly stand out.
• 44:38
  SPEAKER_06: Texas is better in 2026 than they were in 2025 where.
• 44:44
  SPEAKER_18: I think that's the the offensive weapons.
• 44:46
  SPEAKER_18: I think it's what they did in the transfer portal.
• 44:48
  SPEAKER_18: When you go and you get Cam Coleman from Auburn, who is a big-time wide receiver.
• 44:53
  SPEAKER_18: To match him up with Ryan Wingo, you balance the field a little bit.
• 44:57
  SPEAKER_18: They're third receiver, sneaky good, too.
• 44:59
  SPEAKER_18: They've got more balance offensively on the perimeter for Arch Manning.
• 45:03
  SPEAKER_18: I think Hollywood Smothers at running back is a really good player, transferred in from NC State.
• 45:08
  SPEAKER_18: That's a guy that visited Tennessee out of the portal and decided, you know, the two sides decided that they weren't going to have a marriage, so to speak.
• 45:16
  SPEAKER_18: And he goes to Texas.
• 45:17
  SPEAKER_18: I think they've got better offensive balance and better weapons on offense, one, and then defensively, I think the arrival of Will Muschamp changes the outlook of them defensively as well.
• 45:28
  SPEAKER_06: Okay.
• 45:28
  SPEAKER_06: Tennessee is better in 2026 than they were in 2025.
• 45:34
  SPEAKER_06: Where?
• 45:34
  SPEAKER_18: Defensively, they're much more sound to this point.
• 45:37
  SPEAKER_18: Now they got to go do it against better opponents.
• 45:39
  SPEAKER_18: We all know those things.
• 45:41
  SPEAKER_18: But for what we've seen, the tackling in the open field, um, the continuity on defense to eliminate some of those communication errors that we saw last year.
• 45:51
  SPEAKER_18: I think it starts there for Tennessee.
• 45:53
  SPEAKER_18: And you got a quarterback with wheels.
• 45:55
  SPEAKER_18: And how much of a game changer is that in your play calling in this system?
• 46:00
  SPEAKER_18: We'll find out.
• 46:00
  SPEAKER_18: Uh he's been Baison Brandon's been really good, I think, for a freshman through three games, but everything changes on Saturday for him.
• 46:08
  SPEAKER_06: Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has gone up against Texas coach Steve Sarkeesian's offenses twice.
• 46:17
  SPEAKER_06: When he was the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, he handled Sarkeesian's offense.
• 46:22
  SPEAKER_06: The Cowboys won that game.
• 46:24
  SPEAKER_06: And then at Ohio State national semifinal two years ago, Knowles' defense handled Sarkeesian's offense again.
• 46:32
  SPEAKER_06: Where has that defense been able to do well against Coach Sarkeesian's very talented offenses in those two meetings?
• 46:40
  SPEAKER_18: Well, they turned them all turned them over twice in both games, so I think it starts there.
• 46:45
  SPEAKER_18: Um they've gotten after the quarterback, a couple of quarterback sacks.
• 46:49
  SPEAKER_18: But to me, the biggest stat in those two matchups is what Jim Knowles was able to do in the red zone against Steve Sarkeesian's offenses.
• 46:57
  SPEAKER_18: Those in those two games total, they were in the red zone four times and they came away with a touchdown twice.
• 47:02
  SPEAKER_18: Wow.
• 47:03
  SPEAKER_18: So so he won in the red zone.
• 47:04
  SPEAKER_18: And of course, we go back to that playoff game.
• 47:06
  SPEAKER_18: They had the fumble recovery and the scoop and score in the red zone when Texas was getting ready to tie it up.
• 47:12
  SPEAKER_18: I think the red zone number is a really big number to watch in this game.
• 47:17
  SPEAKER_18: So some really good coaches have said through the years, you don't win big games kicking field goals.
• 47:22
  SPEAKER_18: You got to score touchdowns.
• 47:23
  SPEAKER_18: Tennessee's defense this year has given up two touchdowns and seven red zone trips.
• 47:27
  SPEAKER_18: Can they force field goals?
• 47:29
  SPEAKER_18: Can they force stops in the red zone?
• 47:32
  SPEAKER_18: Two-parter.
• 47:33
  SPEAKER_06: We've heard all week about Texas's advantages in this game.
• 47:36
  SPEAKER_06: They're the number one team in the country.
• 47:38
  SPEAKER_06: We get it.
• 47:39
  SPEAKER_06: Where does Tennessee have an advantage or advantages in this game?
• 47:44
  SPEAKER_06: And how, as part B, could they potentially take advantage of those advantages against Texas?
• 47:52
  SPEAKER_18: Well, I I think one, it's the quarterback's legs.
• 47:55
  SPEAKER_18: How do you play with him this week?
• 47:57
  SPEAKER_18: What do you unwrap that you haven't shown to this point offensively to help him out?
• 48:02
  SPEAKER_18: You got to think that Will Muschamp's going to come from a variety of different ways.
• 48:06
  SPEAKER_18: But what have you not shown?
• 48:08
  SPEAKER_18: What is your element of surprise?
• 48:09
  SPEAKER_18: Texas had to pull out everything to beat Ohio State.
• 48:12
  SPEAKER_18: You set on the ball in the second half against Georgia Tech and ran the football with pretty vanilla the whole way through.
• 48:18
  SPEAKER_18: So what have you not shown?
• 48:20
  SPEAKER_18: I don't think this is going to be like last year where you come out in that Georgia game and all of a sudden you're 14 or 14 throwing the ball and it looks totally different than what you saw.
• 48:28
  SPEAKER_18: I don't think we're going to see that.
• 48:30
  SPEAKER_18: But what are the wrinkles?
• 48:32
  SPEAKER_18: What's the crowd?
• 48:33
  SPEAKER_18: Okay, and how's that?
• 48:35
  SPEAKER_18: Texas is an afternoon practicing team.
• 48:38
  SPEAKER_18: This is an 11 a.m.
• 48:39
  SPEAKER_18: start for them.
• 48:40
  SPEAKER_18: I don't know if that matters or not, but it doesn't hurt, I guess, in some ways that way.
• 48:45
  SPEAKER_18: Can you get off to the good start and make them uncomfortable in that?
• 48:49
  SPEAKER_18: But I think offensively on the field, what have you not shown?
• 48:52
  SPEAKER_18: And then defensively, what has Jim Knowles not shown that maybe can confuse Arch Manning?
• 48:58
  SPEAKER_18: Matchups or players that Brent Hubbs will be watching Saturday at Neal and Steve?
• 49:03
  SPEAKER_18: Well, ironically, I think matchups is on the headset a little bit.
• 49:07
  SPEAKER_18: Because I think the chess match between Sarkeesian and uh Jim Knowles is gonna be really good.
• 49:12
  SPEAKER_18: Okay.
• 49:12
  SPEAKER_18: I think on the flip side, the chess match of Will Muschamp versus Josh Heipel and Joey Halsey is gonna be really good.
• 49:18
  SPEAKER_18: How do you adjust in game?
• 49:20
  SPEAKER_18: There's gonna be a lot of moving parts in this game, a lot of layers to it, who adjust well throughout the course of the game.
• 49:26
  SPEAKER_18: So I think that's an intriguing matchup that is sort of off the field, but is on the field as well.
• 49:32
  SPEAKER_18: I think when you look at on-the-field matchups, how does Tennessee's offensive line match up in a couple of areas?
• 49:38
  SPEAKER_18: That big, that big transfer, Guilford, if I pronounced his name right, from Arkansas is a load inside.
• 49:44
  SPEAKER_18: How does Sam Pendleton, Sham Umaroff, those guys handle that on the interior for Tennessee's inside run game?
• 49:52
  SPEAKER_18: And then Colin Simmons on the outside is a 12-site guy from a year ago.
• 49:56
  SPEAKER_18: He can cause problems.
• 49:57
  SPEAKER_18: How does Jesse Perry?
• 49:58
  SPEAKER_18: How did David Sanders play him?
• 50:00
  SPEAKER_18: They'll move him around in some different ways.
• 50:02
  SPEAKER_18: Tennessee's gonna have to hold their own in the line of scrimmage and do some things to try to let them outrun plays, um, to create creases in the run game and give themselves some opportunities.
• 50:13
  SPEAKER_06: Finally, Brent Hobbs, how similar is this opportunity for Tennessee to what the Georgia game was a year ago?
• 50:21
  SPEAKER_18: Well, I mean, I think anytime the number one team in the country comes to town and you have the national stage and spotlight on you, it's it's a great opportunity.
• 50:29
  SPEAKER_18: I think that last year was a little bit different because you were just trying to, I mean, they had they had messed you up, right?
• 50:36
  SPEAKER_18: In 22, you're there in the playoffs, and then you can't you can go down there.
• 50:40
  SPEAKER_18: And not only do you not win that game, you weren't in that game.
• 50:42
  SPEAKER_18: There was there's a monkey on the back.
• 50:44
  SPEAKER_18: You got to beat your rival from down the road, whatever.
• 50:47
  SPEAKER_18: So the pressure felt a little different with Georgia.
• 50:50
  SPEAKER_18: So the opportunity is different because you're trying to check that box, if you will.
• 50:53
  SPEAKER_18: You win that one, now you've beaten Florida, you've beaten an Alabama, you would have beaten Georgia if you're Josh Heipel.
• 50:59
  SPEAKER_18: This one's a different opportunity because it's a huge game on a national stage against a number one team in the country, but there's not a ton of angst from the standpoint of we hadn't won in nine years, hadn't won.
• 51:10
  SPEAKER_18: I mean, you're not trying to break a streak, but yeah, there's certainly an opportunity.
• 51:14
  SPEAKER_18: It should be a great atmosphere.
• 51:16
  SPEAKER_06: Tennessee and Texas kick off shortly afternoon Eastern time at Nealand Stadium, preserved by pilot.
• 51:22
  SPEAKER_06: Here are some important times for you to remember so that you don't miss a minute and get into Nealand Stadium as easily as possible.
• 51:31
  SPEAKER_06: Stadium gates open at 9 a.m.
• 51:34
  SPEAKER_06: Vol walk will take place at 9 45.
• 51:38
  SPEAKER_06: The Pride of the Southland Band's march to the stadium takes place at 1020.
• 51:44
  SPEAKER_06: Entering Nealand Stadium after the vol walk is encouraged to cut down on congestion and wait times.
• 51:53
  SPEAKER_06: Making sure you're lined up to enter by 10.30 is absolutely encouraged to make sure that you don't miss a thing.
• 52:01
  SPEAKER_06: If you can't make it to Knoxville, you can always listen to the game on the Vall Radio Network.
• 52:06
  SPEAKER_06: Our coverage begins at 9.30 Eastern, 830 Central.
• 52:11
  SPEAKER_06: Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time.