Volunteer Country

Happy Veteran's Day! 

🚨 Name Change 🚨: VR2 on SI is NOW Volunteer Country on SI. Jack and Matt go into detail on the name change at the beginning of the pod.

Podcast Description:

Host Jack Foster is joined by Volunteer Country lead publisher Matt Ray for the first time in a while to discuss the latest on recruiting, going into depth on the likes of Walter Nolen, DeMario Tolan, Zahquan Frazier and more! Jack and Matt also discuss what Georgia brings to the table when they come to Knoxville this weekend and what Tennessee needs to do to contend with the No. 1 team in the country. 

Link to Matt and John Garcia Jr. of SI All-American's Walter Nolen Exclusive: https://www.si.com/college/recruiting/football/exclusive-walter-nolen-family-reflect-on-recruiting-process

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols are back for another VR2 on SI Pod talking the battle of the border between the Vols and the Wildcats. Now that Tennessee is presumably the healthiest they have been all season, will this Vols team be unlike something anybody has seen all year? How much impact will Kentucky's rushing attack have on the Vols? Who are the x-factors if the Vols are to pull out a big SEC road win?

Later on, Jack and Jake touch on Tennessee's 103-62 win over Lenoir Rhyne in the exhibition and briefly look forward to UT Martin on Tuesday.

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols return for the weekly podcast to discuss Tennessee's Week 8 loss to Alabama, going over the positives from the first three quarters and change, and the negatives from the final stretch of the fourth quarter. The passing game was electric, but the run game took a hit. Which aspect of the Vols' offense means more? The defense bend but did not break until the fourth quarter, when Heisman candidate Bryce Young buried Tennessee in the end. However, the energy Tennessee is bringing to the field, such as on the road in Alabama, should bode well with a softer schedule to close out the season outside of Georgia. Listen for a full recap of the game and what the Vols should focus on during the bye.

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols breakdown the wild Tennessee-Ole Miss ending, going into depth on what it means for the fans, coaches and the players. Alabama looms as Week 8 draws near, and while Tennessee is a heavy underdog, health will be key in putting up a decent fight. Listen for a full breakdown and preview along with the Jeremy Pruitt saga in the latest VR2 on SI Pod!

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols recap Tennessee's 45-20 win over South Carolina, going over the second straight impressive offensive performance from the Vols. As for Week 7, Ole Miss is coming to town, and Jake expects a high-scoring, close affair in a sold out, Checkered Neyland that will host the return of former Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin. 

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols are back with another VR2 on SI pod talking about Tennessee's blowout win over the Missouri Tigers last Saturday, focusing on the success in the running game as well as the rush defense. This Saturday presents a ho-hum SEC opponent in South Carolina, but the Gamecocks look far from capable of handling the Volunteers in Knoxville. 

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols recap the Vols 38-14 loss to Florida, examining both the positives and negatives. Emory Jones had a field day, but the first half defense showed some promise, and Hendon Hooker played well yet again. The upcoming matchup against Mizzou is a key one for Tennessee's bowl chances down the stretch, in addition to how they adapt in their second consecutive road game. Listen for Jake's insight on how the Vols can take advantage of the Mizzou defense on the ground, as well as how JaVonta Payton and Velus Jones Jr. could come up big yet again. 

It's been almost 20 years since Tennessee beat Florida in The Swamp. The last time the Vols did, though, former Tennessee running back Jabari Davis was a part of the effort. VR2 on SI's Jake Nichols chatted with Davis, a self-proclaimed #GatorKilla, about this edition of Tennessee-Florida, with a bit at the end about the late Parys Haralson. 

Enjoy!

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols tell you everything you need to know from Tennessee's 56-0 blowout of Tennessee Tech, focusing on which part of the Vols' game served as confidence boosters heading into SEC play. Florida us up this Saturday, and while Jake is not optimistic about the chances to win on the road, if Tennessee can connect on deep throws, have a strong pass-rush presence and run the ball efficiently, the Vols can make strides as a team in the Swamp. 

Host Jack Foster and Jake Nichols walk you through the Vols' Week 3 matchup that should not be close, but will serve as a great opportunity for Tennessee to fine tune many aspects of their game heading into their first road matchup against the Gators in Week 4. Byron Young will make his Tennessee debut Saturday, what does this mean for Tennessee's pass-rush? Listen for a full preview and more!