Orange and White Game
When: Game starts Saturday, April 25 at 4:00 p.m ET. Fan Appreciation Day goes from 1:30-2:30 p.m., with the line to get in forming at 7 a.m.
Where: Neyland Stadium
Cost: Free admission and parking
Format: It’ll be offense against defense with a modified scoring system in place:
OFFENSE
Touchdown – +6
Extra Point – +1
Field Goal – +3
2-Point Conversion – +2
25-Yard+ Pass Play – +2
20-Yard+ Run Play – +2
DEFENSE
Touchdown – +8
Safety – +2
Turnover Forced Before 50-Yard Line – +4
Turnover Forced After 50-Yard Line – +2
Defensive Stop Before 50-Yard Line – +2
Defensive Stop After 50-Yard Line – +1
Sack – +1
ONE-ON-ONE SITUATION
Winner – +1
The plan is to have two, 15-minute quarters in the first half and two, 12-minute quarters in the second half, all with a running clock. The Vols will also mix in some one-on-one drills that will be scored as well. Most of the scrimmage portion will be full contact, but the quarterbacks will be wearing non-contact jerseys and Butch Jones said some portions could be “thud,” meaning that a player just need to be wrapped up, as opposed to taken all the way to the ground for a tackle.
Weather concerns: As of Friday morning, Weather.com has a 90% chance of thunderstorms for Knoxville on Saturday. To the best of our knowledge, the plan is to play through inclement weather as much as possible, though lightning could certainly cause a delay or postponement.
Players to watch:
1. RB Alvin Kamara: The junior college transfer has been as good as advertised this spring, and is actually the only fully healthy scholarship running back on campus right now. He’s explosive in the open field and is a strong candidate to be the MVP of the game.
2. DT Kendal Vickers: He’s been one of the surprises of spring – solidifying a spot in the defensive line rotation in the process. Perhaps nobody on the team has transformed as much over the offseason. He’s up about 30 pounds since last year and, now among the strongest players on the roster, he’s made the move from speed-rushing defensive end coming out of high school to true defensive tackle in just a couple years.
3. QBs Quinten Dormady/Jauan Jennings: Get your first look at these two freshman QBs who are battling for the No. 2 job behind Joshua Dobbs. Dormady is the more polished passer of the two, but Jennings has a ton of upside, athleticism and has made huge strides as a passer in just a few short weeks. Expect them to split second-team reps.
4. RT Brett Kendrick: The Knoxville native is having a great spring and is looking to solidify the starting right tackle position. He’s come a long way physically over the past couple years, and is playing with more confidence than ever before this spring.
5. S Evan Berry: You’ve likely seen what he can do on kickoff return. But he’s taking a big step this spring on defense, landing several huge hits and some interceptions in previous practice and scrimmage work. He’s one of the reasons the coaching staff feels great about the depth at the safety position right now.
Injury report:
• Out: Derek Barnett, Curt Maggitt, Marcus Jackson, Kyle Phillips, Jakob Johnson, Darrin Kirkland Jr., Jason Croom, Danny O’Brien, Corey Vereen, Alex Ellis, Cody Blanc, Rashaan Gaulden and Trevarris Saulsberry
• Questionable/limited: Dillon Bates, Jalen Hurd, Pig Howard, Marquez North, Owen Williams, Neiko Creamer, Devaun Swafford, LaDarrell McNeil
Projected starters:
QB: Joshua Dobbs
RB: Jalen Hurd/Alvin Kamara
WR: Pig Howard
WR: Marquez North
WR: Josh Smith
TE: Ethan Wolf
LT: Kyler Kerbyson
LG: Austin Sanders
C: Mack Crowder
RG: Jashon Robertson
RT: Brett Kendrick
Defense:
DE: LaTroy Lewis
DE: Dimarya Mixon
DT: Owen Williams
DT: Kendal Vickers
OLB: Jalen Reeves-Maybin
ILB: Kenny Bynum
CB: Cam Sutton
CB: Emmanuel Moseley
NB: Devaun Swafford
S: Brian Randolph
S: LaDarrell McNeil
K: Aaron Medley
P: Trevor Daniel
