Coach is joined in this segment by Jimmy Hyams for his regular appearance on BOS. Jimmy keeps us updated on all things Tennessee Athletics as well as what he heard from the SEC Meetings last week down in Destin, Florida!

Coach is joined in this segment by Jimmy Hyams for his regular appearance on BOS. Jimmy keeps us updated on all things Tennessee Athletics as well as what he heard from the SEC Meetings last week down in Destin, Florida!

Former University of Tennessee coordinator Doug Mathews brings you the latest news and analysis every weekend on 104-5 The Zone. Find the show LIVE every Sunday morning at 8 AM and check out the full podcast right here every weekend.

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Big Orange Sunday - Jimmy Hyams 6-1-25

Broadcasting live from the Anderson Athletic Center, Coach reviews Tennessee’s 2026 season-opening victory over Furman. While technically imperfect, the game delivered the ideal outcome for the program, allowing the coaching staff to answer critical questions at quarterback and evaluate defensive adjustments.
Quarterback Performance: Faizon Brandon led the offense with an impressive debut, throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns while adding 76 rushing yards and two scores. Backup quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub also earned valuable reps in the win.
Defensive Foundation: The Volunteers displayed improved fundamentals, strong secondary tackling, and tight gap control. Interior defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam sparked the pass rush with three sacks, helping hold Furman without a single passing first down.
Tactical Rotations: Tennessee frequently utilized two-tight-end sets to shield their young quarterback and facilitate the running game. Offensively, situational player pairings were featured heavily, pairing primary receivers like Ethan Davis (TE) and Bishop Thomas (RB) on passing downs, while turning to Miles Thomas (TE) and Deshaun Bishop (RB) for run situations.
Key Takeaways & Areas to Improve: The host highlighted strong kicking game execution and effective punt returns, but noted room for growth—specifically, improving edge containment against reverse plays, refining pass-rush lanes against scramble-prone quarterbacks, and capitalizing on turnover opportunities after forcing zero takeaways.

Broadcasting live from the Anderson Athletic Center, Coach reviews Tennessee&rsquo;s 2026 season-opening victory over Furman. While technically imperfect, the game delivered the ideal outcome for the program, allowing the coaching staff to answer critical questions at quarterback and evaluate defensive adjustments.
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>Quarterback Performance: Faizon Brandon led the offense with an impressive debut, throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns while adding 76 rushing yards and two scores. Backup quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub also earned valuable reps in the win.</li>
<li>Defensive Foundation: The Volunteers displayed improved fundamentals, strong secondary tackling, and tight gap control. Interior defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam sparked the pass rush with three sacks, helping hold Furman without a single passing first down.</li>
<li>Tactical Rotations: Tennessee frequently utilized two-tight-end sets to shield their young quarterback and facilitate the running game. Offensively, situational player pairings were featured heavily, pairing primary receivers like Ethan Davis (TE) and Bishop Thomas (RB) on passing downs, while turning to Miles Thomas (TE) and Deshaun Bishop (RB) for run situations.</li>
<li>Key Takeaways &amp; Areas to Improve: The host highlighted strong kicking game execution and effective punt returns, but noted room for growth&mdash;specifically, improving edge containment against reverse plays, refining pass-rush lanes against scramble-prone quarterbacks, and capitalizing on turnover opportunities after forcing zero takeaways.</li>
</ul>

Solid Start on Rocky Top: Tennessee Dominates Furman to Open 2026 Season

Game week has officially arrived in Knoxville! On this edition of Big Orange Sunday, Coach gets you ready for the season opener against Furman.

Kevin Steele joins the show to break down game-one preparation, the critical importance of situational "checklists," eliminating chunk plays, and what new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles brings to the defense with his exotic pressures and fundamental focus.

Plus, Coach dives deep into Josh Heupel’s big decision naming true freshman Faizon Brandon the starting quarterback:


The QB Breakdown: Faizon Brandon’s high school pedigree, athletic upside, and how Josh Heupel and Joey Halzle will construct the game plan around his strengths while keeping George MacIntyre ready.


Pass Protection & Offensive Identity: Why eight-man protection, tight end sets, and a physical running game will be critical early on.


New Faces to Watch: Key offensive playmakers (wideouts, tight ends, running back rotation) and defensive depth across Rodney Garner’s front and the retooled secondary.


Early Season Roadmap: Setting the tone against Furman before heading on the road to Georgia Tech.

Catch Big Orange Sunday every week for expert film breakdown, coaching perspective, and an inside look at Tennessee Volunteers football.

Game week has officially arrived in Knoxville! On this edition of Big Orange Sunday, Coach gets you ready for the season opener against Furman.
Kevin Steele joins the show to break down game-one preparation, the critical importance of situational "checklists," eliminating chunk plays, and what new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles brings to the defense with his exotic pressures and fundamental focus.
Plus, Coach dives deep into Josh Heupel&rsquo;s big decision naming true freshman&nbsp;Faizon Brandon the starting quarterback:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The QB Breakdown: Faizon Brandon&rsquo;s high school pedigree, athletic upside, and how Josh Heupel and Joey Halzle will construct the game plan around his strengths while keeping George MacIntyre ready.
</li>
<li>
Pass Protection &amp; Offensive Identity: Why eight-man protection, tight end sets, and a physical running game will be critical early on.
</li>
<li>
New Faces to Watch: Key offensive playmakers (wideouts, tight ends, running back rotation) and defensive depth across Rodney Garner&rsquo;s front and the retooled secondary.
</li>
<li>
Early Season Roadmap: Setting the tone against Furman before heading on the road to Georgia Tech.
</li>
</ul>
Catch Big Orange Sunday every week for expert film breakdown, coaching perspective, and an inside look at Tennessee Volunteers football.

Big Orange Sunday: Faizon Brandon Gets the Nod, Furman Preview & Coach Kevin Steele on Defensive Keys

Talking season is officially wrapping up as kickoff approaches in just five days. Moving past off-the-field storylines, the focus shifts squarely between the lines as coaches make final adjustments and get their squads ready for the starting gate. Coach  breaks down the palpable excitement surrounding the opener and preview what to watch for when the team finally takes the field. Catch the full post-game analysis next week on Big Orange Sunday!

Talking season is officially wrapping up as kickoff approaches in just five days. Moving past off-the-field storylines, the focus shifts squarely between the lines as coaches make final adjustments and get their squads ready for the starting gate. Coach&nbsp; breaks down the palpable excitement surrounding the opener and preview what to watch for when the team finally takes the field. Catch the full post-game analysis next week on Big Orange Sunday!

Big Orange Sunday - Jimmy Hyams 6-1-25

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