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!

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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Talking Season is Over: Final Preparations for Week 1

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

Coach breaks down what Tennessee must do on both sides of the ball heading into the season opener. Offensively, the priority is keeping young quarterback Faizon Brandon clean by utilizing heavy pass protection, experienced offensive linemen, and strong pass-blocking backs to open up big plays downfield. Flipping over to defense, the focus shifts to defensive fundamentals—setting the edge, containing the quarterback, solid tackling, and attacking the ball in the air. Plus, an insider look from practice at the 20-to-24-man defensive rotation, transfer portal upgrades in the secondary, and fresh talent ready to make an impact across the depth chart.

Coach breaks down what Tennessee must do on both sides of the ball heading into the season opener. Offensively, the priority is keeping young quarterback Faizon Brandon clean by utilizing heavy pass protection, experienced offensive linemen, and strong pass-blocking backs to open up big plays downfield. Flipping over to defense, the focus shifts to defensive fundamentals&mdash;setting the edge, containing the quarterback, solid tackling, and attacking the ball in the air. Plus, an insider look from practice at the 20-to-24-man defensive rotation, transfer portal upgrades in the secondary, and fresh talent ready to make an impact across the depth chart.

Protecting the QB & Dialing In the Vol Defense: Depth, Discipline, and Key Matchups

Game week is here, and on Coach welcomes fellow former Tennessee assistant, longtime SEC coach Kevin Steele, for a deep dive into what actually matters before kickoff against Furman.

The two break down the "checklist" mentality that separates clean season openers from ugly upsets — sound fundamentals, no mental busts, no chunk plays given up. They get into the X's and O's of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' scheme, from his aggressive pressure packages to how a secondary rebuilt with transfer portal talent is shaping up. And they close with a hard look at the quarterback room, unpacking how Josh Heupel develops his signal-callers and manages the pressure of live reps that count.

If you want the real coach's-eye view of what to watch for in Week 1, this is it.

Game week is here, and on Coach welcomes fellow former Tennessee assistant, longtime SEC coach Kevin Steele, for a deep dive into what actually matters before kickoff against Furman.
The two break down the "checklist" mentality that separates clean season openers from ugly upsets &mdash; sound fundamentals, no mental busts, no chunk plays given up. They get into the X's and O's of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' scheme, from his aggressive pressure packages to how a secondary rebuilt with transfer portal talent is shaping up. And they close with a hard look at the quarterback room, unpacking how Josh Heupel develops his signal-callers and manages the pressure of live reps that count.
If you want the real coach's-eye view of what to watch for in Week 1, this is it.

Talking Season is Over: Final Preparations for Week 1

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