 We preview the crucial upcoming football matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky. The hosts break down Kentucky's disciplined play, noting their strong top-10 scoring defense and efficient run game, while emphasizing that Tennessee's defense must force them to throw from the pocket. Former Tennessee offensive lineman Bill Mayo joins the conversation to discuss the Vols' recent offensive line improvements and strategic shifts. Mayo shares his thoughts on the team's successful transition to more downfield passing and praises the coaching staff's effective use of multi-tight end formations to keep opposing defenses off balance. 

Additionally, Coach Kevin shares a story from his very first recruiting trip to visit Mayo in Dalton, Georgia, and outlines defensive strategies for containing Kentucky's rushing attack. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at the importance of minimizing undisciplined penalties and playing freely as the team controls its own destiny for the remainder of the season. 

&nbsp;We preview the crucial upcoming football matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky. The hosts break down Kentucky's disciplined play, noting their strong top-10 scoring defense and efficient run game, while emphasizing that Tennessee's defense must force them to throw from the pocket. Former Tennessee offensive lineman Bill Mayo joins the conversation to discuss the Vols' recent offensive line improvements and strategic shifts. Mayo shares his thoughts on the team's successful transition to more downfield passing and praises the coaching staff's effective use of multi-tight end formations to keep opposing defenses off balance. 
Additionally, Coach Kevin shares a story from his very first recruiting trip to visit Mayo in Dalton, Georgia, and outlines defensive strategies for containing Kentucky's rushing attack. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at the importance of minimizing undisciplined penalties and playing freely as the team controls its own destiny for the remainder of the season.

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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Tennessee vs. Kentucky Preview & Offensive Line Insights with Bill Mayo & Kevin Steele

 Bill Mayo joins the broadcast to dive into the technical side of football in the trenches. The conversation explores why young linemen struggle with pre-snap penalties and flinching against shifting defensive fronts, using Georgia's defensive tactics as a prime example. Mayo also breaks down the strategic evolution of the running game, comparing traditional gap schemes—like power, counter, and trap—to modern inside and outside zone blocking. 

Looking ahead to the next matchup, the hosts and Mayo preview the upcoming night game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium. Mayo highlights Kentucky's current momentum, noting their confident, mistake-free approach to the game. The episode wraps up with a nod to the seamless work of the broadcasting team and a sponsor read for American Home Design's 49th-anniversary sale.

&nbsp;Bill Mayo joins the broadcast to dive into the technical side of football in the trenches. The conversation explores why young linemen struggle with pre-snap penalties and flinching against shifting defensive fronts, using Georgia's defensive tactics as a prime example. Mayo also breaks down the strategic evolution of the running game, comparing traditional gap schemes&mdash;like power, counter, and trap&mdash;to modern inside and outside zone blocking. 
Looking ahead to the next matchup, the hosts and Mayo preview the upcoming night game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium. Mayo highlights Kentucky's current momentum, noting their confident, mistake-free approach to the game. The episode wraps up with a nod to the seamless work of the broadcasting team and a sponsor read for American Home Design's 49th-anniversary sale.

Breaking Down the O-Line and Kentucky Preview with Bill Mayo

The Vols are coming off an open date and have four games left, and every one of them counts. On this episode of Big Orange Sunday, Coach  brings back an old saying from the 1980s locker room: “They remember what you do in November.” Win out and Tennessee is all but guaranteed a 12-team playoff spot, with a possible trip to Atlanta for what may be the last SEC Championship Game. Lose again, and it’s on to bowl season. Doug is joined by longtime coaching friend Kevin Steele to look at what this team does best: a defense that’s tied for the SEC lead in scoring defense, sure tackling, a pass rush that delivers, and a power running game built around Bishop and multiple tight ends. They also get into what still has to improve, from red-zone touchdowns to the deep passing game that George McIntyre showed at South Carolina.

Then it’s on to Saturday night’s showdown at Neyland with the first-place Kentucky Wildcats. Doug and Kevin explain how Kentucky keeps winning with clean, mistake-free football and an aggressive head coach. They cover what the Wildcats’ loss to Alabama showed, how to contain their running quarterback, and why Tennessee will need chunk plays against a defense that’s sure to stack the box. Former Vol offensive lineman and Vol Network broadcaster Bill Mayo joins to talk about the offensive line coming together, why the pre-snap penalties keep happening, how blocking schemes have changed since the I-formation days, and why a loud night crowd at Neyland could make the difference.

The Vols are coming off an open date and have four games left, and every one of them counts. On this episode of Big Orange Sunday, Coach&nbsp; brings back an old saying from the 1980s locker room: &ldquo;They remember what you do in November.&rdquo; Win out and Tennessee is all but guaranteed a 12-team playoff spot, with a possible trip to Atlanta for what may be the last SEC Championship Game. Lose again, and it&rsquo;s on to bowl season. Doug is joined by longtime coaching friend Kevin Steele to look at what this team does best: a defense that&rsquo;s tied for the SEC lead in scoring defense, sure tackling, a pass rush that delivers, and a power running game built around Bishop and multiple tight ends. They also get into what still has to improve, from red-zone touchdowns to the deep passing game that George McIntyre showed at South Carolina.
Then it&rsquo;s on to Saturday night&rsquo;s showdown at Neyland with the first-place Kentucky Wildcats. Doug and Kevin explain how Kentucky keeps winning with clean, mistake-free football and an aggressive head coach. They cover what the Wildcats&rsquo; loss to Alabama showed, how to contain their running quarterback, and why Tennessee will need chunk plays against a defense that&rsquo;s sure to stack the box. Former Vol offensive lineman and Vol Network broadcaster Bill Mayo joins to talk about the offensive line coming together, why the pre-snap penalties keep happening, how blocking schemes have changed since the I-formation days, and why a loud night crowd at Neyland could make the difference.

Big Orange Sunday 11-01-26 - They remember what you do in November.

 Kevin Steele joins the show to discuss the shifting expectations for Tennessee football, where securing a spot in the 12-team playoff has become the new standard for a successful season. The conversation dives deep into the impressive dominance of the Tennessee defense. Steele breaks down how the defensive unit has drastically reduced mental errors and chunk plays while excelling at run fits, tackling, and edge rushing. 

On the offensive side of the ball, the coaches highlight the success of a solidified offensive line and a powerful running game that effectively utilizes multiple tight ends to change defensive gaps. However, they also identify key areas for growth as the young quarterback gains experience, specifically noting the need to connect on the deep ball and the importance of finishing drives with touchdowns inside the ten-yard line rather than settling for field goals. Finally, they preview the high-stakes November stretch, starting with the upcoming matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats. 

&nbsp;Kevin Steele joins the show to discuss the shifting expectations for Tennessee football, where securing a spot in the 12-team playoff has become the new standard for a successful season. The conversation dives deep into the impressive dominance of the Tennessee defense. Steele breaks down how the defensive unit has drastically reduced mental errors and chunk plays while excelling at run fits, tackling, and edge rushing. 
On the offensive side of the ball, the coaches highlight the success of a solidified offensive line and a powerful running game that effectively utilizes multiple tight ends to change defensive gaps. However, they also identify key areas for growth as the young quarterback gains experience, specifically noting the need to connect on the deep ball and the importance of finishing drives with touchdowns inside the ten-yard line rather than settling for field goals. Finally, they preview the high-stakes November stretch, starting with the upcoming matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Tennessee vs. Kentucky Preview & Offensive Line Insights with Bill Mayo & Kevin Steele

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