The Volunteer State
The Volunteer State
The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer.Social links:
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Does beating Alabama pave way for Tennessee playoff run?
Is it too early to talk about Tennessee’s playoff chances after beating Alabama? Adam Sparks and John Adams react to the big win and size up the CFP projections. Plus, the Vols head to South Carolina, hoping that history won’t repeat itself.
48:08
George MacIntyre’s first start and previewing Alabama game
Did George MacIntyre earn a second start? Adam Sparks and John Adams review the quarterback’s performance against Arkansas. Plus, what’s wrong with Tennessee’s offense? And can it be good enough to beat Alabama?
46:48
Dissecting Tennessee’s new QB quandary and how far it goes
George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon appear to be in a revived QB competition at midseason. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss who should start vs. Arkansas, Josh Heupel’s QB management and the long-term ramifications. Read more here: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tenn…
48:47
Texas sacks Faizon Brandon; Alex Golesh leads Auburn to Neyland
Faizon Brandon gets freshman initiation vs. Texas. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the loss to Longhorns, offensive line issues, Alex Golesh’s return as Auburn’s coach, fan expectations and much more.
55:22
Does Texas, Arch Manning have aura of Tennessee’s unbeatable past foes?
Can Tennessee knock off a No. 1 team in Neyland? How good is Arch Manning? How does the Texas aura compare to UT’s most formidable foes of the past? Adam Sparks and John Adams get ready for Vols vs. Longhorns.
55:54
What is Tennessee’s plan after losing Ethan Davis?
Ethan Davis is out for the year with a torn ACL. Are the Vols jinxed or is this just part of the game? Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss Tennessee’s next steps on offense. Plus, they react to Faizon Brandon’s outing against Georgia Tech.
49:00
What we love about Faizon Brandon, Tennessee’s opening win
Adam Sparks and John Adams gladly overreact to Tennessee’s blowout win over Furman, including Faizon Brandon’s debut and other optimistic signs. Plus, they look ahead to the Vols’ game at Georgia Tech.
55:10
How much should Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre play vs. Furman?
Adam Sparks and John Adams gauge expectations for Tennessee’s 2026 season. And they ask how much QBs Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre should play against Furman.
53:13
Why Tennessee QB battle produced best possible outcome (so far)
Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre? Adam Sparks and John Adams size up the stretch run of the QB competition and why this duo is better than they thought. Plus, a recruit reveals a hard truth about Tennessee’s long-term QB plan.
51:28
Why Tennessee football will be better – or worse – than we think
Is Tennessee’s schedule really that difficult? Would Josh Heupel’s offense actually miss a beat just because it has a young quarterback? Adam Sparks and John Adams challenge widely-held assumptions about the 2026 Vols with contrarian takes.
52:36Clean