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Why no start for Jay Abernathy?
Jay Abernathy, a top 75 overall prospect according to Perfect Game, didn’t record a start in his first series as a Tennessee Volunteer. The true freshman is expected to be a big part of this lineup sooner rather than later, but Tony Vitello opted to give him a ‘cheater’s start.’
Vitello explained after the weekend sweep. Abernathy ended up recording two hits in three at bats, scoring two runs on Saturday against Hofstra. Expect to see the versatile Abernathy in a few different positions during these early season non-conference games.
2025 make or break game for Tennessee?
ESPN says it’s the trip to Tuscaloosa. Tennessee will be looking for a return trip to the College Football Playoff this season, but the path appears slightly tougher on the surface. The Volunteers get Georgia at home, but must face Florida and Alabama on the road. Given Tennessee’s struggles in both Tuscaloosa and Gainesville, either option could have been the pick for a make or break game.
To me? Can’t you just see a two-loss Tennessee walking into Gainesville in late November with their CFP bid on the line….?
Spring football set for a change
It’s coming, there’s no doubt at this point. Spring games haven’t held the same weight over the last several seasons that they used to, and now there’s a push to kill the spring period altogether. The alternative would be an NFL-style OTA session, likely happening in the summer months.
Why? The transfer portal, of course. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule publicly stated that he would not hold a spring game for Nebraska this year, citing the downside of putting his players on national television and opening up the possibility of other teams poaching his players in the portal.
The idea would kill the spring portal issue, but the December first-wave timing remains a problem with the schedule of the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee baseball back against UNC-Asheville
Coming off of an easy weekend sweep against Hofstra, Tennessee will be in action for their first midweek game of the season on Tuesday afternoon. Back to back to back rule-rule victories have set the pace for the Volunteers, who remain top five in every major poll this week.
First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will stream on SEC Network+ (ESPN App).