Big Orange Sunday

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AMERICAN FOOTBALL
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

16 HR AGO

BIG ORANGE SUNDAY 3-29-26

Welcome to another episode of Big Orange Sunday with Coach Doug Matthews, where we dive deep into the current state of Tennessee Athletics, from the gridiron to the hardwood. This episode centers on a comprehensive review of the Tennessee Volunteers' spring football practice, where Coach Matthews analyzes Josh Heupel’s strategic decision to prioritize internal continuity and youth at skill positions over heavy transfer portal recruitment. While the program has integrated 19 total transfers to bolster the defensive secondary, the offense has seen only six additions, with offensive tackle Williams being the standout likely starter. Matthews breaks down the depth charts, noting that the offensive line remains the team's greatest strength, and emphasizes that the "Heupel era" offense still fundamentally relies on establishing a dominant running game despite its reputation for high-powered passing. Beyond football, this episode explores the surging success of the Tennessee basketball program as they celebrate their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance. Joined by sports journalist Jimmy Hyams, Coach Matthews analyzes the team's dominant defensive identity and rebounding prowess that led to a victory over Iowa State, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup against top-seeded Michigan. The discussion also touches on the diamond, addressing the baseball team's recent struggles with offensive inconsistency and a grueling 16-inning loss to Vanderbilt. Whether it is the defensive shift to a "three safety look" on the football field or the elite efficiency of the basketball team's two-point shooting, this episode provides the essential insights every Vol fan needs to stay ahead of the game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

57 min
16 HR AGO

BOS - Jimmy Hyams 03-29-26

Coach is joined by sports journalist Jimmy Hyams to analyze the current state of Tennessee Athletics, beginning with a deep dive into the basketball team's recent success in the NCAA tournament. They highlight a dominant victory over Iowa State, characterized by a massive rebounding advantage and double-double performances from Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey. Despite shooting poorly from the perimeter, the team’s efficiency on two-point shots and their top-ranked defense have positioned them for a high-stakes Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan’s top-ranked offense. The conversation then shifts to the diamond and the gridiron, covering the baseball team's struggles and football spring practices. The baseball team is currently grappling with offensive inconsistency and a lack of hits with runners in scoring position, exemplified by a grueling 16-inning loss to Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, the football program is showing early promise in spring ball, with the defense reportedly ahead of schedule and the team benefiting from a new strength and conditioning program focused on functional speed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 min
22 MAR

Jimmy Hyams 03-22-26

Coach welcomes Jimmy Hyams back to the show for a deep dive into the current state of Tennessee athletics. From the tennis courts of Palm Springs to the high-stakes world of modern collegiate recruiting, this segment covers everything Vol fans need to know this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 min
22 MAR

BIG ORANGE SUNDAY 03-22-26

Welcome to another episode of Big Orange Sunday! Most college football teams struggle with the perfect balance of experience and talent—Tennessee's latest squad aims to shatter those expectations entirely. With a roster packed with underclassmen, a new transfer portal strategy, and a fresh approach to player development, the Volunteers are entering a pivotal season, even as critics question whether youth will hinder or propel them to victory. In this episode, we break down Tennessee’s bold moves in spring practice that could redefine the team's future. You’ll discover how the coaching staff is leveraging a historically young offensive line and an elite linebacker corps to build a formidable attack. We explore the impact of 19 new transfers, including key defenders and skill-position players, and how they are integrating into a team hungry for success. Plus, get insights into the quarterback competition—who’s stepping up to lead the charge amid youthful inexperience and how leadership qualities are emerging on both sides of the ball.Why this works:The opening line hooks with a bold statement about breaking expectations, immediately capturing attention. The body teases specific tactics, key personnel, and NCAA policy impacts, creating curiosity while emphasizing the potential for Tennessee’s transformation. The emotional angle of seizing a pivotal moment in college football offers a sense of opportunity and importance, motivating listeners to learn more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr
15 MAR

BIG ORANGE SUNDAY 03-15-26

Welcome to another high-stakes episode of Big Orange Sunday. As spring practice kicks off on Rocky Top, the air is thick with anticipation—but is this Tennessee roster truly ready for the spotlight, or are we looking at a group that’s simply "young and unproven"? With a wave of transfer portal talent arriving, the clock is ticking: How quickly can this team gel before the SEC gauntlet begins? In this deep-dive, Coach provides a masterclass in coaching psychology. We’re moving past the headlines to reveal the critical questions being asked behind closed doors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr
8 MAR

BOS - Jimmy Hyams 03-08-26

Coach is joined by Jimmy Hyams to break down the current state of Tennessee athletics as they head into a pivotal spring season. The conversation highlights the SEC basketball tournament's long-term future in Nashville and the mixed fortunes of the basketball programs, with the men's team seeking consistency for the NCAA tournament while the Lady Vols face their most challenging season in over fifty years. Transitioning to the gridiron, they discuss the upcoming football spring practice, focusing on a revamped defensive staff and the high-stakes competition to prepare inexperienced quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Bazon Brandon for the fall. Finally, the segment covers the dominance of the top-ranked softball team and the growing impact of the transfer portal across all spring sports See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 min
8 MAR

Big Orange Sunday 3-8-26

Welcome to another episode of Big Orange Sunday This episode features an in-depth discussion with Jimmy Hyams on Tennessee sports, college football playoff proposals, and spring sports updates. Gain insights into team strategies, transfer portal impacts, and upcoming tournaments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 hr
1 MAR

BOS - Jimmy Hyams 03-01-26

Coach is joined by Jimmy Hyams to discuss Tennessee’s heartbreaking 71-69 loss to Alabama and its implications for the upcoming NCAA tournament. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 min

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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.