Big Orange Sunday

4.8 (30)
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.

1d ago

BIG ORANGE SUNDAY 10-17-26 Tennessee’s Alabama Win Felt Different

Tennessee just delivered an Alabama win Vols fans will remember Coach breaks down the defensive dominance, field-position battle, and smart game plan that helped Tennessee control the matchup—even with a young quarterback.Matthews also explains what the win reveals about Tennessee’s identity, the players who stepped up, and why the Vols may be trending in the right direction with South Carolina next. Get the coach’s-eye analysis behind the highlights and what this result could mean for the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1d ago

Veteran Depth and Heupel's Track Record Propel Tennessee Football

Following a major victory, this segment Coach highlights the crucial role that veteran experience plays in Tennessee's current football season. Despite having a highly touted 105-man roster, the team's true competitive advantage is its abundance of seasoned upperclassmen. The defense alone fields fourteen players who are in their third, fourth, or fifth years of college football, including veterans like Carter, Campbell, and Hobbs. The offense is similarly anchored by experienced seniors, providing the stability and depth necessary to navigate the physical demands of the game. The commentary also addresses head coach Josh Heupel's performance, dismissing superficial criticisms by pointing directly to his 3-2 winning record against the rival Alabama Crimson Tide. Securing victories against Alabama is framed as the ultimate benchmark and number one job for a Tennessee head coach. As the team prepares for a tough upcoming matchup against South Carolina, the commentary acknowledges that the days of easily predicting undefeated seasons are fading. The overall talent pool in the conference is deepening, meaning even top-tier programs will face intense, competitive battles week after week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1d ago

Tennessee Overcomes Alabama with Dominant Defense and Key Second-Half Adjustments

Tennessee secured a victory over Alabama by relying on a dominant defensive game plan called by Jim Knowles and a strong kicking game that controlled field position. The defense stifled Alabama's offense, holding them to two conversions on 13 third-down attempts and generating four takeaways compared to Alabama's two. After trailing by two points at halftime, Tennessee shifted the momentum early in the second half when T-Lander and Robinson secured a crucial fourth-down stop on Alabama's opening drive. This defensive stand led directly to a Tennessee touchdown, giving them a 19-10 lead and putting them in a strong position to close out the game. Offensively, playcaller Joey Halzle successfully managed young quarterback George MacIntyre against a physical Alabama defense. The offensive production heavily featured running back DeSean Bishop, who took 35 touches over 72 snaps, and wide receiver Mike Matthews, who tallied seven catches for 85 yards. The offense also benefited from strong perimeter blocking by the wide receivers and increased involvement from TK Keys, who caught two passes, and tight end DeSean Brame. Ultimately, Tennessee's ability to protect their young quarterback while defensively overwhelming Alabama's young quarterback, Russell, secured the win. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1d ago

Smothering Defense and Clock-Control Offense Lead Tennessee Past Alabama in Classic Rivalry Win

This Morning Coach Talks About Tennessee's monumental victory over Alabama in a classic rivalry matchup defined by a physical, suffocating defensive performance. He breaks down how the Volunteers completely neutralized a Crimson Tide offense that had been leading the SEC in scoring, holding them to a single touchdown that only occurred on a short 14-yard drive following an interception. The segment highlights the defense's sheer dominance, detailing their five sacks, four takeaways, and crucial ability to cap Alabama's explosive playmaking by limiting their longest run to just 19 yards. Coach also unpacks the offensive game plan, explaining the brilliant strategy to abandon a fast-paced shootout mentality in favor of patient, clock-controlling football that perfectly complemented the defense. He dives into De'Sean Bishop's workhorse performance, carrying the load on nearly half of the team's 72 offensive snaps to protect an inexperienced quarterback. Finally, he analyzes the game-sealing 15-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that drained over nine minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter, proving this 6-1 Tennessee squad has the complete formula needed to contend for a conference championship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 11

BIG ORANGE SUNDAY 10-11-26Coach Kevin Steele Breaks Down the Vols' Defense and the Alabama Rivalry

Coach welcomes former Tennessee and Alabama coach Kevin Steele to evaluate the Tennessee Volunteers midway through the football season. The episode covers the aftermath of the Arkansas game and looks ahead to the crucial matchup against Alabama. The Alabama Rivalry: The hosts preview the upcoming game against Alabama, noting the historic intensity of the rivalry. They also highlight the special occasion this year where both teams will wear their home jerseys on the field. Defensive Performance: Kevin Steele praises the Tennessee defense for their strong start to the season and their ability to execute the game plan. He specifically highlights their success in generating a pass rush and the effective utilization of edge rushers to disrupt the opposing offense. Offensive Assessment: The episode examines the quarterback's recent passing performance and the challenges he faces while operating behind a young, developing offensive line. Steele emphasizes the critical mindset required for backup players, noting they must prepare and study as if they are the starter. Young Talent and SEC Depth: The conversation underscores the grueling nature of the SEC, pointing out that many conference games are decided in the fourth quarter. The hosts discuss the necessity of keeping the roster fresh and relying on young depth players to step up when starters need relief or face injuries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 11

Fourth-Quarter Resilience, Defensive Shifts, and SEC Chaos

Coach evaluate the team's latest performance and tactical adjustments. This segment provides a comprehensive breakdown of the weekend's action, featuring: Game Analysis: A review of the team's ability to overcome a 3-to-1 turnover deficit by scoring 14 crucial points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Roster Standouts: Praise for the offensive execution by workhorse runners like Deshaun Bishop, alongside offensive formations that force opponents into one-safety man coverages. Emerging Talent: Recognition for young players stepping into larger roles and executing big plays, including standout efforts from DeSean Brame and Dwayne Morris. SEC Landscape & Lookahead: A sweep of recent conference shakeups—touching on notable results for Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, and LSU—before setting the stage for the massive upcoming rivalry matchup between Tennessee and Alabama. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 11

Kevin Steele Previews the Tennessee-Alabama Matchup

Kevin Steele breaks down the upcoming Tennessee versus Alabama football game, emphasizing the historic magnitude of the rivalry for both programs. The discussion covers the strategic similarities between the two teams, including their current young quarterback situations and Tennessee's defensive evolution mirroring Georgia's scheme. Steele also highlights key defensive takeaways for both sides, noting the critical impact of quarterback mobility, secondary depth, and recent standout plays on the defensive line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 11

Coach Steele Breaks Down Tennessee’s Midseason Progress

Kevin Steele joins joins Coach to analyze the 5-1 Volunteers at the midpoint of the 2026 season. The coaches evaluate the defense's statistical leap under Coach Knowles, the development of the pass rush following offseason roster shifts, and the evolving offensive line. The segment also breaks down a 247-yard passing performance and highlights Quay Moss’s versatility as a star defensive back and punt returners to analyze the 5-1 Volunteers at the midpoint of the 2026 season. The coaches evaluate the defense's statistical leap under Coach Knowles, the development of the pass rush following offseason roster shifts, and the evolving offensive line. The segment also breaks down a 247-yard passing performance and highlights Quay Moss’s versatility as a star defensive back and punt returner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4.8

out of 5

30 Ratings

Best Vol pod out there

10/29/2023

KTLA2004

I love Coaches show! He provides a great perspective from a former player and coach. He is especially good after a loss to explain it and it always calms the fanatic in me. Thanks for the great content coach! Keep up the great work!
Vol in SC

07/11/2023

Wrigley Field Vol

So glad I finally found the show!

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.