Whenever a 5-star playmaker arrives in Knoxville, Tennessee Volunteers fans eagerly anticipate their impact at Neyland Stadium. However, 5-star signee Mike Matthews, the No. 6 wide receiver in the 2024 class, hasn’t had the breakout start many expected.
So far, Matthews has recorded just two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, with limited playing time that has frustrated fans. Nonetheless, there are signs that his role may expand as the season progresses.
Head coach Josh Heupel addressed Matthews’ future involvement during a media session, acknowledging fan calls for more playing time. Heupel noted, “Mike’s had some opportunities. I think there’s potential for greater execution when he’s on the field. Some of that depends on those around him, and some on him as well. We need him to step up and become a bigger part of our plans as we move through the second half of the conference season.”
Matthews came out of high school with over 30 offers, ultimately choosing Tennessee over schools like USC, Georgia, Clemson, and Alabama—a significant recruiting victory for Heupel and his staff. Although his first season hasn’t gone as planned, Matthews remains optimistic about the team’s performance and will likely be even more energized if quarterback Nico Iamaleava starts looking his way more often.
No. 7 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) is set to return to Neyland Stadium this Saturday for Week 10, according to the US LBM Coaches Poll.
The Volunteers will take on Kentucky (3-5, 1-5 SEC), with kickoff scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EDT, broadcasted on the SEC Network.
Tennessee boasts an impressive record, having won 18 of their last 19 encounters with Kentucky at Neyland Stadium.
As the game approaches, details for the Vol Walk and other pregame activities have been released. The Vol Walk will start at 5:30 p.m. EDT.
Here’s the game day schedule for Tennessee-Kentucky:
– Will call opens at Gate 21 – 3:45 p.m. EDT
– Truly’s Tailgate opens – 3:45 p.m. EDT
– Vol Village opens – 4:15 p.m. EDT
– Vol Walk – 5:30 p.m. EDT
– Gates open – 5:45 p.m. EDT
– Pride of the Southland Band March – 6:05 p.m. EDT (Pedestrian Bridge)
– Pride of the Southland Band pregame performance – 7:41 p.m. EDT
– National Anthem – 7:44 p.m. EDT
– Vols run through the T – 7:52 p.m. EDT
– Kickoff – 7:55 p.m. EDT
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