Power-T Talk

Season 2025, Episode 12: Initiate Dark Mode Protocol

It's becoming a new annual tradition for the Tennessee Volunteers, it is Dark Mode week! We first break down the victory against Kentucky and discuss how terrifying it must be to play against the Volunteer offense. Then we breakdown why the Tennessee defense continues to give us nightmares. We talk about Oklahoma as they try to navigate the darkness of playing in Neyland Stadium. Oklahoma's offense is not scary, but can Tennessee put enough fear into the Sooners? Or will the Vols defense go pumpkin mode again? Oklahoma's defense is a monster to deal with...but Tennessee might have enough tricks to treat Vol fans to fireworks on Saturday. We also give score predictions that might get Zack kicked out of the Halloween party. In Around the NCAA, Brian Kelly's house of horrors finally came crashing down after a thunderstorm of criticism. In "The Diatribe", Daniel & Zack tell reporters they don't need to share every piece of candy they get with a text message during the coaching carousel. Finally, we discuss how spooky the season can turn for either Oklahoma or Tennessee with a loss. 
0:00- Introduction2:53- Good News First: Offense Grades12:18- How impressed are you with the offense?16:40- We are a Joey Aguilar appreciation podcast21:02- Defense Grades: It was truly THAT BAD28:57- The biggest issue? The defense is getting worse33:52- Dark Mode Time: Offensive breakdown of Oklahoma44:50- What makes Oklahoma the best defense in the country?1:02:06- The 3 keys to a Dark Mode victory1:13:08- Score Predictions (Spoiler, Zack is not a VFL while Daniel is)1:18:55- Brian Kelly falls from his tower1:32:07- Zack has a problem with football reporters1:40:28- A massive swing game for both programs
 

Season 2025, Episode 11: Arrivederci

After one of the saddest weeks in Tennessee athletics in a long time, we are back to discuss the latest happenings. Tony Vitello is now the San Francisco Giants manager and leaves Tennessee baseball after eight glorious years. We reflect on his impact. The Third Saturday in October was a flop for Tennessee. We let out the frustrations with a major vent session, plus give out offensive and defensive ratings. Kentucky is 2-4 but Tennessee cannot afford a let down. We do a quick preview against Kentucky for Saturday night's game. Then we go Around The NCAA to discuss Florida firing Billy Napier. 
 
0:00- Introduction2:26- The shocking departure of Tony Vitello14:41- Does Tony Vitello work in the Major Leagues?22:23- The immediate frustrations of the Alabama game27:02- Did we sort of, kind of...out play Alabama?34:13- Why this loss left such a bad taste in our mouth37:25- Defensive Ratings46:53- Offensive Ratings53:29- Tennessee didn't lose because of the officals, okay, we know...but........58:17- Rip the band-aid off and let's talk about the Goal Line play1:05:33- The margin of error is gone1:08:16- Previewing the Kentucky game and why this should be a solid Vol win1:19:47- Must play well, no excuses on Saturday1:22:00- Around The NCAA: Silly season is upon us1:29:03- The College Football Playoff is still possible

Season 2025, Episode 10: The Third Saturday In October

It's The Third Saturday In October. One of the special rivarly games is this weekend, and we have got you covered. First, we give grades and review Tennessee's too close victory against Arkansas. Then we explain why the TSIO is special once again after a long drought. We preview what Alabama does well and why the Tide's offense is so damn efficient, and if the Vols can recover from a poor defense last week to make an impact. Tennessee also has a damn good offense, and we discuss where Tennessee can take advantage against some of the TIde's weak spots. After giving score predictions, we finally, we go Around The NCAA and talk about Penn State's decision to move on from James Franklin. 
0:00- Introduction3:07- Initial Arkansas thoughts and Offense Rating13:29- Defense Rating...NOT GOOD20:13- Which players on defense are not doing their job?23:53- Stats showing how bad it was defensively...including 3rd and 4th down28:18- Is the defenisve issues scheme or talent?33:27- What does the Third Saturday in October mean to you?41:44- What makes Alabama's offense so successful? Scouting report on the Bama offense48:47- Where can Tennessee have success on defense?1:00:16- Alabama scouting report on defense1:11:21- Third down matters...and how can Tennessee pull off the upset?1:15:52- Pick with your head, not your heart...score predictions for Saturday night1:19:35- James Franklin's firing from Penn State and what it means for college football1:32:33- Why is a Bammer an analyst for this game???
 

Season 2025, Episode 9: A Motorcycle Ride From The Ozarks

We are back to preview Arkansas as Tennessee comes off bye. After poking fun at Penn State, we review Bobby Petrino's promotion to interim head coach after Sam Pittman's firing. We then go over our ratings through five games and do some grading on both the offense and the defense so far. Then we break down Arkansas as they come in with a top 10 offense, but also a bottom 10 defense. Then, we pick our national champion after six weeks. 
0:00- Introduction0:54- College Football, what a sport am I right?3:12- Quick thoughts on the coaching change at Arkansas9:57- Ratings check-in...what are our grades for Tennessee'a offense through 5 games?22:15 Ratings check-in part 2...what are the grades for Tennessee's defense?32:52- Who is the MVP so far for Tennessee?37:17- What newcomers in 2025 have stood for the Vols?43:45- Start of the Arkansas preview and why this game could get weird!49:42- Previewing the Arkansas defense...they are really bad!56:04- Previewing the Arkansas offense...they are really good!1:07:11- Will Heupel be aggressive this game? And score predictions1:14:10- What's your most annoying college football take you'll defend to the death?1:26:26- It's been six weeks...let's pick out a national champion!1:31:47- A sneaky, sneaky good college football slate
 

Season 2025, Episode 8: LESS COWBELL

After a stressful Saturday, we are back to discuss Tennessee's overtime win versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs. We talk in depth about how stressed Saturday was and the overall vibes the game gave us. Then we go deep into the offensive rating for the game. Did the turnovers overshadow the positives that the offense showed? We also give a defensive rating and how much improved we thought the defense looked despite giving up 34 points. There were a lot of big plays to talk about, but what plays stood out that maybe were overshadowed? We also talk about the heinous ending in the 4th quarter that Tennessee narrowly avoided disaster to. Then some Around the NCAA talk. 
0:00- Introduction/Ready For The Bye Week2:05- IT WAS SO STRESSFUL7:23- Overall frustrations, Overall Positives12:06- Offensive Ratings against Mississippi State26:10- Defensive Ratings against Mississippi State39:40- Special Attention to the Special Teams Disasters44:25- What plays (besides the obvious) stood out to us?56:32- WTF happened at the end of the 4th quarter?!?!?1:07:08- Our biggest worry for the rest of the year1:12:57- Looking ahead to the rest of the schedule1:19:55- Quick, Gritty Around the NCAA review1:25:19- Which current Power 4 opening would you want the most?1:34:36- Wrap Up, Preview the bye week
 

Season 2025, Episode 7: We Don't Need A Second Bulldog, Babe

It's Mississippi State game week! After an easy win against UAB, Daniel and Zack are back to talk about Tennessee football's upcoming matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. WIth a quick UAB review, did anything stand out from Tennessee's bounce back win? And what ratings are we giving the offense and defense from week 4? Jeff Lebby was Josh Heupel's offensive coordinator at UCF, we break down the similarities and who to look for on the Bulldogs' offense. Why Daniel and Zack both believe Tennessee will score points this weekend on the Bulldog defense. Plus, a breakdown of the future SEC schedule for Tennessee and what stands out. 
0:00- Introduction2:19- UAB Review with Offense Rating/Grade7:53- Defense Grade for UAB game14:44- Mississippi State Offense Preview27:51- Mississippi State Defense Preview41:47- What is the Bulldogs plan to upset Tennessee? What are you looking specifically for Tennessee to counter attack?48:42- Heupel Road Woes: Is it a legitimate concern?57:54- Score Predictions: Do we have the Vols taking the road dub?1:02:22- The future SEC schedules and what stood out1:12:22- Around The NCAA
 

Season 2025, Episode 6: The Friends We Make Along The Way

After a heartbreaking loss on Saturday, Daniel and Zack saddle up to talk about Tennessee's narrow loss to Georgia. How much of a kick to the ribs was the loss? And also, why are we actually encouraged? The defense gets its grades and while it was not pretty, it might not be as bad as you think. Josh Heupel was cooking on Saturday, so Daniel and Zack review the recipes of what made the offense click against Kirby Smart's vaunted defense. Zack has some gripes about the gameday decisions that were made while Daniel plays (mostly) good cop. The boys do a quick UAB preview for Saturday and why they are encouraged moving forward. 
 
0:00- Introduction2:26- How much of a kick to the ribs was it?11:15- What is the one word to describe Saturday's game?18:14- Let's admit it: Georgia made plays22:35- Defensive Grades: Was it truly that bad?32:16- Run Defense, not as bad as you think!35:15- The problems with the strategy and player execution on defense46:25- Offensive Grades: Loving what Tennessee is doing57:32- How impressive the Tennessee passing game is right now1:03:59- Personnel questions at RB1:09:28- Good Cop, Bad Cop: Zack's frustrations with the gameday decision making1:21:51- Defending the drive after Josephs' sack and final thoughts on the Georgia game1:26:41- UAB Preview

Season 2025, Episode 5: Georgia Game Week

Daniel and Zack get together to discuss the Game of the Week in College Football for week 3 as our Tennessee Volunteers take on the Bulldogs of Georgia! After a quick review of Tennessee's massive victory against East Tennessee State, the boys go in depth on Georgia. What has stifled Tennessee's offense when they go against Kirby Smart and his Dawgs? Also, some shocking stats on how Georgia succeeds against Tennessee's defense. Then, they devise a game plan to beat Georgia and give score predictions. Plus, Zack needs to rant!
0:00- Introduction1:38- ETSU Review: Did anything major stand out?4:54- Offense Overall Grade9:59- Defense Overall Grade16:42- Kirby's Dream World; What stands out from past games against Georgia's defense?24:42- What can Tennessee do offensively from previous years?37:04- Third Down is the key42:37- Georgia has beaten Tennessee with their passing game??? Really?56:09- Guys, we promise...Kirby Smart respects Neyland Stadium1:01:04- How will Tennessee win this game? 1:09:24- Score Predictions1:17:25- Looking ahead into September for other big NCAA games1:21:34- Zack's Rant; There are good college football coaches!1:29:18- Final Thoughts as we head into Saturday
 

Season 2025, Episode 4: Easy Peasy, Orange Squeezy

Tennessee is 1-0, which means Daniel and Zack are back to review Tennessee's solid season opening win. They "empty the notebook" and review what stood out against Syracuse, with reviewing Joey Aguilar's performance. Daniel and Zack go into the film room and preview the tweaks that Tennessee made on offense. The guys give there ratings and grades on both sides of the ball, along with looking over what boxes Tennessee checked in game 1. Plus looking to the home opener and Around The NCAA Football talk.
0:00- Introduction
1:54: Empty The Notebook- What stood out to you about Game 1?
6:02: How Did Joey Aguilar Play?
10:53: The Tweaks Tennessee Made To Amplify Their Offensive Production
20:46: Giving Ratings And Grades To The Offense & Defense, Plus Injury Impacts
35:16: Did Tennessee Check Some Of Our Pregame Boxes?
55:04: Looking Ahead To The Home Opener & Around The NCAA

Season 2025, Episode 3: It's Game Week, Sweetheart

It's Game Week! Daniel and Zack come to you with notes and deep dives into Tennessee's Week 1 opponent, Syracuse! But first, Josh Heupel got an extension from AD Danny White. The boys delve into quick thoughts on what that means for the future of the program. Then, two millenials get sappy about Lee Corso's final College Gameday. Is Syracuse sneaky good? Further evaluation is given, along with predictions for Saturday's game, along with season predictions for your Tennessee Volunteers. Some quick College Football Playoff talk and then a look into the future about the SEC scheduling and permanent opponents. Then, Daniel's Diatribe...can we stop using generational so much, please?
0:00- Introduction
0:27- Josh Heupel Extension
3:44- Tribute To Lee Corse
14:23- Analyzing Syracuse
31:44- Predictions For Tennessee vs. Syracuse
38:05- Predicting Tennessee's 2025 Season & Schedule Overview
45:20- College Football Playoff Talk
49:49- Who Should Be Tennessee's (Future) Permanent SEC Opponents?
53:47- Daniel's Diatribe: How We Define "Generational" Talent
1:01:09- Final Thoughts For Game Week