Football,f1 motorsports,NBA,Premier League

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

Did the Tennessee Titans win or did the Jacksonville Jaguars loses? Regardless of the answer, there was a blocked kick at the end of regulation by Jaguars’ kicker Josh Scobee that helped the Titans secure their second win of the season and by doing so, kept Jacksonville winless at 0-6.

Sammie Hill blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds, and the Tennessee Titans held off the winless Jaguars 16-14 Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.

"Huge," Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey said. "We've been fighting for a win for so long and to come out with a win like this, it's kind of a bummer. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we fought to the end."

Jackie Battle ran for a touchdown, and Ryan Succop also kicked three field goals as the Titans (2-4) bounced back after blowing the biggest lead ever by a home team in the regular season with their loss last week to Cleveland.

"It was a relief," Titans quarterback Charlie Whitehurst said. "I think we kind of controlled the game most of the game, and we weren't able to sustain a drive in the second half to put it away. It would've been a little easier on everybody's hearts. It's a win, and we're very happy about it."

This was a game that was closely contested all four quarters, but in the end, the last 12 seconds of the contest made all the difference.

Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s game.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS CAME THROUGH

Injured quarterback Jake Locker was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, who threw for 233 yards on the day.

Locker had plenty of company on the sideline as the Titans, who placed veteran starters, safety Bernard Pollard (Achilles tendon) and left tackle Michael Roos (right knee) on injured reserve this week, started three rookies.

Taylor Lewan, the No. 11 pick overall, replaced Roos. Second-round draft pick Bishop Sankey started at running back with Shonn Greene (hamstring) out.

Avery Williamson started his second straight game at inside linebacker. And the rookie returned a fumble 41 yards with 4:25 left to help seal the win.

MORE DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

While the Jaguars are winless, it does not mean the team does not have a defensive presence. The team went out and signed free agents to improve the pass rush. That has been a given this season and he front four for the team has played much better the past two weeks.

The Jaguars came in second in the NFL behind only the Bills and Jets with 16 sacks. They added three more of Whitehurst as they hit him repeatedly during the game.

300 YARDS AND COUNTING

The Jaguars have to be impressed with Blake Bortles performance. Bortles threw for 336 yards, his first 300-plus yard game of his career. It only took three games as a starter. Coincidently, Blaine Gabbert had only one 300-yard game in his career which spanned three seasons.

If there was ever optimism that the Jacksonville Jaguars could finally win their first game of the season on Sunday, it may have come in the form of news about the team’s wide receivers.

According to a report from Jaguars.com, Cecil Shorts III, a veteran wide receiver who has missed three of five games this season with hamstring issues, returned to practice on a full-participation basis.

That meant all of the Jaguars’ active wide receivers practiced full Thursday.

It also means the team could be a little more active in the passing game against the Tennessee Titans on the road.

“I think we need just to see him stack it up now,” Bradley said of Shorts.

If the Jaguars continue to show life in the offense and some continued success on the defensive side of the ball, with a unit that has 19 sacks in five games, the team could cause nightmares for whoever is behind center for Tennessee. Starter Jake Locker has a hand injury and it is not known whether he will play or will Charlie Whitehurst get the call. That could prove to be even better for Jacksonville on Sunday.

Here are four other things to know about this matchup.

GRATZ CLEARED TO PLAY

After suffering a concussion in the loss to San Diego two weeks ago, defensive back Dwayne Gratz was cleared to practice and play on Sunday. Gratz had a good practice on his second day back working after missing Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh with a concussion, Bradley said. Demetrius McCray, who started in place of Gratz Sunday, has worked with the first team in practice each of the last two days and is expected to start against Tennessee Sunday. “I thought Gratz really stood out today,” Bradley said. “He made a couple of plays that really stood out. That was good to see.

GERHART MISSED AGAIN

Running back Toby Gerhart, who has dealt with a foot/ankle injury since Week 1, missed practice with a foot injury after practicing full Wednesday. Gerhart has started each of the first five games this season, rushing for 123 yards on 48 carries. The Jaguars split running back repetitions between Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Denard Robinson and Storm Johnson against Pittsburgh last week.

BORTLES CONTINUES TO GAIN CONFIDENCE

Until he threw the interception for a touchdown last week that sealed the loss by the Jaguars, there was a feeling the rookie could win the game with his arm, ending the four-game losing streak. That did not happen.

Bortles is gaining more praise for his ability in the chance to win. One reason is that Bortles checked to about seven pass plays from run plays in the loss to Pittsburgh Sunday and another is that Bortles has thrown six interceptions in 10 quarters as a starter. While Bradley talked on Monday about having some run-only plays called and possibly discouraging Bortles from calling an audible in those situations, the overriding feeling is there’s no need or inclination to curtail the rookie quarterback. “He will be the first to admit that (he) has to make good decisions,” Bradley said. “We love his mentality and that’s not a concern of ours that you’ve got to handle with kid gloves.”

JAGUARS WIN

It is a strong possibility that the Titans have a better roster of players, but there is something to be said for confidence and growth and the ability to finally get it right. The Titans are 1-4, the Jaguars 0-5. But when you look at everything, you get the idea the Jaguars are about to finally get one in the win column.

JACKSONVILLE 17 TENNESSEE 14

If there was ever optimism that the Jacksonville Jaguars could finally win their first game of the season on Sunday, it may have come in the form of news about the team’s wide receivers.

According to a report from Jaguars.com, Cecil Shorts III, a veteran wide receiver who has missed three of five games this season with hamstring issues, returned to practice on a full-participation basis.

That meant all of the Jaguars’ active wide receivers practiced full Thursday.

It also means the team could be a little more active in the passing game against the Tennessee Titans on the road.

“I think we need just to see him stack it up now,” Bradley said of Shorts.

If the Jaguars continue to show life in the offense and some continued success on the defensive side of the ball, with a unit that has 19 sacks in five games, the team could cause nightmares for whoever is behind center for Tennessee. Starter Jake Locker has a hand injury and it is not known whether he will play or will Charlie Whitehurst get the call. That could prove to be even better for Jacksonville on Sunday.

Here are four other things to know about this matchup.

GRATZ CLEARED TO PLAY

After suffering a concussion in the loss to San Diego two weeks ago, defensive back Dwayne Gratz was cleared to practice and play on Sunday. Gratz had a good practice on his second day back working after missing Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh with a concussion, Bradley said. Demetrius McCray, who started in place of Gratz Sunday, has worked with the first team in practice each of the last two days and is expected to start against Tennessee Sunday. “I thought Gratz really stood out today,” Bradley said. “He made a couple of plays that really stood out. That was good to see.

GERHART MISSED AGAIN

Running back Toby Gerhart, who has dealt with a foot/ankle injury since Week 1, missed practice with a foot injury after practicing full Wednesday. Gerhart has started each of the first five games this season, rushing for 123 yards on 48 carries. The Jaguars split running back repetitions between Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Denard Robinson and Storm Johnson against Pittsburgh last week.

BORTLES CONTINUES TO GAIN CONFIDENCE

Until he threw the interception for a touchdown last week that sealed the loss by the Jaguars, there was a feeling the rookie could win the game with his arm, ending the four-game losing streak. That did not happen.

Bortles is gaining more praise for his ability in the chance to win. One reason is that Bortles checked to about seven pass plays from run plays in the loss to Pittsburgh Sunday and another is that Bortles has thrown six interceptions in 10 quarters as a starter. While Bradley talked on Monday about having some run-only plays called and possibly discouraging Bortles from calling an audible in those situations, the overriding feeling is there’s no need or inclination to curtail the rookie quarterback. “He will be the first to admit that (he) has to make good decisions,” Bradley said. “We love his mentality and that’s not a concern of ours that you’ve got to handle with kid gloves.”

JAGUARS WIN

It is a strong possibility that the Titans have a better roster of players, but there is something to be said for confidence and growth and the ability to finally get it right. The Titans are 1-4, the Jaguars 0-5. But when you look at everything, you get the idea the Jaguars are about to finally get one in the win column.

JACKSONVILLE 17 TENNESSEE 14

The Florida Gators proved that defense can win in the SEC, especially on the road. And Will Muschamp finally made the decision to being in Treon Harris at quarterback as Gator Nation saw Florida extend its domination over the Tennessee Volunteers to 10 games in a 10-9 win in Knoxville.

For everything that Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley did right in the loss to Georgia, he failed to accomplish in the loss at home. Florida’s defense had something to do with that as it forced the Volunteers, a team that has now lost to Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida in consecutive weeks, not to be able to run on the Gators all afternoon.

Florida (3-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) rallied behind freshman quarterback Treon Harris, who led both of the Gators' scoring drives after replacing an ineffective Jeff Driskel. Matt Jones rushed for 114 yards and had a 32-yard run to set up Hardin's first successful field-goal attempt of the season, which gave Florida its 10th straight victory over Tennessee (2-3, 0-2).

Here is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of this game.

THE GOOD: A WIN AND SOME CLARITY

The win was not as important to the career of Will Muschamp as what happens with a loss in this game. I thought the offense would show some improvement, but the game became a huge defensive battle. Both offenses were sluggish and both starting quarterbacks seemed afraid of making a play or two.

The Gators' inept offensive got a boost when Will Muschamp finally did his job and played Treon Harris, which not only excited the Gator Nation, it injected life into the roster. The offense and defense came to life in the second half. Sometimes a new starter or new play will do this.

Muschamp was noncommittal about who would start at quarterback next week, but the smart money is on the freshman Harris.

THE BAD: WHERE WAS THE OFFENSE?

Tennessee led 9-0 when Jalen Tabor started Florida's comeback by sacking Worley, knocking the ball loose and recovering the fumble at Tennessee's 30. That turnover led to Jones' 2-yard touchdown run with 13:40 left.

The Vols took the early lead by shutting down Driskel, who was 11 of 23 for 59 yards with three interceptions. Worley was 26 of 39 for 205 yards for Tennessee, but he also threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and was sacked six times.

Florida's comeback stunned a young Tennessee team that had reason to believe it finally would end its history of frustration in this series, this according to the Associated Press and ESPN.com.

THE UGLY: THE DROUGHT CONTINUES

Somehow, I still have this image of Steve Spurrier kicking Phil Fulmer in the backside.

This is the 10th straight loss for Tennessee against Florida, 1st single-digit loss since 2006, when it also lost by 1-point.

For the 7th time in 16 games dating back to the start of last season, Florida was held without a touchdown in the 1st half. The Gators are 1-5 in those games.

Before today, Florida had outscored Tennessee by 138 points and owns a plus-14 advantage in turnover margin. The closest game during the streak was a 21-20 win in 2006, but the Gators came back the next year and won 59-20, their largest victory during the streak.

The Florida Gators proved that defense can win in the SEC, especially on the road. And Will Muschamp finally made the decision to being in Treon Harris at quarterback as Gator Nation saw Florida extend its domination over the Tennessee Volunteers to 10 games in a 10-9 win in Knoxville.

For everything that Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley did right in the loss to Georgia, he failed to accomplish in the loss at home. Florida’s defense had something to do with that as it forced the Volunteers, a team that has now lost to Oklahoma, Georgia and Florida in consecutive weeks, not to be able to run on the Gators all afternoon.

Florida (3-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) rallied behind freshman quarterback Treon Harris, who led both of the Gators' scoring drives after replacing an ineffective Jeff Driskel. Matt Jones rushed for 114 yards and had a 32-yard run to set up Hardin's first successful field-goal attempt of the season, which gave Florida its 10th straight victory over Tennessee (2-3, 0-2).

Here is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of this game.

THE GOOD: A WIN AND SOME CLARITY

The win was not as important to the career of Will Muschamp as what happens with a loss in this game. I thought the offense would show some improvement, but the game became a huge defensive battle. Both offenses were sluggish and both starting quarterbacks seemed afraid of making a play or two.

The Gators' inept offensive got a boost when Will Muschamp finally did his job and played Treon Harris, which not only excited the Gator Nation, it injected life into the roster. The offense and defense came to life in the second half. Sometimes a new starter or new play will do this.

Muschamp was noncommittal about who would start at quarterback next week, but the smart money is on the freshman Harris.

THE BAD: WHERE WAS THE OFFENSE?

Tennessee led 9-0 when Jalen Tabor started Florida's comeback by sacking Worley, knocking the ball loose and recovering the fumble at Tennessee's 30. That turnover led to Jones' 2-yard touchdown run with 13:40 left.

The Vols took the early lead by shutting down Driskel, who was 11 of 23 for 59 yards with three interceptions. Worley was 26 of 39 for 205 yards for Tennessee, but he also threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and was sacked six times.

Florida's comeback stunned a young Tennessee team that had reason to believe it finally would end its history of frustration in this series, this according to the Associated Press and ESPN.com.

THE UGLY: THE DROUGHT CONTINUES

Somehow, I still have this image of Steve Spurrier kicking Phil Fulmer in the backside.

This is the 10th straight loss for Tennessee against Florida, 1st single-digit loss since 2006, when it also lost by 1-point.

For the 7th time in 16 games dating back to the start of last season, Florida was held without a touchdown in the 1st half. The Gators are 1-5 in those games.

Before today, Florida had outscored Tennessee by 138 points and owns a plus-14 advantage in turnover margin. The closest game during the streak was a 21-20 win in 2006, but the Gators came back the next year and won 59-20, their largest victory during the streak.

If you believe everything you read, then there is no reason to write this preview of the Tennessee-Florida game in Knoxville this weekend. According to Clay Travis of Fox Sports, Tennessee will not only win the game, but hang double digits on the Gators after a week off to prepare for their SEC rivals. It also gave the program a chance to settle down from the 42-21 loss to Alabama and the quarterback controversy that has arisen in Gainesville.

Wow, Will Muschamp and the quarterback are under scrutiny at Florida. Stop me if you have heard that before.

Despite a 2-1 record, this is a team in need of a high profile win, NOW, or the natives won’t be restless, they will swarm like bees over the Florida campus.

The Volunteers, despite a 35-32 loss to Georgia, appear to be on the uptick. Justin Worley’s injury may have been the only thing (and the legs of Todd Gurley) that prevented the Volunteers from winning last week in Athens.

Unlike in Florida, losses to Oklahoma and Georgia in consecutive weeks don’t see all that bad if the program is getting better.

The way I see it, this is a must win for both teams.

Here are five things to know about this game …

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON

The Gators and Vols first met on the gridiron in 1916, and have competed in the same conference since Florida and UT joined the now-defunct Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1910 and 1895, respectively. However, a true rivalry developed only during the last two decades due to infrequent match-ups previously; in the first seventy-six years (1916–91) of the series, the two teams met just twenty-one times.

In 1992, when the Southeastern Conference (SEC) expanded to twelve universities and split into two divisions, Florida and Tennessee were both placed in the SEC's Eastern Division, and have met annually on the football field since then. The rivalry quickly blossomed in intensity and importance, as both squads were perennial SEC and national championship contenders throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Of The 43 meetings, Florida holds a 24-19 lead overall.

A REASON FOR DOUBLE DIGITS

Mr. Travis makes his point very clear as to why Tennessee will win by 10 or more. Remember as well, these games aren’t usually close, with Florida winning the last nine contests.

Simply put, Florida is awful. Tennessee's not awful. Which, to be honest, makes this the best Tennessee team since 2008. The not awful team will beat the awful team. Plus, when a string of losses ends, often it doesn't end in a tight game. Remember when Tennessee crushed Alabama in 1995? That game was never close. The Vols won 41-14, ending a nine year losing streak, and embarking on a 10-2 run of domination in the series. I think the 2014 Florida game is a lot like the 1995 Alabama game for Tennessee fans. 

It’s a little skewed, but I like it.

EMMITT SMITH HATES JEFF DRISKEL

Ok, maybe hates is a strong word, but when the greatest running back in the history of the NFL and the greatest Gator player of all time (sorry Tim Tebow) calls out the quarterback and the Gators offense, you tend to stop and listen.

There is no doubt Gator Nation is not pleased with the performance of the redshirt-Junior and is clamoring for Treon Harris to get in the game and see what he can do. For everything Kurt Roper is in this scheme as offensive coordinator, he cannot teach mental psychology. The method to Driskel’s maddening performances is he cannot run, pass, and avoid pressure all at once. He has to be able to settle down. This was not just an issue with the Alabama game. H showed signs of it in the game against Kentucky as well.

I wonder what Muschamp was thinking when Jacoby Brissett lit FSU up last weekend?

STRENGTH IN THE PROGRAM

This is quickly becoming a strengthened Volunteers team. 

Second-year coach Butch Jones has brought an incredible amount of energy, and breathed a much-needed burst of life into the Tennessee program. This year he reeled in a class of 32 players – and that is after four straight losing seasons.

He’s also locked down the state of Tennessee in terms of talent, signing eight of the state’s top 10 players for 2014. His recruits come from 12 different states and Washington, DC. He can sell immediate playing time, and the program’s growth – evident in toppling nationally ranked South Carolina last season.

TENNESSEE WINS

I am not sure if Will Muschamp can sit down in his chair in his office after this one. Worley proves he is the most underrated passer in the country and the Volunteers deal Florida a huge blow with a loss.

SEC runs are cyclical as we all know, but this is the start of something good for the Volunteers.

The school that dealt Steve Spurrier his final loss as the head coach of the Gators in the Swamp. The rival for whom Casey Clausen directed “Rocky Top” after wins at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (something I still seethe over to this day). The program that robbed Florida and Dallas Baker of a win at Neyland Stadium in 2003 due to a botched penalty call.

There won’t be any controversy in this one. TENNESSEE 31 FLORIDA 20