On Saturday, fans will get their first look at Team 118. And by fans, I mean those in attendance at Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White game. Those who aren’t able to attend, won’t be able to see the game; there is no mention of a live broadcast and no stream or replay to be found at this point.
But that means we should be able to break the attendance record of 73,801 set in 1986. Am I right?
Coach Butch Jones explained this year’s format yesterday during an interview on 94.9 out of Nashville.
“We are going to take a little bit of different approach,” Jones said. “In the first half will be 12 minute quarters with clock stoppage.”
The second half will consist of a running clock and more situational work.
Jones has also added a new wrinkle this year, which sounds like it should be fun to watch.
“In between segments or in between possessions we will also do some individual one-on-ones,” Jones said. “I think our fans particularly seeing the newcomers will love to see a Josh Malone go out there and compete against Cam Sutton in a one-on-one drill. We will call them out and we will do what we call Circle of Life and we will do some different individual battles as well, along with playing football.”
I don’t know about you guys, but two Vols going head-to-head at the 50-yard line in front of a huge crowd at Neyland Stadium sounds pretty exciting to me. My guess is we get to see quite a few of the 14 newcomers in those situations.
“We are going to try to put as much into this game as possible from an evaluation standpoint but also getting this young football team ready to compete come Utah State as well,” said Jones.
The game begins at 3:00 p.m. and admission is free. The gates will open at 1:30 p.m.
“Fan Day” is set for 12:30 p.m. Attending fans should enter through Gate 7.
Personally, I’m intrigued by the free giveaway:
“The first 10,000 fans to enter Neyland Stadium for the game will receive a mini “I Will Give My All For Tennessee” sign courtesy of Coca-Cola.”
That might look nice hanging at the entrance of my man cave.