Josh Heupel wants Neyland Stadium ready to do its part on Saturday.
Tennessee is staring down its biggest challenge of the season, with No. 1 Texas set to walk into Knoxville for a showdown that stands as the week’s marquee game in college football. The Longhorns, ranked first in the country, will face the 14th-ranked Vols in what also marks Tennessee’s SEC opener.
Ahead of the matchup, Heupel delivered a direct message to the fan base and tied it to the atmosphere he expects inside Neyland.
“Good afternoon, I’ll start by just saying congratulations to our volleyball team and the success that they’re having. Obviously a big one on Friday night.
Hopefully our fans show up in a big way for them. Excited to start the conference play.
We know that we’re getting ready to play another great opponent in Texas. Early kickoff, Checker Neyland.
To our fan base, however, you get ready for game time, wake up early, and whatever you need to be at your best at 12, make sure you’re ready to be at your best by 12. And be a part of the football game for 60 minutes.
Texas, obviously, battle-tested, very veteran group. Starts with their quarterback, but they have experience up front on the offensive line.
And a ton of experience on the defensive side of the football, extremely athletic. Will be a great test," Heupel said.
Tennessee’s crowd could be a real factor here. Neyland has a reputation for being one of the toughest road environments in the sport, and the Vols may need every bit of that edge against a Texas team that arrives with plenty of experience.
There is also one wrinkle working in Tennessee’s favor: this will be Texas’ first trip to Neyland Stadium. If the crowd brings the energy Heupel is asking for, the Longhorns are in for a setting they have not seen before.
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