One of the most anticipated matchups of the College Football season arrives on Saturday when Tennessee opens South Eastern Conference play against Georgia. The Vols haven’t beaten the Bulldogs since 2016 and enter the game on an eight-game losing streak.
Tennessee will have one advantage on its side, the Neyland Effect.
“It’s the best stadium in college football,” Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey said. “I know the opposing team’s offense cannot hear.”
That environment is what running back Star Thomas has been waiting for.
The Duke transfer played in a stadium that holds just 35,000.
As he prepares for his first SEC game inside Neyland Stadium, he reveals he’s rewatched the 2023 meeting to get a better understanding of how loud Vols Fans can get.
“I watched the Georgia game when Jaylen Wright scored the first touchdown and it was rocking here then,” Thomas said. “Just ready to feel that energy all over.”
Since the rivalry began in 1899, Georgia has never won nine consecutive games against Tennessee.
Currently, the Bulldogs are on an eight-game win streak.
Head coach Josh Heupel emphasized in the week one post game press conference that Tennessee has “one of the best fan bases in the country.”
He knows the same will be true for their conference opener.
“I am excited to go compete, this is our conference opener, a great opponent and it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” said Heupel.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with the return of “Checker Neyland.”
