The sooner, the better for the Vols.
We’ve all heard the common phrase. It applies to the restless nature of human expectation and the need for immediate relief. Tennessee fans know all too well about this struggle.
Those four opening words couldn’t be more appropriate for the University of Tennessee football team – or its fans -on Tuesday afternoon.
UT athletics announced on Twitter that the Vols’ 2021 season-opener against Bowling Green would be moved up two days.
https://twitter.com/Vol_Football/status/1392192786502324225?s=20
The move creates space for Tennessee to have a primetime game on SEC Network to open the Josh Heupel campaign. And for an offense looking to get out to a fast start, I’m sure the head coach and his players would love nothing more than to showcase a high-octane offense sooner rather than later.
The modification also gives the Vols an opportunity for extra rest after what should be a very favorable matchup with a MAC opponent. Tennessee then hosts the Pittsburgh Panthers the following week. The ACC foe is 42-34 under head coach Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers are led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, a redshirt senior who ranks third in program history with 8,552 total yards.
The Vols last played the Falcons in 2015, a season-opener in Nashville that resulted in a 59-30 Tennessee win. Since 2016, Bowling Green has a 12-41 record.
With a strong desire for a new brand of football, Vol faithful will get a chance to experience fresh faces and a different offense in what should be a comforting display. Besides, doesn’t it need an excuse to extend the Labor Day weekend even further?
Just take a week and enjoy what’s likely to be normal football festivities – and yes, sans Jeremy Pruitt roaming the Volunteer sidelines. Which, for Tennessee fans, may be the most exciting part.
