By Lily Helton
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Everyone in Knoxville can tell you what happens inside Neyland Stadium- the energy, the roar of the crowd, and the support for the Volunteers is unmatched. But what happens when that team goes on the road?
Well, according to running back DeSean Bishop, the team gets excited. He repeated themes of excitement and having fun with teammates. He said the idea of listening to over 61,000 cowbells in Davis Wade Stadium gets him extra juiced up for Saturday.
“It’s gonna be a hostile environment, and I’m looking forward to it,” Bishop said.
Senior defensive lineman Bryson Eason shared the same sentiments. After six seasons with the Vols, his excitement to play for the team has never faded, and he is eager to be competitive, encourage his offense, and support the young defensive guys around him.
“I’m ready for it, I love hostile environments,” Eason said. “I think it kind of brings the best out of people…We just let those guys [the offense] know that we have their back regardless.”
Both sides of the ball have performed well for Tennessee over the past four games. DeSean Bishop is averaging 6.9 yards per carry, with 993 yards total on the season. The defense has totaled 135 solo tackles (Eason with two).
The big question now is: can Tennessee perform at this high a level away from home in a road setting?
Bishop and Eason both voiced their excitement to prove themselves on the road. Junior defensive linebacker Jeremiah Telander voiced another key to success on the road: focus.
“You only get so many opportunities, so when that play comes, no flinching,” Telander said.
With both of these themes in mind, the Vols are confident and prepared to travel and take on the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Tennessee knows the home-field advantage narrative, and they are looking to rewrite that story.
“In this league,” said Josh Heupel. “You better show up every Saturday ready to play.”
Great article go vols