By Ashley Stadnicki
The wait is finally over.
After months of workouts, practices, meetings and more practices, Tennessee football is officially in game week. The Vols will kick off their season Saturday at Neyland Stadium, putting their 18-game non-conference regular-season winning streak on the line.
For head coach Josh Heupel, Saturday is the payoff for work that began all the way back in January.
“Everybody inside the program is excited about kicking this thing off here on Saturday,” Heupel said. “Ultimately, we’ll find out where we’re at and where we got to continue to grow.”
And there is plenty for Tennessee fans to be excited about.
One of the biggest themes coming out of Tennessee’s fall camp has been the way its veterans have embraced leadership roles.
Wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley may not be much older than some of the younger players on the roster, but both have naturally stepped into positions where they can help set the tone.
For Matthews, the transition into a leadership role wasn’t something he forced.
“It happened organically,” he said. “I just wanted to help everybody.”
Heupel has seen that growth throughout camp, praising both receivers for the way they’ve developed from their freshman seasons. He pointed to their physical growth, preparation and willingness to help younger teammates with everything from fundamentals and technique to recognizing plays.
“They’re smart, tough, competitive,” Heupel said.
That leadership could be especially valuable as Tennessee heads into the season with a mix of experienced players and younger talent. Matthews said the focus has simply been on working hard every day and helping the team get better.
Matthews has also watched the growth of freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon since he arrived on campus in January. He described Brandon as laid-back and mature for his age, saying it’s been exciting to see the work Brandon has put in during the offseason start to pay off.
“Going from when he was here in January and the extra time he’s put in the offseason it’s good to see things go in his favor,” Matthews said.
Staley has seen that work, too. The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year said Brandon brings different skills than last year’s quarterback Joey Aguilar, particularly with his ability to run and work ethic.
“I have his location, so I would always see him training on campus while I was home,” Staley said jokingly.
Players believe fans have already gotten a preview of what this Tennessee team can be.
“I think a lot has been revealed in camp already,” Staley said.
If their practices are any indication, Matthews and Staley are setting a pretty high standard.
Transfer defensive back TJ Metcalf, who spent one season at Michigan and two at Arkansas, has gotten plenty of chances to go up against the two receivers throughout camp.
“Every snap, every play, they do their job,” Metcalf said. “It’s tough playing against them.”
Metcalf will get his first taste of a game inside Neyland Stadium on Saturday. He’s never experienced the stadium in a true game environment, but if his answer about what Tennessee fans can expect from him is any indication, he’s ready for the moment.
“They can expect a dog. A player that gives 100% effort,” Metcalf said.
He’s also expecting big things from the offense.
“Our offense is going to be special,” Metcalf said.
That’s a bold statement from a defensive back, but one that matches the confidence coming from the rest of the locker room.
Heupel confirmed running back Ethan Davis will be available Saturday, while Bishop has also made strides throughout the offseason. Heupel said Bishop added muscle and strength and has become more effective with and without the ball after getting a year of experience under his belt.
Still, Saturday will reveal something that no practice can fully replicate. Heupel said the first real game will show the team’s mental, physical and emotional toughness in a way that training camp simply can’t.
And while Tennessee will certainly learn a lot Saturday, Heupel doesn’t want the team focused only on improving between Game 1 and Game 2. The bigger goal is to continue to buy into the process throughout the season.
“Your teams are going to improve,” Heupel said. “When they want to buy in.”
Tennessee players will also be sporting a sticker patch honoring country music legend Dolly Parton on the back of their helmets.
“I can’t wait. I’ve been waiting for it, and now it’s here,” Staley said.
Game week has officially arrived in Knoxville. And judging by the confidence coming out of Tennessee’s locker room, the Vols are more than ready to make some noise.
Saturday can’t come soon enough.