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The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win is General Neyland’s number one Maxim. There is a reason General Neyland is often referred to as one of the best, if not the best, defensive football coaches ever. Sports Illustrated named Neyland as the defensive coordinator of its all-century college football team in its “Best of the 20th Century” edition. (Thank you, Wikipedia)
Two turnovers equaled two Tennessee touchdowns and the Vols left Atlanta with a 1-0 record for the season opener against Georgia Tech. The Vols 42-41 double overtime win was a nail biter. I do not know a UT fan who does not have high blood pressure during football season. There is a reason I do not do cardio during the season (or ever); my sports teams increase my heart rate enough.
Statistics say that when a team is out rushed by 286 yards the win/loss record is 1,226 to 5 since 2004. That statistic is now 1,226 to 6. Two players were game changers for the Vols. Wide receiver Marquez Callaway and defensive tackle Paul Bain. Without Callaway and Bain, Tennessee would have easily lost their season opener.
Marquez Callaway just made a name for himself at the University of Tennessee. The former four-star prospect from Georgia put on a show for his home state with four great catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-2 sophomore will be another reason why they call UT wide receiver U! With veteran starter Jauan Jennings out indefinitely with a wrist injury the Vols are in good hands with Callaway.
Paul Bain is a walk-on who transferred from Tusculum College in 2015. He did not appear in a single game until last year against Tennessee Tech where he had two tackles. He did not see playing time again until the Music City Bowl. Bain blocked the 36-yard field goal attempt by Georgia Tech on the final play of regulation that forced the game to overtime and saved the Vols from starting their season 0-1. What is so special about Bain is that he defines what a VFL (Vol For Life) stands for. As a walk-on, he does not have a scholarship and he works two jobs (Champs athletic store and at a horse farm) to pay for his educational and living expenses all while attending classes and practices. He literally gives his all for Tennessee on and off the field.
Coach Butch Jones said “Well, what can you say about Paul Bain? He’s a walk on, pays his own way for school, has two jobs to make ends meet, and we put him on there, and I’ll tell you what, just coming from the locker room, he got probably the biggest cheer and respect from our players. But I just respect him so much, him as a person and what he means to our football program, and obviously he had a big hand in helping us win the football game tonight.”
Vol Nation, I think we are going to be in good hands with Callaway and Bain and the rest of team 121! #DATway