Tennessee has compiled a 776-327-53 record since beginning play in 1891. This record is good for 10th all time in winning percentage, and the vols are 9th in all time wins.
The vols have two National Championships, in 1951 and 1998. The 1951 team, led by one of the few vols Alabama fans respect, General Robert Neyland, went 10-0 and was a near consensus National Champion. The 1998 team, led by "Captain Western Union", QB Tee Martin, and Coached by he who shall remain nameless, went 13-0 and beat FSU in the Fiesta Bowl to crown their season.
Tennessee also has claims on several other National Titles..................................
The 1938 team, coached by General Neyland, went 11-0 and were named Champs by Boand, Massey, Poling, Litkenhous, The CFRA, Houlgate, and Billngsley. An 11-0 TCU team was named NC by the AP and other selectors.
The 1940 Vols went 10-0, and were named Champions by Dunkel and Williamson - but an 8-0 Minnesota team wa snamed Champion by all others.
The 1950 Vols, coached as well by the General, went 11-1, and was named #1 by Dunkel and Litkenhous - but a 10-1 Oklahoma team captured all other selections.
It would appear that General Neylands teams did not get the respecct they probably deserved.
Tennessee has one SIAC, two Southern, and 13 SEC titles, between the years of 1914 and 1998.
The vols also have represented the SEC East five times in the SEC Championship Game.
Tennessee has appeared in 47 Bowl Games, and has a 25-22 record in those contests.
Notable Tennessee players include John Majors, Peyton "Moon" Manning, Gene McEver, Tim Priest, Andy Spiva, Reggie White, Bob Lund, Steve DeLong, Johnn Henderson, Stanley Morgam, Willie Gault, Hasket Stanback, Bobby Dodd, Bowden Wyatt, and others.
Of course, Reggie White is also remembered for his brilliant analysis on socio-economic conditions of the various races.
Vol Coaches.........................
General Robert Neyland three separate stints 173-31-12
Bowden Wyatt 1955-1962 49-29-4
Doug Dickey 1964-1969 46-15-4
Bill Battle 1970-1976 59-22-2
Johnny Majors 1977-1992 116-62-8
He who shall not be named 1992-2008 152-52-0
It should be noted that due to his service to our country, General Neyland Coached between 1926-1934, 1936-1940, and 1946-1952. Had it not been for his dedication and WW II, who knows how much more he would have accomplished.
Some Tennessee Football History, traditions, and facts......................
Nickname
The University of Tennessee, as the state's land grant university, draws the nickname of its athletic teams (Volunteers) from the name most associated with the state.
Tennessee acquired its name "The Volunteer State" in the early days of the nineteenth century in the War of 1812. At the request of President James Madison, Gen. Andrew Jackson, later President, mustered 1500 from his home state to fight the Indians and later the British at the Battle of New Orleans. The men never actually fought in battle and Jackson was so frustrated by the inactivity that he marched the men home at his own expense and his determined stance on their behalf earned him the nickname "Old Hickory."
The name became even more prominent in the Mexican War when Gov. Aaron V. Brown issued a call for 2800 men to battle Santa Ana and some 30,000 Tennesseans volunteered.
The dragoon uniform (right) worn by Tennessee regulars during that conflict is still seen adorning the color guard at UT athletic events.
The term "Volunteer State," as noted through these two events, recognizes the long-standing tendency of Tennesseans to go above and beyond the call of duty when their country calls. The name "Volunteers" is frequently shortened to "Vols" in describing Tennessee's athletic teams.
The Hill
Since the 1800s, The Hill has been symbolic of the higher education in Tennessee. The University, founded in 1794 as Blount College in a lone, two-story house, had its beginnings on The Hill and quickly grew around it.
The main part of UT's old campus stands on this rising bank above the north shore of the Tennessee River. Neyland Stadium sprawls at the base of The Hill, between it and the River.
Years of constant expansion and development have pushed the campus west of The Hill. Ayres Hall, built in 1919, holds a commanding view over the campus and houses the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and still provides the most dynamic and recognizable scenes on campus. Next to that building is the oldest building on campus, South Stadium Hall, built in 1872. Today The Hill is the center of activity for the majors of natural sciences, mathematics, computer sciences and engineering.
School Colors
The colors Orange and White were selected by Charles Moore, a member of the first football team in 1891, and were later approved by a vote of the student body. The colors were those of the common American daisy which grew in profusion on The Hill. Tennessee football players did not appear in the now-famous Orange jerseys until the season-opening game in 1922. Coach M.B. Banks' Vols won that game over Emory and Henry by a score of 50-0.
Volunteer Navy
In 1962 former Vol broadcaster George Mooney found a quicker and more exciting way to get to Neyland Stadium other than fighting the notorious Knoxville traffic. Mooney navigated his little runabout down the Tennessee River to the stadium and spawned what would later become the "Volunteer Navy." Today, approximately 200 boats of all shapes and sizes make up this giant floating tailgate party. Tennessee and the University of Washington are the only institutions with stadia adjacent to bodies of water.
Smokey
After a student poll sponsored by the Pep Club revealed a desire to select a live mascot for the University, the Pep Club held a contest in 1953 to select a coon hound, a native breed of the state, as the mascot to represent the school. Announcements of the contest in local newspapers read, "This can't be an ordinary hound. He must be a Houn' Dog' in the best sense of the word."
The late Rev. Bill Brooks entered his prize-winning blue tick coon hound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey," in the contest. At halftime of the Mississippi State game that season, the dogs were lined up on the old cheerleaders' ramp at Shields-Watkins Field. Each dog was introduced over the loudspeaker and the student body cheered for their favorite, with "Blue Smokey" being the last hound introduced. When his name was called, he barked. The students cheered and Smokey threw his head back and barked again. This kept going until the stadium was in an uproar and UT had found its mascot.
Rev. Brooks supplied UT with the line of canines until his death in 1986 when his wife, Mildred, took over the caretaking role. She did so until 1994, when her brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Martha Hudson of Knoxville, took over responsibility for Smokey VII and eventually Smokey VIII, with Smokey IX now in the wings. Mrs. Brooks died in July 1997.
The dogs have led exciting lives. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky students in 1955 and later survived a confrontation with the Baylor Bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl. Smokey VI, who suffered heat exhaustion in the 140 degree temperatures at the 1991 UCLA game, was listed on the Vol injury report until he returned later in the season. Smokey III compiled a 105-39-5 record and two SEC championships. Smokey VI, who passed away in 1991, was on the sidelines for three SEC championships. One of the most beloved figures in the state, Smokey is famous for leading the Vols out of the giant "T" prior to each home game.
Smokey's Reigns
Smokey 1953-1954
Smokey II 1955-1964
Smokey III 1965-1977
Smokey IV 1978-1979
Smokey V 1980-1983
Smokey VI 1984-1991
Smokey VII 1992-1994
Smokey VIII 1995-Present
The present Smokey, now entering his sixth season in 2000-2001, is eighth in the line of blue tick coon hounds and is appropriately called Smokey VIII. He is also the winningest Smokey having recorded a 54-8 (.871) record, two SEC titles and the 1998 national championship.
University of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band
The University of Tennessee band was organized immediately after the Civil War when the University reopened. Since then, the enrollment in the band program has grown to more than 300 students (in all bands) from all colleges of the University.
Director of Bands, Dr. Gary Sousa, heads up a program which has maintained a long-standing reputation as one of the nation's finest musical organizations. The band staff includes Dr. Don Ryder, Associate Director of Bands and Drill Designer, along with Ed Powell, Assistant Director. Drum Major for 2000-2001 is Joe Christian, assisted by Brooke Rhea, and Head Majorette is Carrie DeLozier.
The band program is divided into several different units. The most famous of these units is the marching band. The full "Pride of the Southland Band," appears at all home football games and most out-of-town games before more than 850,000 spectators plus millions more on television.
The "Pride of the Southland" has represented the state of Tennessee at the Eisenhower, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton Presidential Inaugurations and has appeared at the SEC Championship game, Rose Bowl, Astro Bluebonnet Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Gator Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Peach Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. When the Marching Band takes the field, the crowd reaction truly indicates that it is not only the Pride of all Tennesseans, but the "Pride of the Southland."
Prior to each home game, the Vols will file out of Stokely Athletic Center, down past the Tennessee Volunteers Wall of Fame, and make their way down Peyton Manning Pass and onto Phillip Fulmer Way. Thousands of fans line the street to shake the players' hands as they walk into Neyland Stadium. Through rain, snow, sleet, or shine, the Vol faithful are always out in full force to root on the Vols as they prepare for battle. The fans are pumped up with Rocky Top played by The Pride of the Southland Band.
The "T"
The Pride of the Southland opening the famous T.The "T" appears two places in Vol tradition. Coach Doug Dickey added the block letter T onto the side of the helmets in his first season in 1964. Johnny Majors modified the T to a more round look in 1977.
The Volunteers also run through another "T." This T is formed by the Pride of the Southland marching band with its base at the entrance to the Tennessee locker room in the North endzone. The team makes a left turn inside the T and runs toward their bench on the east sideline. When Coach Dickey brought this tradition to Tennessee in 1965, the Vols locker room was underneath the West stands. The Vols would run through that T and turn back to return to their sideline. The locker room change was made in 1983.
Checkerboard End Zones
Checkboard Orange and White end zones are unique to Neyland Stadium.Tennessee first sported the famous checkerboard design in the mid sixties. They brought the design back in 1989. This tradition was also started by Dickey in 1964, and remained until artificial turf was installed at Neyland Stadium.
The checkerboard was bordered in orange from 1989 until natural grass replaced the artificial turf in 1994. The return of natural grass brought with it the return of the green (or grass colored) border that exists today.
Orange and White
Tennessee fans at Neyland Stadium wear the school colors.The Orange and White colors worn by the football team were selected by Charles Moore, a member of the very first football squad in 1891. They were from the American Daisy which grew on The Hill, the home of most of the classrooms at the university.
The Orange is distinct to the school, and has been offered by The Home Depot for sale as a paint, licensed by the university. The home games at Neyland Stadium have been described as a "Sea of Orange" due to the large number of fans wearing the school color.
The color is Spot color PMS 151 as described by the University.[3]
Rocky Top
Rocky Top is not the official Tennessee fight song, but is the most popular in use by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. The Band began playing the fight song during the 1970s after it became popular as a Bluegrass tune by the Osborne Brothers. The fight song is widely recognized as one of the most hated by opponents in collegiate sports.
Wish that I was on ol'Rocky Top, down in the Tennessee hills;
"DOWN" in the hills??? Obvious there are some grammar and geography issues on 'ol rocky top
p
Ain't no fog or smoke on Rocky Top; Ain't no telephone bills.
No industry or modern convenience here as well
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top, half bear, other half cat;
Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop; I still dream about that.
These lines are confusing, astounding, and perverted
Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to me.
Good ol'Rocky Top; Rocky Top Tennessee.
- ie, I do not have the means or sense to leave
Once two strangers climbed ol'Rocky Top, lookin' for a moonshine still;
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top; Reckon they never will.
A failure to pay taxes, follow the laws of land, and killing Federal agents - all part of life on 'ol rocky top
Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to me.
Good ol'Rocky Top; Rocky Top Tennessee.
I've had years of cramped-up city life, trapped like a duck in a pen;
All I know is it's a pity life can't be simple again.
Could it BE any more simple?? And who pens up ducks anyway??
Corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top; dirt's too rocky by far;
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top get their corn from a jar.
Maybe this explains some things...............
Some UT Photos........................
General Neyland and players
General Neyland the player
Johnny Majors the Coach
Majors the player
Smokey Wails
A Beaten Dog
Running through the "T"
The Vol Navy
Vol Cheerleader
Another cheerleader
As far as real, old-school Alabama fans are concerned, UT is Bama's #1 rival. Auburn folks like to posture and pruport they are, but Auburn is little brother, the redheaded step-child.
Tennesse has the hardware and wins to back it up, however.
Unfortunately, recent circumstances have caused a once classy rivalry to become a matter of hatred. HWSNBN and the UT sympathetic SEC commissioner, in collusion with the NCAA, decided to act as private investigators with an anti-Alabama vendetta, with the goal of destroying Alabama Footgball.
They won a small victory, but now must reap the whirlwind that follows.
As one of the old and classy Vols, General Neyland said, "You never know what a player is made of till he plays Alabama"
Paul Bryant played with a broken leg against UT.
Jerry Duncan, former Bama tackle and sideline reporter, said to color analyst Doug Latham - "I see they just brought out Smokey, to the delight of the crowd here in Knoxville. If I had my deer rifle, I could take him out from here."
And then there is the Van De Graaf story.....................
Tuscaloosa’s Hargrove Van de Graaff was one tough hombre on the football field.
In a 1913 game against Tennessee, he nearly lost an ear.
It “had a real nasty cut and was dangling from his head, bleeding badly,” Tennessee tackle Bull Bayer recalls in Winston Groom’s book, “The Crimson Tide.” “He grabbed his ear and tried to yank it from his head. His teammates stopped him and his managers bandaged him … He wanted to tear off his own ear so he could keep playing.”
Van de Graaff hung on to his ear and Alabama hung on to a 6-0 lead to beat the Vols.
Hargrove’s brother W.T. “Bully” Van de Graaff was an even bigger star for the Tide. A fabulously gifted athlete, he became Alabama’s first All-American.
THAT is toughness, and that shows the level of hate Alabama has for TennesseeSo, vols - you have a flea-ridden, tick infested, lazy hound for a mascot. In old days, some vol yokel killed a 'coon, skinned and de-boweled it, and thought it would make a nifty fashion statement as a cap.
Sort of an "Instant Mullet" - though God Knows there are enough of those in Tennessee already.
You now have an arrogant daddy's boy for a head coach, a guy who will not be able to cover the checks his conceited yap has already written.
You have a lot of things - but not included is the respect of older and wiser Alabama fans, nor do you have success in your immediate future.
Roy Adams and his evil, perverted ways, have become to many, the Poster for Tennessee Football.
Can't wait to hammer you guys in Tuscaloosa this year, and every year for the forseeable future.