Tennessee Vols make decision that will likely be unpopular but it's extremely smart
For the second straight year, the Tennessee Vols will open the season on a Thursday night instead of a Saturday afternoon. Tennessee announced on Thursday that the 2022 season-opener against Ball State will be played on Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 PM ET on the SEC Network. I've already seen some groaning over this announcement. […]
For the second straight year, the Tennessee Vols will open the season on a Thursday night instead of a Saturday afternoon.
Tennessee announced on Thursday that the 2022 season-opener against Ball State will be played on Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 PM ET on the SEC Network.
I've already seen some groaning over this announcement. And I get it — playing on a Thursday night isn't convenient for a lot of fans who plan to go to the game.
But from Tennessee's standpoint, it's a brilliant decision.
The Vols need to utilize every opportunity they have to get in front of a national audience. The more visible the program is from a national perspective, the better it'll be for recruiting.
Playing on a Thursday night — which will also allow Tennessee to utilize their LED lighting system that debuted last season — will showcase the Volunteers' potent up-tempo offensive attack to a lot more eyes on a weeknight than it would on a Saturday.
This is the kind of attention the Vols need if they're going to be a recruiting force in the SEC.
Tennessee athletic director Danny White is a smart guy when it comes to marketing a football program the right way. The Vols aren't taking shortcuts under White and head football coach Josh Heupel, but they're certainly taking advantage of the right opportunities.
There's nothing like a fall Saturday in the south. But playing this game on a Thursday night will ensure that Tennessee has some more memorable fall Saturdays down the road.
Featured image via Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
