National media outlet ranks toughest places to play in college football; Where Neyland Stadium lands
Ahead of the Josh Heupel era, many folks around college football felt like Neyland Stadium wasn't providing the Tennessee Vols with an elite home field advantage anymore. That was mostly because fans didn't have much to cheer for before Heupel arrived in Knoxville in early 2021. Outside of a couple of decent seasons under Butch […]
Ahead of the Josh Heupel era, many folks around college football felt like Neyland Stadium wasn't providing the Tennessee Vols with an elite home field advantage anymore.
That was mostly because fans didn't have much to cheer for before Heupel arrived in Knoxville in early 2021.
Outside of a couple of decent seasons under Butch Jones in 2015 and 2016, and a strong finish in 2019 under Jeremy Pruitt, the last decade featured mostly below average seasons for Tennessee.
Heupel, however, has reenergized the program. And he's brought winning big games back to Neyland Stadium. As a result, the home of the Vols is once again viewed as one of the toughest places to play in college football.
247Sports recently ranked the most difficult places to play in college football in 2023 and they have Neyland Stadium at No. 2, just behind LSU's Tiger Stadium (check out their full rankings here).
From 247Sports: Tennessee's home schedule is quite appetizing this fall and there's a strong chance the Volunteers ride a 14-game winning streak in Knoxville when top-ranked Georgia comes to town in November. If Tennessee is in contention for a SEC East crown, that volume inside Neyland Stadium will rival last year's memorable setting for the upset win over Alabama.
It's hard to argue against Tiger Stadium at night. But the 2022 season featured some incredible atmospheres at Neyland Stadium. I'm not sure it can get any better than the atmosphere for the Alabama game — that might go down as the best crowd in Neyland Stadium history (and there's been a load of great ones). And the atmospheres for the Florida and Kentucky games were also nothing short of incredible. Even a noon kickoff for a soggy game against Missouri in November featured a lively sold out crowd.
It really feels like Tennessee is on the verge of entering a new era of "glory days" under Heupel. The Vols obviously have to keep the momentum going in 2023, but the Heupel era couldn't be off to a better start.
Anonymous SEC coach slams Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton
An anonymous SEC coach slammed Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton this offseason
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
