There are mixed opinions on Vols fans rushing the field at Neyland Stadium after Tennessee’s win over Alabama last Saturday.

The win was the Volunteers’ third straight over the Crimson Tide in Knoxville, and it was the third straight time that fans have stormed the field.

A lot of folks have said that Vols fans should “act like they’ve been there before,” while others point out that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of moment.

Former Volunteers quarterback Heath Shuler falls in the camp that sees it as an incredible opportunity to create lifelong memories.

His son Navy, who is also a former Tennessee quarterback (2022-2024), sees it differently.

“That was a big topic of conversation in the Shuler household and something that my son and I totally disagreed on,” said Shuler during a conversation with longtime Vols reporter Jimmy Hyams. “Navy chose the [stance] of, ‘Hey, act like you’ve been there. Accept the win, enjoy it, go to the tailgate and finish your celebration and smoke your cigars there. Let’s set a precedent that we expected to win.’ My theory behind that is that it’s great from a player’s perspective and a coach’s perspective, and I appreciate Navy saying that. But from a fan experience, there were memories made on that field after the game — just like the two prior (wins against Bama) — that can’t be replicated.

“I had a gentleman call me this week, and we had a conversation about it and how incredible of a moment that was to be on the field and celebrate. … What greater fan experience can you ever receive than to be able to celebrate with the team on the field against an SEC opponent?”

In the past, I’ve agreed with the “act like you’ve been there before” point of view, but I’ve come around on this. I don’t think it’s something that fans need to do after every game, but I do think it’s a special way to celebrate wins over certain rivals. It’s something that fans will never forget.

And those fans, by the way, played a pretty big role in the win over Alabama. The atmosphere that Vols fans created was elite — Tennessee fans absolutely impacted the game. So it’s only appropriate that they get to celebrate with the players and the coaches on the field after the win.

Maybe there comes a time when Vols fans don’t feel the need to storm the field after beating Alabama. But for now, it just feels appropriate. Vols fans didn’t have much to celebrate from 2008 to 2020. The fan base deserves these moments.