Tennessee Volunteers Football: Ranking The Vol Traditions
By Zach Ragan
11. Smokey
September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey shown on the sideline against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Smokey, a live bluetick coonhound, has been leading the Vols into Neyland since 1953, when Tennessee students chose “Blue Smokey” as the team’s official mascot at halftime of the Mississippi State game.
Since then, there have been 10 Smokey’s total.
The 2013 season will mark the debut of Smokey X.
Smokey has became a part of Tennessee football, always roaming the sidelines.
10. Power T
Apr 20, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers football team holds up their helmets while the band plays Rocky Top after the spring Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Power T has adorned Tennessee football helmets since 1964, when Doug Dickey began his tenure as the Vols head football coach.
The T was redesigned in 1977 when Johnny Majors became head coach.
The Power T is the official logo of all Tennessee athletics and one of the most recognizable symbols of the university.
9. It’s Football Time In Tennessee!
Just before the placekicker approaches the ball for the opening kickoff, Tennessee fans are sent into a frenzy with five simple words — It’s football time in Tennessee!
You can see the excitement in the clip above. It’s hard to hear, but if you go to the 00:45 second mark you can hear those famous words.
Those five words can be traced back, allegedly, to 1966 and Neyland Stadium public address announcer Bobby Denton, although some fans argue otherwise.
Regardless of who is to be credited with the phrase, it’s a tradition that kicks off EVERY Vols home game in Neyland Stadium.