Third Down For What Sticking Around At Neyland Next Season

If you’re one of the many Tennessee fans that grew weary of hearing “Third Down For What” repeatedly blasted over the speakers at Neyland Stadium last season, then we have some bad news for you — it’s coming back for a second season.

Despite what you make think of the song, which is being played at Neyland as much as Rocky Top these days, it was part of an incredibly successful season on defense for the Volunteers.

In 2014, the Vols allowed 24.2 points a game, down from 29 points a game in 2013 and 35.7 points a game in 2012 (the Vols ranked 107th in FBS during Sal Sunseri’s infamous season as defensive coordinator in 2012).

With the majority of the Vols’ defense returning in 2015, and some elite new talent on the way, Tennessee’s defense should be even better in 2015.

So while it’s understandable why Vol fans are ready to nix the third down anthem, it’s actually quite smart of Butch Jones to keep it around.

And if Tennessee’s third down defense continues to improve in 2015, I don’t think Vol fans will mind hearing it blared 35 times a game.

I’m not ready to attribute UT’s defensive success to Lil Jon, but I also don’t think it’s wise to alter something when you’ve got a good thing going.

Tennessee fans might grow tired of hearing “Third Down For What”, but the only way it’s going anywhere is if the Vols’ defense suffers a rapid decline.

Basically, Vol fans better hope Lil Jon’s voice remains in Neyland for the foreseeable future.

Next: Tennessee's Five Most Important Returning Players In 2015