Tennessee football: Photo gallery from spring game

Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) defends against Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) defends against Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
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Well, regardless of how many games they win this year, Tennessee football is going to put on a show. Everybody who saw the Vols’ spring game Saturday, their first under Josh Heupel, could come away with that conclusion.

The Orange topped the White 42-37 in an up-tempo setting that saw all three quarterbacks play for both teams. They all also threw for touchdowns, while Harrison Bailey threw for two and Hendon Hooker ran for one in addition to throwing for one. Quarterbacks were the story of the game, as the race was the story of the year.

It was an intriguing setting that at least gave Tennessee football fans something to take their minds off all the drama that has followed the program for the past five months. The NCAA investigation is still ongoing, and nobody knows how that is going to end. However, Saturday was an escape. Let’s take a look at some photos from the event.

Charles Mills, a Tennessee fan of 50 years, arrives fo Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game
Charles Mills, a Tennessee fan of 50 years, arrives fo Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game /
From left, Jared Haas, Megan Haas, and Terry Haas have a parking lot to themselves while tailgating before the start of the University of Tennessee’s Orange and White football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The family drive from Pennsylvania and Georgia to attend every Tennessee home game.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game
From left, Jared Haas, Megan Haas, and Terry Haas have a parking lot to themselves while tailgating before the start of the University of Tennessee’s Orange and White football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The family drive from Pennsylvania and Georgia to attend every Tennessee home game.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game /
Tennessee football fans John and Josh Baumman, 7, make their way to the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game
Tennessee football fans John and Josh Baumman, 7, make their way to the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game /
Tennessee fans arrive at Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game
Tennessee fans arrive at Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White game on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Pre Spring Game /
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (42) kicks the ball at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (42) kicks the ball at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) and Tennessee wide receiver Jimmy Calloway (9) speak with a coach at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) and Tennessee wide receiver Jimmy Calloway (9) speak with a coach at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) runs with the ball as Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (18) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) runs with the ball as Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (18) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
A young Tennessee fan watches from the sidelines at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
A young Tennessee fan watches from the sidelines at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee offensive lineman Jackson Lampley (50) and Tennessee offensive lineman Ollie Lane (78) on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee offensive lineman Jackson Lampley (50) and Tennessee offensive lineman Ollie Lane (78) on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) runs on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) runs on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee offensive lineman K’Rojhn Calbert (74) greets fans at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee offensive lineman K’Rojhn Calbert (74) greets fans at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) scores a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) scores a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (42) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (42) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) is congratulated by Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) and Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) on a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) is congratulated by Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) and Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) on a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) defends against Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) defends against Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel calls at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel calls at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) runs the ball at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) runs the ball at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee tight end Hunter Salmon (89) scores a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee tight end Hunter Salmon (89) scores a touchdown at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Director of Player Development Patrick Abernathy at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Director of Player Development Patrick Abernathy at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee running back Jabari Small (20) runs the ball as Tennessee linebacker Morven Joseph (19) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee running back Jabari Small (20) runs the ball as Tennessee linebacker Morven Joseph (19) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) lines up a pass to Tennessee tight end Hunter Salmon (89) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) lines up a pass to Tennessee tight end Hunter Salmon (89) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Marcus Pierce (28) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Marcus Pierce (28) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee running back Fred Orr (40) is tackled at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee running back Fred Orr (40) is tackled at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel stands on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel stands on the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
A Tennessee fan watches from the stands at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
A Tennessee fan watches from the stands at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee coaches call at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee coaches call at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
A Tennessee fan cheers from the stands at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
A Tennessee fan cheers from the stands at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel takes the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel takes the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee wide receiver Kenney Solomon (31) takes the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee wide receiver Kenney Solomon (31) takes the field at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass as Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass as Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) defends at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (79) pushes against Tennessee offensive lineman Chris Akporoghene (77) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (79) pushes against Tennessee offensive lineman Chris Akporoghene (77) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) lines up a throw at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) lines up a throw at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee wide receiver Jack Jancek (22) loses his helmet while being tackled at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee wide receiver Jack Jancek (22) loses his helmet while being tackled at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (79) is defended by Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (79) is defended by Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) and Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) and Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee punter/placekicker Paxton Brooks (37) holds the snap at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee punter/placekicker Paxton Brooks (37) holds the snap at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /
Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee linebacker Bryson Eason (20) at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /

A traditional take is that you don’t want the offense to outperform the defense in spring practice. Indeed, this is Heupel’s highest scoring spring game if you look back at his UCF Knights days. Those things could be cause for concern when looking down the line.

However, at the same time, it’s a different era, and Heupel is coaching a completely different team. The defense is also installing a brand new system, just as the offense is. Simply put, it’s hard to fully read into the situation. What’s clear is that there is some entertainment heading to Rocky Top not seen in years.

Next. Five takeaways from Vols' 2021 spring game. dark

Going into the summer, Tennessee football has lots of issues to address. They also have things lingering from the previous staff they have to address. The spring game, though, gave some semblance of hope as to what’s to come in the future. That has to count for something.