This weekend, there's going to be a homecoming of sorts for New England Patriots quarterback and former Tennessee football standout Josh Dobbs. With the Pats heading to Nashville to face the Titans, it has Dobbs reminiscing about his days not too far away over in Knoxville.
Come Saturday, the Vols and Josh Heupel are taking on No. 6 Alabama in one of the biggest games of the year. Dobbs spoke with FanSided this week on behalf of Dr Pepper and he didn't hesitate in letting everyone know how excited he is for the upcoming contest.
“Being back in Tennessee will be good because I’ll be locked into the Tennessee-Alabama game rocking my orange on Saturday and then we gotta get ready for another match on Sunday,” Dobbs said.
Josh Dobbs is ready for Tennessee fans to show out with Alabama up next
Dobbs has been in the league since 2018, but this is his first campaign with the Patriots serving as Drake Maye's backup. While the majority of his focus is on Sunday's tilt against the Titans, the veteran QB indeed has a close eye on what's to come in Tuscaloosa.
Last season, the Vols posted a memorable win over the Crimson Tide, with safety Will Brooks picking off a Jalen Milroe pass to close things out late in the fourth quarter. Tennessee has an upset in mind and Dobbs understands just how much this rivalry game means for everyone involved.
“As we know the third Saturday in October is the best Saturday I think of college football,” Dobbs said. “Between Tennessee and Alabama, we’ve got two really good teams facing off down in Tuscaloosa. I’m really excited to partner with Dr Pepper and what they’re doing to enhance the fan experience on Saturday.
“They’re doing the Pepper Portal between Cools Beans (bar and grill) in Knoxville and right outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. I think it’s a great opportunity for fans to come out, drink some Dr Pepper, but also rock their school spirit. Really for the Tennessee fans to show Alabama fans why we’re the best fanbase in college football and in the SEC.”
From 2013-2016, Dobbs was beloved on the UT campus and he finished his career in the SEC throwing for 7,138 yards and 53 touchdowns, while adding 32 scores on the ground. He's been a big fan of what Joey Aguilar has been able to get done this campaign, but now a real test will arrive on the road for him. Dobbs is hopeful that Aguilar and the Vols will put on a show, as a win could help this team solidify a spot in the College Football Playoff this winter.
Josh will be participating with Dr Pepper for their very first Pepper Portal where they challenge each other – and teams’ fan base – if they’re fan enough ahead of the Tennessee vs. Alabama game.