Tennessee coach Butch Jones spoke on a conference call Friday afternoon after the announcement that Tennessee’s season opener against Appalachian State has been moved to Thursday night.

Shortly after the move was announced, Jones called into the Sports Talk with John & Jimmy radio show to discuss the decision.

“I was excited,” Jones said on air. “When you look at the opportunity to open the season with a night game in Neyland Stadium, on national television, it’s great for your whole university, community, the state of Tennessee, the city of Knoxville, our student body and great for our fans.

“I believe it’s the first time sine 1896 that we have opened the season at home on a Thursday night and we talk about building up this program and building it back to relevance these are all things our student athletes will remember.

“It started with Dave Hart, ESPN and the SEC Network and our entire administration because everyone has to work together to make this happen.”

Jones was then asked if the opportunity to gain more exposure prompted the move.

“No question, that’s part of it,” Jones said. “The ability to be on national television, to be showcased on ESPN and the SEC Network all day long and recruits being able to watch it… there’s so much that goes into it. The alternative was playing a noon game (on Saturday).

“The advantages far out way any disadvantages.”

Here’s some other quotes attributed to the Tennessee coach: