Everybody loves Butch.

It’s amazing to see the support Tennessee coach Butch Jones has received since his arrival. Once regarded as an unfamiliar hire, the man born Lyle Allen Jones, Jr. may be the most popular person in the Volunteer state. Fans love this guy. “He gets it,” they say. “Butch gets it.” “It” being Tennessee’s historically-rich football program and how to reclaim the glory. He’s won over fans, top recruits and, as it seems, his players.

A key observation I made watching Tennessee’s 38-7 dominance of Utah State was how this team acts between plays. Jones has his players running at all times. It’s not as a form of punishment, but to endure the uptempo style of play. Another thing I noticed was how players helped injured teammates off the field.

Coach Jones preaches to his players about the brotherhood they share and how a football team is like a family. These players are buying into that philosophy and others. This is the most disciplined Tennessee football team I’ve seen in years. If you had to guess that many of these players were freshman, you’d never know it by the maturity level shown in games.

Tennessee has a strong camaraderie on the field, which likely translates off as well. Everyone is working together for the common goal to restore the glory of Volunteer football and it truly is a sight to see. If there was ever any doubt that Butch Jones is the right man for the job, I urge you to watch last night’s game. The players are buying into Jones’ philosophy 100 percent and will likely see success moving forward.