Josh Heupel praises Tennessee fans as the ‘greatest’ in college sports after turnout for Syracuse game
By Mark Kern
Published:
Josh Heupel and Tennessee got a big win on Saturday, as they knocked off Syracuse 45-26 in the Aflac Kickoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
While it was a neutral-site contest, the Volunteers’ fans were loud from the very beginning, and impacted the game. After the win, Heupel gave a shoutout to those Tennessee fans, calling them the greatest in the country.
“Got the greatest fanbase in college sports… Our fans show up, they travel, they’re passionate, they care 365 days out of the year,” Heupel said. “That’s what makes this such a special place.”
The Volunteers made it to the College Football Playoff last year, and are looking to make a return this year. There was some uncertainty at the quarterback position, as the team had to deal with the Nico Iamaleava transfer situation. However, at least for one week, transfer Joey Aguilar looked like the answer at quarterback.
He finished the game 16-of-28 for 247 yards and three touchdowns. His biggest play of the day was a 73-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Staley.
As good as the passing game was for Tennessee, the rushing attack was equally as impressive with 246 rushing yards.
The fans did a great job of traveling and supporting their team, but the team will be in Knoxville for their next three games. While the Volunteers play East Tennessee State next week, there is a huge home game looming in two weeks against the Georgia Bulldogs.
