If I were a brand-new coach of the number one team in the land and lost that ranking at Vanderbilt, I would not say much. I don't think I would throw shade on my next opponent's fanbase by comparing their decibel level to Washington's. But I am not Kalen DeBoer.
I want to sympathize with the man. He is going to be in the shadow of Nick Saban until he himself wins a national title, and most likely until he wins two. Even the most rabid of Tide fans cannot expect another run like Saban had, but they do and will. Winning is contagious.
The Tennessee fanbase can relate. They have been living in the shadow of the '98 season for 26 years, expecting every year to be another national championship. I can speak from experience that the road has been long and frustrating. A loss at Arkansas has derailed many hopes of the orange and white reaching the promised land this year. Imagine the dashing of hopes with a loss at Vanderbilt as the number one team. Devastating.
Point 1:
I have been to games at Neyland Stadium countless times. It is loud. Is it louder than Washington? Maybe not. But it is a point of pride for a Tennessee fan. Why poke the hound?
Point 2:
Coach DeBoer, you are now employed by the University of Alabama. Please act accordingly. You making reference to the home field advantage at your former house is like telling your wife how pretty your ex-girlfriend is. Sometimes it is better to keep your opinions to yourself.
Point 3:
There are much bigger things to plan for than crowd noise. You just lost arguably the biggest upset in the history of the game...to Vanderbilt. Neyland may not have the volume of your beloved Husky Stadium, but in case you didn't know, this ain't Vanderbilt.
To provoke a team who is ripe for some motivation is either brazen or stupid. Tennessee has underperformed in the last couple games. Aaron Judge had underperformed in the last few games until he hit a 400-ft bomb into centerfield last night. Could be that Nico and company are due for a few bombs themselves. If I were DeBoer I would bring earplugs and humility.
Go Vols!
J
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