Game Day: Tennessee Football: The Greatest Games, Players, Coaches and Teams in the Glorious Tradition of Volunteer Football

by Athlon Sports, Peyton Manning (Foreword)

Whether rediscovering the best team moments, or initiating into the histories and traditions of Volunteer fandom, this book about the University of Tennessee football team is both a useful resource and cherishable memorabilia. Packed with anecdotes of the players, explanations about the beginnings of rivalries and traditions, detailed histories about the greatest players and moments in the school’s history, lists of the most successful seasons, recaps of the most exciting games ever played, and year-by-year statistics, this collectible book is the primary source for anyone eager to be an expert regarding anything about the Vols. The book captures the essence of what it means to be a true Tennessee fan: Neyland Stadium, orange and white, Peyton Manning, the Pride of the Southland, the Vol Walk, checkerboard end zones, Smokey the Bluetick Hound, John Ward, and running through the “T.”

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Athlon Sports is a digital media and print publication brand, owned by The Arena Group, which is focused on providing in-depth analysis and the latest sports news and information.

Athlon is the leading publisher of preseason sports annuals, with a portfolio that includes college football, pro football, NFL Draft, fantasy football, MLB, NBA, WNBA, NHL and soccer.

Founded in 1967 by Jerry McCoin as a sports publication company, Athlon eventually expanded its presence into the digital space in the 2000s with AthlonSports.com. A college football fan, McCoin established the Southeastern preview magazine to provide in-depth information on SEC teams. Businessman Spencer Hays bought Athlon Sports in the early 1980s and was the majority owner until his death in March 2017.

Athlon Sports was acquired by The Arena Group in April 2022. AthlonSports.com is updated daily with content from around the sports world. Athlon Sports also publishes two flagship daily newsletters: The Arena, which reviews the biggest storylines in sports and looks to the day ahead; and Morning Read, which features the best of the golf world.

Reviews

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info about Tennessee football up through the early 2000s. And really it’s only since Heupel became coach that things have become a bit more interesting for fans….not that there weren’t flashes of the good teams through those years.

This book gives insight on traditions and players and coaches. Lots of great photos. Definitely a book for the diehard fan. GBO!

Some interesting things from the book:

Neyland pioneered the use of press box-to-bench telephones, analysis of game films for coaching purposes, lightweight silk football pants and tear-away jerseys.

Tennessee - Oklahoma game on January 2, 1939 in the orange bowl was nicknamed the “Orange Brawl” because so many players were knocked out of the game. UT won 17-0.

Tennessee - Notre Dame game in November 1991 was considered the greatest come-from-behind win in Tennessee history and the greatest comeback ever at Notre Dame’s stadium. (I remember watching this on tv…it was thrilling.)

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very informative and good. A very interesting book. Tells all about tennessee traditions and football.