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Vols ‘flush’ Bama win, expecting hostile environment at South Carolina

Tennessee Athletics photo / Tennessee linebacker Juwan Mitchell brings down South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell during the 63-38 rout by the Gamecocks over the Volunteers in 2022.
Tennessee Athletics photo / Tennessee linebacker Juwan Mitchell brings down South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell during the 63-38 rout by the Gamecocks over the Volunteers in 2022. Tennessee Athletics photo / Tennessee linebacker Juwan Mitchell brings down South Carolina tight end Jaheim Bell during the 63-38 rout by the Gamecocks over the Volunteers in 2022.

By David Paschall 5 min read

The Tennessee Volunteers are debating whether to wear orange helmets for this Saturday’s football game at South Carolina.

Just kidding.

Still too soon?

When the Vols last ventured into Williams-Brice Stadium in 2022, they did so as the No. 5 team in the country and wearing orange helmets for the first time in program history. What transpired was a complete clobbering, as the Gamecocks racked up 35 first downs and 606 total yards in a 63-38 upset victory, a nightmare that Tennessee coach Josh Heupel brought up to his team Monday.

“It’s about understanding the type of environment you’re getting into and understanding the approach of your opponent,” Heupel said in his weekly news conference. “You’re stepping into a ring, and you better be prepared to be physical, mental and emotional at your peak.”