By: Alec Etheredge
HOOVER, Ala. – SEC Media Days guarantees a few good laughs…especially when Steve Spurrier takes center stage. Known for his smart remarks and blatant jabs at other teams, Spurrier views this event as a stand up night in the local comedy club. And he enjoys every second of it.
Today he took a nice jab at Butch Jones and the Volunteers as both were at the Media frenzy for their allotted times.
“We were 7-6 same as Tennessee and same as Arkansas and I think they’re sorta celebrating good seasons after last year so we were celebrating also,” said South Carolina Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier. “We were doing some cartwheels and hugging and high fives.”
Photo: Marvin Gentry, USA Today Sports
This came from a Steve Spurrier who hasn’t beaten Tennessee in two years.
“I want to make one thing clear, contrary to reports there were no back flips, and there were no somersaults,” responded Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones.
That was the end of the jabbing session; both had more important issues to move on and talk about.
South Carolina is coming off of a 7-6 record and the program is thought to be going the wrong way. With the same 7-6 record, Tennessee is considered by many to be the favorite in the SEC East after their first bowl win last season since 2008.
If the media favor the Vols in the East, this will mean high expectations for the season.
“You want the expectations to be really high,” Jones said. “That’s why these guys come to Tennessee to play football. Nothing will ever beat the internal expectations we have for ourselves.”
The expectations come from the experience that Tennessee brings back on both sides of the ball. Having an experienced offense and defense makes all the difference, nothing means more in the SEC than experience.
“Jalen has been as driven and focused as anyone in our program and we have Josh who is our CEO,” said Jones.
Tennessee will take its high expectations to Nashville for week one of the college football season and will face Bowling Green at Nissan Stadium.
“We are very excited to open in Nashville,” said Jones. “It’s great for the guys from middle Tennessee; we look forward to selling that game out and creating a great atmosphere.”
There may not have been any back flips after last year, but if they live up to the hype this season I see a future gymnast in Butch Jones.
