Before those fans have a seat, there are many miles and potential automotive obstacles to cross. Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said he doesn’t do that for all road games but feels it’s essential this week so his players get acclimated to this unique environment and coaches can get a sense of their perspective from the boxes.
Advertisement
After all, this is going to be the largest football game in world history.
They trailed Sun Belt Conference contender Appalachian State 13-3 at home at halftime before getting things together to pull out a 20-13 victory in overtime.
Tennessee and Virginia Tech meet Saturday night at the Bristol Motor Speedway, located approximately halfway between the two campuses.
“Not only a football game, I think any sporting event where you can fit that many people inside one place is going to be special”, Baron said.
Curiosity got the best of Virginia Tech defensive tackle Woody Baron on one of his frequent drives between his hometown Nashville and Blacksburg, so he popped by the Bristol Motor Speedway one day previous year. Although the Hokies eventually cruised to a 36-13 win against Liberty, they weren’t sharp in all phases throughout.
Fuente was the first head coach at Virginia Tech to win his debut game since 1961.
For post-game traffic, TDOT will close one lane of I-40 West at the I-40/I-81 interchange.
Why not look at some of the most interesting numbers surrounding the game?
“We certainly understand that there will be a lot of folks coming in, and we’re finding ways to get people to and from the speedway as efficiently and safely as possible”, TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi said. “But at the end of the day, football is football”. SC will try to make it 2-0 as the Gamecocks take on Mississippi State, who was shocked by South Alabama last week.
Advertisement
Still, the Vols barely outgained the Mountaineers (319-292) and, despite an overwhelming size advantage, didn’t push Appalachian State off the line on either side of the ball. I still think the Auburn run game is more risky if John Franklin III is behind center, but don’t know much about his passing ability otherwise. “I hope a big-time football team shows up for a big-time game”.
