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CBS commentator Gary Danielson got under the skin of Vols fans this week with his comments about Neyland Stadium. The announcer downplayed the atmosphere in Knoxville ahead of a matchup against Texas A&M.
Danielson will be calling that game, which will kick off in the 3:30 PM ‘Game of the Day’ slot. Tennessee fans will be sure to welcome him warmly this Saturday.
On Wednesday, the CBS host previewed the upcoming bout, which could have some major SEC Championship implications. It’s a must-win for each team with both currently having one loss in conference play.
“This is not a criticism, just an observation,” Danielson said in an interview with Knox News. “I don’t know if it makes a difference if there’s 80,000 or 100,000 loud people… Tennessee doesn’t have to take a backseat to anybody, but to me, it’s just about the same [as other SEC stadiums].”
Vols fans have taken the comments personally, making it their mission to be loud and proud this weekend with Danielson in attendance.
“Tennessee doesn’t have to take a backseat to anybody. But to me, it’s just about the same (as other SEC stadiums).” – CBS Announcer, Gary Danielson on Neyland Stadium
Does everyone understand the assignment?
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) October 12, 2023
“I want Neyland Stadium to be so loud on Saturday that old and feeble Gary Danielson wets his pants in the press box.”
“Gary Danielson poked a very big bear… Not that Vol Nation needed another reason to be loud Saturday, but Gary definitely poured fuel on the fire.”
“I hope we reach levels of noise that the human mind cannot comprehend on Saturday.”
Gary Danielson at 3:45 pm eastern this Saturday pic.twitter.com/ez3ambhcZ3
— Austin B (@Austin_Vols) October 12, 2023
Neyland Stadium has long been considered one of the top venues, not only in the SEC, but all of college football. Just ask Baker Mayfield about his 2016 visit.
“When we went to play Tennessee in Neyland Stadium, that was probably the best game experience I’ve had and probably will ever have,” the quarterback said. “That’s a different type of loud. I can’t even describe it. It was unbelievable.”
Tennessee has already seen some incredible scenes in Neyland this year, including this hellish Black Sabbath themed light show during a game against South Carolina.
The Vols enter the matchup with Texas A&M as three-point favorites, largely due to that home field advantage. We’ll see if Gary Danielson is eating his words when he leaves Neyland Stadium on Saturday.