University of Tennessee Athletics
FEATURE: A Young Road
September 09, 2014 | Football
By Brian Rice
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
UTSports.com
Going on the road for the first time is a step for any team. But for one that will take a roster with half of its players making a trip for the first time, it will be a big leap.
"It's going to be a different atmosphere, the fans aren't going to be rooting for you, so that's going to be different," Hurd said of the differences between the road and the friendly surroundings that he and his fellow freshmen have experienced in their first two games as Volunteers. "When we're on third down on offense, it's usually quiet, it's going to be loud. We focus on that in practice with loud music and stuff like that on us."
Then, there is the matter of the environment they are entering. The first road game for Team 118 is not a trip to just anywhere. It is Norman, Oklahoma to face a Sooner team that has lost just five games at home under Bob Stoops (88-5), a stretch that dates back to 1999.
"It's crazy to know we're playing a great team, but you can't underestimate any team," safety Todd Kelly, Jr. said. "We know we're going to have a test. You come here to play in atmospheres like this, Norman, Oklahoma in front of 90,000 fans on ABC. I don't think it gets better than that."
The binds that have formed between the players on the field have also given them the confidence to move forward together. As the athletes grow as football players, their confidence in each other has also grown.
"I feel comfortable with a lot of guys out there," receiver Josh Malone said of his freshman class. "I think we're a very mature group. It doesn't bother me that we have a young group going into a hostile situation. I feel like the coaches are coming up with a good game plan to put us in the best possible situation."
Hurd, Kelly and Malone have each made a mark this season. Hurd has scored a touchdown in each game, a receiving TD against Utah State and one on the ground in the win over Arkansas State. Kelly recovered a fumble on special teams to set up a TD against the Aggies and made his first start at safety against the Red Wolves. Malone had catches in both games totaling 40 yards.
Head coach Butch Jones has emphasized a consistent approach in every area since his arrival at Tennessee. That focused effort will be a primary factor in how the young team handles the situation in Norman.
"Coach Jones emphasizes style of play," Kelly said. "No matter what happens, stick to our style of play, 63 strain and just go out there and give it our all. You have to focus on doing your job and not worrying about doing things for other people. If everyone does their job, then we'll come out successful."
The last visiting team to win at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial stadium was Notre Dame in 2012, a fact that underscores how special success would be for the team and the freshman class.
"It would be amazing and that's what we're trying to do," Hurd said. "We're working every day for that."
Kelly relishes the challenge the game provides.
"It's still football, you still have to go out and play for 60:00," he said. "No matter who you're lining up against, it's still 11-on-11."
