KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The countdown to football time in Tennessee is quickly approaching as the Vols get ready to open their season against Syracuse in Atlanta.

While not every Vol will be able to bring the Rocky Top spirit to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, according to several students, expectations for the team are high, as is the confidence level that the Vols can reach the same heights as last year.

Nolan Brang, a junior, said he sees playmakers up and down the roster, but is putting his faith in the defense consistently performing at a high level.

"I think they got every chance to be. Get Jermod (McCoy) back in the middle of the year, and after that I think we're going to be alright," Brang said.

The native of Knoxville said UT football has a history of success that outweighs what some

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