KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Halftime:
After an electrifying start on offense for the Vols, the Bulldogs have retaken the lead at the half, 26-14.
Quarterback Brian Maurer has brought the offense a new level of energy in the first half against Georgia. Maurer is 10/21 with 205 yards and two touchdowns in the first two quarters.
The Vols have run most of their offense through the air picking up 205 yards so far. UT has just 34 yards on the ground in the game.
For Georgia, quarterback Jake Fromm is 16/20 with 195 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. But for the Bulldogs, the running game has also been effective against the Vols. Georgia's offense has rushed for 159 yards in the game.
1st Quarter:
Tennessee showed some life in the first quarter with an early 73-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Brian Maurer to senior wide receiver Marquez Callaway.
Georgia's offense got started quickly as well with an early one-yard touchdown run from running back D'Andre Swift.
Gameday Update:
Tennessee is going to look at little different when they take the field tonight against Georgia. Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt made the announcement Friday night that true freshman quarterback Brian Maurer will be starting for the Vols, per reports.
Maurer started at quarterback in the second half against Florida after a less than impressive first half from Jarrett Guarantano.
Tennessee will also be without sophomore linebacker Jeremy Banks. Banks was dismissed from the team on Friday night.
"While I will continue to support Jeremy in the next steps in his life, the information I recently received made it clear that this decision is in the best interest of the football program and the university," Pruitt said in a statement.
Banks was arrested during an overnight traffic stop on Sept. 15 for a warrant issued by the state of Tennessee. The UT Police Department released a video of his arrest on Tuesday, Oct. 1, that revealed Banks' interaction with officers.
Banks was heard telling a woman riding along with the officer, "Ma'am, you don't wanna be an intern because where I'm from we shoot at cops. I'm from Memphis, Tennessee."
After the dismissal of Banks, Tennessee's defense is down to just five total inside linebackers, meaning redshirt freshman J.J. Peterson will likely see significant playing time in tonight's matchup with the Bulldogs.
After a bye week, Tennessee will take on No. 3 Georgia under the lights in Neyland Stadium.
The Vols kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. on ESPN.
SEC Nation, which is hosted by Marty Smith, Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears, and UT Alumni Paul Finebaum, will be live from campus starting at 10 a.m.
The game will be televised on the SEC Network.
WANT MORE ON THE VOLS? | Visit the Big Orange Locker
Home of the Vols: Neyland Stadium
Alcohol at Neyland Stadium
Beer is now available at nearly 100 designated places inside Neyland Stadium. Wine is also available in some areas.
Each beer costs either $12 or $13, depending on the size and brand. All cans will have to be poured into a plastic cup. Everyone must have a valid photo ID to purchase beer, and there's a limit of two drinks per person at a time.
Gameday Activities
Volunteer Village offers pregame festivities starting at 3:30 p.m. for fans of all ages. Located in the Humanities Plaza, Volunteer Village features pregame appearances from Smokey, Junior Smokey, cheerleaders and UT’s dance team.
One of UT's biggest gameday traditions is the VolWalk, which will begin at 4:45 p.m. (2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff) at the Torchbearer statue in Circle Park on Volunteer Drive.
The Pride of the Southland Band will march up Volunteer Boulevard to the stadium at 5:20 p.m.
The Kickoff Call-In Show, hosted by Bob Kesling and Tim Priest, begins 90 minutes before kickoff. and will air on the Vol Radio Network. To participate, fans can call in at 1 (800) 688-8657.
Tennessee's top dog: Smokey
Stadium Security
UT implemented a bag policy a couple of seasons ago that fans should be prepared for.
Only one clear plastic bag, no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag will be allowed. Fans can also carry a small clutch purse, not larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Those bags are still subject to search at the gates, but UT hopes this will make getting into the stadium a little quicker.
Fans can bring an empty clear plastic water bottle into the stadium. Complimentary water will be available from large tanks in the concourse areas.
Smoking is prohibited at UT, including within private vehicles parked or operated on university property. The prohibition extends to any lighted tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or other vape devices.
Other prohibited items:
- Outside alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles and coolers
- Outside food and snacks
- Radios without headphones
- Open umbrellas
- Video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses
- Stadium seats with arms or pockets
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- Selfie sticks
- Artificial noisemakers
- Drones
What is allowed, with restrictions:
- Cushions or seats without arms or pockets
- Small bags with medically necessary items, subject to search (Note: Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag.)
- Small cameras, cell phones and binoculars
- One empty, clear plastic water bottle
- Get more info on what's allowed in Neyland Stadium here.
Parking and Traffic
Fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Only fans with permits can park on campus. UT encourages others to use KAT shuttle buses from the Old City, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and Krutch Park, near Market Square in downtown Knoxville and Farragut High School. A free shuttle is available at the Ag campus.
Phillip Fulmer Way will close to through traffic from Middle Drive to Tee Martin Drive three hours before kickoff.
Peyton Manning Pass will also close three hours before kickoff. People with parking passes for Lot 9 and 9B must enter via Cumberland Avenue to Phillip Fulmer Way if arriving after the road closure.
Thirty minutes before kickoff, the remainder of Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed. For an interactive campus map, visit here. G10T permit holders arriving after the road closure will be redirected to another lot at the discretion of gameday management. Lot 4 and 5 permit holders must arrive prior to the road closure to be able to park in those lots.
The latest information on campus construction can be found here, and more parking information is available here.
Fans are encouraged to follow @UTGameday on Twitter or visit UTSports.com/gameday for the latest updates on traffic, weather, gate information and game day events.
Ridesharing and scooters
If you are taking an Uber, Lyft or using another ride-sharing option, plan on being dropped off in front of the College of Nursing building, located at 1200 Volunteer Boulevard.
To be picked up after the game, the only authorized location is at Circle Drive at Cumberland Avenue, on the north side of the Hill.
As for scooters, they'll be a no-no. UT said for pedestrian safety, all rentable electric scooters approved by the City of Knoxville, the VeoRide and Spin, will be disabled and removed from campus before each home game.