KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Vol fans were excited to checker Neyland Stadium and for the return of VFL Eric Berry, who was honored at halftime ahead of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
"Excited to have [Eric] back, wish he'd come around more often," one Vol fan said.
Neyland turned out in a big show of orange and white by checkering the stadium. Fans took part in the tradition wholeheartedly.
One fan had painted his bald head in orange and white checkers, which he said was a good luck charm. Another, had his beard painted in the iconic checkerboard print.
"We've been doing it every time for a home game and we haven't lost since," another Vol fan said. "We're just continuing the tradition of checkerboarding my head."
The last time the Aggies played the Vols was in 2020 with Texas A&M coming out on top. Vol fans said this game is an indication of how UT will play against big teams like Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia.
