KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As Tennessee prepares to take on Alabama on Saturday, Vols fans will be cheering them on. But not everyone in Big Orange Country bleeds orange on gameday.
Casey West lives in New Market. He says he's been supporting the Crimson Tide since about 1975.
"It actually started when I was living in Georgia when my dad was in the Air Force from Warner Robins. And I just love elephants, you know. And watching them play, or in the early 70s, watching them play or in the early 70s into Bear Bryant and everything. Man, it was just a big deal. It was a great football atmosphere. Good to watch," said West.
He said there are more Alabama fans in East Tennessee than most people in the area would think. He also said people have been more accepting of Alabama fans in recent years.
Steve Schreiweis says he's been a Vol fan since 1966. He says he lived in Morristown, but Mobile, Alabama has been his new home since 2000.
He says it was harder to find Tennessee fans previously because the Vols were on a losing streak, but now it's looking good.
"It's great for this last year. The year before the last 15 years has been terrible," said Schreiweis.
Both fans have high hopes for their team in this year's matchup.
"It's gonna be a tough game. We've not played up to par this year. You know, Tennessee's looking good running the game, running the ball, and playing defense — but I think we'll get the edge in the end. It'd be a close game. It'll be one of the best games on Saturday. I'm sure," said West.
"I hope we win. And a bunch of, a few of the 'Bama fans are scared," said Schreiweis.
Both West and Schreiweis say they plan on watching the game at home.