Football Time in Tennessee

Tennessee completed its 2010 football schedule Tuesday with the announcement that the Vols are hosting UT Martin to open the season, marking Tennessee's first game against a member of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 27 years.

“"The University of Tennessee always has placed a priority on scheduling FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents in football,"” UT athletics director Mike Hamilton said. “"FBS buy games are becoming much more difficult to acquire. As we began to review the possibilities of playing an FCS opponent, it made sense to schedule a game against a school in the UT System and keep the money in state."”

“"While this will not always be a possibility, it worked for 2010 and we look forward to welcoming Skyhawk fans to Knoxville."”

Tennessee becomes the last Southeastern Conference member since expansion in 1992 to schedule an opponent from the FCS, formerly Division I-AA. The Vols defeated The Citadel 45-6 back on Oct. 1, 1983, in Memphis. Since then, UT has maintained a schedule of major college opponents.

The Vols also welcome Oregon, Florida and UAB to Neyland Stadium in September, and then host Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky to complete the home schedule. Away dates are against LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Memphis and Vanderbilt.

UT Martin finished 8-4 last season, 6-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference and just out of the NCAA playoffs. The Skyhawks are 21-14 in four seasons under head coach Jason Simpson and were 2006 league champions.

“"Coach Simpson and the team are looking forward to the challenge,"” UT Martin athletics director Phil Dane said. “"This is a great opportunity for our school. We look forward to the trip."”