x
Breaking News
More () »

Vol Nation reacts to Jeremy Pruitt in the Sugar Bowl

To root or not to root for Jeremy Pruitt and Alabama? That is the question.

Clemson. Georgia. Oklahoma. Alabama.

You'd think the Tennessee Volunteers don't have a dog in the College Football Playoff fight.

You'd be wrong.

With UT's new head coach Jeremy Pruitt manning the Crimson Tide defense for the playoff, staying true to "a commitment to the kids" and their parents, Tennessee fans find themselves in a crimson colored pickle: do you root for your future head coach, or do you want hated rival Alabama to crash and burn against No. 1 Clemson?

That's the question we took to the New Year's Day patrons at Fieldhouse Social. Their answers might surprise you.

"I'd like to see him do well," said Gil Turner, "so I guess that means for Alabama to do better."

"I'm curious to see how he does," agreed Garry Rolen, "I'll be pulling for him."

For folks like Marcia Elam, it's about conference loyalty. She would root for the Southeastern Conference, no matter what.

"I want the SEC to do well always, it's important that Alabama wins so you keep it in the SEC family," she said.

For some, there's a strategic element to this. Jeremy Pruitt success at Alabama means more respect for the head coach once he's permanently on Rocky Top. A chance, perhaps, to lure better recruits, to build the program to greater heights.

But of course, not every Tennessee fan can push themselves to root for the Tide.

"I'm very much a proponent of Bama losing," said Tim Chamberlain. "I want them to get their teeth stomped in."

But for these fans, whether it's Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, Big Orange or Crimson, Jeremy Pruitt is their man. Jeremy Pruitt is their coach.

"I want to support the guy," said Turner, "he's about to be our next head coach. To have another ring or to (be) successful, that's what you want to see from a guy like that."

Alabama plays No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl at 8:45 p.m. Monday.

Before You Leave, Check This Out