Bob Kesling is one of the most outstanding play-by-play announcers in the business. The Voice of the Volunteers is superb, calling Tennessee football and basketball. He succeeded the legendary John Ward and carried on an incredible tradition in Knoxville. Bob is one of the great guys in the SEC as well. We are grateful once again for his insights heading into Saturday night’s massive showdown Between the Hedges.

Talk about this defensive line and what makes it so good.

The depth and the experience. Everyone thought this defensive line would be good coming into the season. Not sure anybody thought they would be this good. They are seniors with some 5th and 6th year guys as well. They rotate three or four fresh bodies in every three or four plays. They have been rested and ready for the fourth quarter. You add to that the explosive pass rush on the outside with James Pearce, Jr. and Joshua Josephs and the group has really been impressive.

‌Can you talk about the impact Josh Heupel has had as the Vols head coach?

He has brought a big play offense and winning. He is very confident in himself as a coach and a player-caller. That rubs off on his players and has rubbed off on the fans. It is an entertaining style of football that he brought to a fan base starved to win.

‌How sweet was the win at Oklahoma?

Tennessee certainly earned the win. The Sooner defense really played well and gave Tennessee a lot of different looks. Coach Heupel didn’t have to say it, but the players knew how important that game was to him and his family. They figured out a way to win and gave him the game ball when it was over.

‌Nico is the total package, what do you see daily that makes him such a fantastic player?

Not sure he is fantastic just yet, but on his way. We forget sometimes that he is a redshirt freshman learning the ropes of playing in the SEC. There have been growing pains. It was unfair to him for people to throw him in the Heisman Trophy race before he started an SEC game. He has all the physical tools you want in a quarterback, and he gets better every game.

‌What is your take on Georgia?

Same old Georgia. Great players, solid at quarterback, big tough defense. They seem to be getting better each week as players grow into their roles.

‌What does Tennessee need to do to win?

Run the ball to set up the pass. Dylan Sampson has been nothing less than incredible. Without his two touchdowns and 100 yards plus per game, Tennessee certainly would not be fighting for a spot in the SEC Championship game and the playoffs. Tennessee’s defense has been great against the run all season. It will have to be great again to beat the Bulldogs.

How would you like to see the SEC schedule set up when the new cycle starts in 2026?

I would like to see things go to a nine game SEC slate. The coaches won’t like to hear that, but I think the fans deserve it. It will be hard to continue some of the old traditional games which is too bad. Tennessee and Kentucky have played 120 times through the years. I would think it will be hard to keep that game as a yearly contest going forward. I hope they can save Tennessee and Alabama.

The only thing constant is change and no matter what the conference does in terms of schedule, ain’t nobody going to be totally happy.