Battle By The Bay (Friday)

The Vols visited Memorial Stadium today for a short practice session. Friday walk-thru's are usually uneventful, but today's session allowed the players and coaches to get a feel for what it will be like Saturday night. The stadium is two-years older than Neyland, built in 1923. It shows its age. Build in the classic early (20th) century single level bowl shape-- Memorial Stadium has a few unique features. Most notably, I have been told there's an earthquake fault-line that runs through it. Nobody seems too concerned.

I had a chance to chat with ABC play-by-play announcer Brent Musburger during today's practice. The guy is classic-- and his recall is amazing. I briefly mentioned our encounter (and interview) in Miami four years ago. He didn't miss a beat on remembering details of the game. I first met Musburger during a UT practice at Athens in 1993. He quizzed me on Tennessee's team-- always looking for any additional information that might help the broadcast.

Musburger was in Knoxville this week to prep for Saturday night's game. Even after all these years, he takes his job seriously-- and he continues to do his homework. He has always been one of my favorites.

At lunch today in San Francisco and dinner tonight in Berkeley-- I ran into many Tennessee fans who've made the trip to watch the Vols. I also saw some old friends. It's been a very busy, but very enjoyable trip. Now, it's time to play the game!