The Tennessee Volunteers football program has marked September 6 as a recurring date on its schedule, compiling a 5‑1 record across six appearances that stretch from the early 1980s to the present day.
A Tradition on September 6
The earliest recorded September 6 contest dates back to 1980, when the Volunteers fell 16‑15 to Georgia in a tightly contested game at Neyland Stadium, a venue that has hosted the majority of these matchups.
Fast forward to 2014, the Volunteers returned to Neyland Stadium for a decisive 34‑19 victory over Arkansas State, a game that featured standout contributions from multiple players, including Fredi Knighten’s rushing touchdown, Aaron Medley’s 20‑yard field goal, and Jalen Hurd’s four‑yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Quarterback Justin Worley orchestrated the offense with 22 completions out of 38 attempts for 247 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while also adding eight rushing yards and a score; Jalen Hurd emerged as the ground game leader with 83 yards and a touchdown, and Von Pearson recorded 71 receiving yards on four catches.
Marquez North complemented the receiving effort with four catches for 68 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Von Pearson’s 71 yards highlighted the passing attack, illustrating a balanced offensive performance that propelled Tennessee to the win.
The most recent September 6 showdown occurred in 2025, when the Volunteers dismantled ETSU 72‑17 at Neyland Stadium, extending their winning streak on that date and reinforcing the program’s consistency over decades.
Across the six games, the Volunteers have demonstrated durability and adaptability, with each contest reflecting the evolving talent pool and strategic adjustments that have defined the program’s identity at Neyland Stadium.