It’s been in the works for years, and now college football at a NASCAR venue is reportedly finally happening. Tennessee and Virginia Tech will meet at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016, and the game is expected to draw 150,000-160,000 fans. Obviously, that would be a college football record.
College football news: Vols, Hokies at Bristol; Swoopes could play vs. OU
Catch up on the latest news you might have missed.
Mockup by Luke Zimmerman
Bristol is located in Tennessee, on the state line bordering Virginia that almost evenly splits the difference between Knoxville and Blacksburg. With that many fans in attendance, the neutral-site matchup between the Volunteers and Hokies should provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
With David Ash injured, Texas has an issue with depth at quarterback. Case McCoy has filled in as the starter, but Longhorns head coach Mack Brown says true freshman Tyrone Swoopes may see some snaps against Oklahoma on Saturday. Swoops, who stands 6'4 and weighs 245 pounds, was a four-star prospect out of high school and brings a ton of athleticism to the position. Texas can't afford many more losses, so Brown has to consider all his options.
“But what people have to understand is what Major (Applewhite), Darrell Wyatt and I have to decide is what gives us the best chance to win the game. We watch these kids every day, and if we thought it was better to put him in to win the game, we would put him in. We’re pleased with him. He’s making progress. You’re right, it’s not the friendly confines of home in Dallas on Saturday morning, but if we feel the need to put him in, we will do that.”
The Volunteers and Hokes aren’t the only programs with an exciting matchup on the agenda. Ohio State and Hawaii are reportedly set to meet at Ohio Stadium in 2015. OK, so this game isn’t quite as exciting as a game between conference powers at a NASCAR track.
The Buckeyes are set to open 2015 on Labor Day Monday against Virginia Tech, but Ohio State still has a few dates to fill. Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay spent six years as the senior associate athletics director for finance and operations at Ohio State prior to leaving for the Warriors, and he has two degrees from Ohio State.
Clemson redshirt freshman offensive lineman Patrick DeStefano has been forced to quit football due to a nerve issue in his shoulder. It's apparently an issue that's results in stingers and has been plaguing DeStefano since high school, and limits his ability to gain upper-body strength necessary to play on the offensive line. Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney said he will keep his scholarship and be put on medical exemption.
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