Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop sounds downright giddy to hear Mississippi State fans clang their cowbells when the Vols play there for the first time since 2012.
“I told one of my friends this week that I’m excited to hear them honestly,” Bishop said. “I’ve been looking forward to an away game, just to get that experience flowing and rolling.
“Those cowbells are definitely something I’m looking forward to. I hear them on TV, and it’s interesting. So I’m looking forward to hearing them in person.”
No. 15 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) plays at Mississippi State (4-0, 0-0) on Sept. 27 (4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network) in the Vols’ first true road game of the 2025 season.
They’ll hear a heavy dose of the annoying noisemakers that make the 60,311-seat Davis Wade Stadium sound like no other venue in college football.
“I think the uniqueness of it sound-wise is what is a part of making this league really special,” coach Josh Heupel said. “(Communication) will be important in this one.”
Some teams play an audio track of cowbells at practice to prepare for the noise of gameday. UT practices are closed during the regular season, and players didn’t reveal how they’re preparing for the clatter.
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Don’t misunderstand the enthusiasm of UT players. They respect the impact that Mississippi State’s cowbells can have on visiting opponents.
But they’re also curious to experience the one-of-a-kind sound that rings throughout Mississippi State home games. UT hasn’t played in Starkville since losing 41-31 to the Bulldogs there in 2012.
“It’s college football, man. It’s going to be fun,” linebacker Jeremiah Telander said. “It’s going to be interesting to see what those cowbells sound like. I’m down for the battle.”
Defensive tackle Bryson Eason is a sixth-year senior. UT has played at 10 of 15 road stadiums during his time on the team, but this will be his first trip to Mississippi State.
“I think it’s going to be cool to be in that type of environment and being in a hostile area,” Eason said. “For myself, I’m ready for it. I love hostile environments. It kind of brings out the best in people.
“For a lot of our guys, (a road game) is going to be something new, and then we’re dealing with a whole bunch of cowbells. It’s going to be cool.”
Tennessee wants to get off to a good start in its road schedule.
Under Heupel, the Vols have posted a 7-9 record in SEC road games since 2021. They have a 13-4 SEC home record during that stretch.
The Vols play road games at Mississippi State, No. 16 Alabama, Kentucky and Florida this season.
“It’s just different going into a place you’re not familiar with. It kind of makes you uncomfortable, and I like being in uncomfortable situations,” Bishop said. “That’s where you really find out who you are. It’s going to be a great opportunity for this team to show what we can do on the road.”
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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