This kind of hustle can’t be denied.
Positives can be found even in negative circumstances. One demonstration of this was shown through a hustle play during the Vols matchup against NC State last week in Charlotte.
At one point in the third quarter, the score was 37-3 in favor of the Vols. The game was all but over. However, on this particular drive, Nico’s arm was hit by oncoming pressure, causing an interception to be returned for a TD the other way. In the grand scheme of things, it didn’t really matter, as Tennessee went on to 51-10.
DeSean Bishop’s effort on this play needs to be acknowledged. He almost caught the NC State player from behind and made a play. He never gave up pic.twitter.com/PnwsmxFWZP
— CHANNEL TN (@CHANNEL_TN_) September 9, 2024
Go back and watch that play, though. DeSean Bishop is seen chasing the defender the entire way back and nearly caught up. Another five yards and the pick-six is stopped short of the goal line. You can’t deny that effort. Last week against Chattanooga, Nathan Leacock made a similar hustle play and was able to stop the defender, leading to an eventual missed FG.
This kind of hustle is what the coaches and fans alike love to see, regardless of the score. Little efforts such as those can go a long way. It shows that the team culture is strong. And that makes coaches very pleased. And the fans, too. Strong culture and locker room trust are what Tennessee needs as the season goes along in this new era with Nico Iamaleava handling the reins.