Quite an odd debate has formed in the wake of Tennessee football’s 24-17 victory over Alabama on Saturday evening. Does Tennessee pipe crowd noise into Neyland Stadium?
The debate originates from Alabama play-by-play radio announcer Chris Stewart making the claim in the first quarter of Saturday’s matchup. Danny White and the Tennessee athletic department vehemently refuted the claim on Monday but that hasn’t stopped the debate.
Someone asked former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron about his thoughts on the debate on X (Twitter) Monday afternoon and he backed up Stewart.
“100% they do,” McCarron responded.
Comically, there’s a community note under McCarron’s post saying there’s no evidence or proof that Tennessee pumps in crowds noise to Neyland Stadium.
100% they do
— AJ McCarron (@10AJMcCarron) October 21, 2024
The crowd noise had a major effect on the matchup with Alabama committing 15 penalties for 115 yards including four pre snap penalties on offense. Penalties weren’t the only area where the crowd had an impact on the game.
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“It was so loud on the last couple drives they couldn’t get their pass protection set,” Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter said postgame.
Over the last three seasons, Tennessee is 17-1 at Neyland Stadium with its lone loss coming against No. 1 Georgia last November. Included in those 17 wins are a pair of victories over both Florida and Alabama.
McCarron played quarterback at Alabama from 2019-2013 and was the starter from 2011-2013 where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to the 2011 and 2012 National Championships and finished second place in the 2013 Heisman Trophy ceremony. Alabama didn’t lose to Tennessee during McCarron’s college career as part of a 15-game winning streak in the series under Nick Saban.
The Mobile native went on to play 10 years in the NFL as a backup quarterback and is now dipping his toes into sports media including appearances on the McCready and Siskey Podcast.
