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Tennessee's veteran defensive trio changed the game for Vols

Related Topics: Tennessee, Knoxville, Aaron Beasley

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- They all could have left. No one would have blamed them. Instead, they Volunteered.

On a gorgeous autumn day in Knoxville stands the Tennessee Trio who make up the heart of the suddenly vaunted Big Orange defense. They are leaning against a railing that overlooks the Vol Navy, fielding shouts of encouragement from the orange-clad, well-imbibed folks docked along the banks of the Tennessee River.

"Thank you, guys!" a woman bellows from a houseboat adorned with a giant inflatable Smokey hound that, wait, is it also holding a drink? "Thank you for finishing the job!