During a recent visit with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton presented the Pope with a Tennessee football jersey complete with the Pope’s name on the back and the number 14. 

Sexton described the meeting with the Pontiff as an “honor”. He has not revealed whether or not he taught the Pope the words to “Rocky Top”, with or without the appropriate “Woooo.” With the potential spiritual help of the Pope Tennessee may have a straight shot to the college football national championship unless they meet Notre Dame along the way and lose the Pope’s favor.

The Vols have a major college football face-off with the University of Georgia at home in Neyland Stadium this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Central time. Georgia is favored by 6 1/2 points. Not only will the ESPN crew of “College GameDay” be on hand for their pre-game National broadcast and festivities, but also the stadium will be a “checkerboard” event. 

Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.