Tennessee's season-opening win against Furman football in 1941

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No. 18 Tennessee will open its 2026 football season on Saturday against Furman (1-0).

Kickoff between the Vols and Paladins is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT at Neyland Stadium (SEC Network+).

Vols Wire revisits Tennessee's season opener against Furman on Sept. 20, 1941. Tennessee defeated Furman, 32-6, at Shields-Watkins Field.

12,000 were in attendance for the debut of Tennessee head coach John Barnhill.

He was named head coach after Robert Neyland was called for military service. Barnhill coached the Vols from 1941-45 and compiled a 32-5-1 record (15-3-1 SEC) record. Tennessee did not field a team in 1943 due to World War II.

A former guard for the Vols, Barnhill served as Arkansas' head coach after Neyland's return. He coached the Vols' freshman team from 1931-34 and was Tennessee's offensive line coach from 1935-40.

In Barnhill's head coaching debut, Johnny Butler totaled two touchdown passes, while Bobby Ciphers completed a 35-yard touchdown pass and scored one rushing touchdown.

Charles Mitchell scored on a 13-yard touchdown run and converted two extra points. Al Hust also had a 52-yard touchdown reception for Tennessee.

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee's season-opening win against Furman football in 1941

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