Star Thomas knows what it’s like to go from a team in a small FBS conference on the road for an SEC buy game. With the expectations to be an easy win, the smaller schools can go in with typically one of two mentalities. They can admit defeat before they walk into the stadium, or they can go in looking to shock the world.
In Thomas’ case, they did shock the world. His New Mexico State team went to Auburn in 2023 and won 31-10. Thomas had a strong game, as well, posting 67 yards on seven carries and a 17-yard touchdown reception.
Due to being on this end of the buy game matchup, Thomas has a unique perspective on what UAB may be thinking heading into its game at Tennessee this Saturday.
“At a school like I was in at New Mexico State, our mindset was we’re going to take it to those guys,” Thomas said. “Let them know that we’re here to play and we’re here to take what they worked for. We’re here to let the world know we’re here to stay, too. We’re here to be one of those top teams in the country. I’m pretty sure their mindset is the same thing. With us going for it, as me being a Volunteer, we don’t care who it is going out there. We just want to go out there and play our best game and give everybody their best.”
More From RTI: RTI Game Predictions: Tennessee vs. UAB
There are two notable differences between this game and Tennessee’s against UAB, though. First, the Vols are far better than that Auburn team. Second, the Blazers are far worse than that Aggies team.
Tennessee is currently 2-1 with the only loss coming in overtime to Georgia. The Vols rank as the No. 15 team in the country and are expected to compete for a spot in the playoffs. That Auburn team went 6-7, including three-straight losses to end the year.
UAB is currently at 2-1 with its loss coming to Navy. The Blazers’ defense has been far from good so far, though the offense has proven to be solid given the level of the program. Compared to that New Mexico State team, the Aggies finished 10-5, including a loss to Liberty in the conference championship game.
Kickoff between Tennessee and UAB is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
