Vol fans tailgated to fight against Alzheimer's and raise awareness about the disease before Tennessee took on Alabama on Saturday.

Organizers put together the "Vols Tackle Alzheimer's Tailgate" at Circle Park during the afternoon before kickoff.

At the tailgate, volunteers handed out items like cozies, stickers and key chains in exchange for suggested donations.

Organizers said their goal was to raise awareness about the disease and money to fund Alzheimer's research. 

Executive President of Communications for the National Football League Paul Hicks spoke to the East Tennessee Public Relations Professionals and students during the University of Tennessee's Public Relations Day on Friday.

UT held the biannual event at its conference center on campus.

Hicks began working with the NFL in July 2010 to help bridge communications between owners and players in the midst of that lockout.

Friday's activities also included a panel discussion with other PR professionals from East Tennessee and across the country.

Following the third SEC loss this season, and two tough opponents ahead, Coach Derek Dooley's future with the UT football program has become the subject of debate among fans.

Sunday morning, the "Rock" on campus displayed a message apparently calling for the coach's firing along with a list of the artist's disappointments.