Born on the 3rd Saturday in October

I was born Saturday, October 20, 1956 at 7PM.  Earlier that day, Johnny Majors led the Volunteers to a 24-0 win against the Alabama Crimson Tide.  

My football awareness began in the mid-60's, and so did my Big Orange heritage.  Football on TV was rare and most games were radio only.  Names like the Dewey "the swamp rat" Warren, Richmond Flowers, and Charlie Fulton captured my youthful imagination as the radio trumpeted their exploits.  It was on the 3rd October Saturday of 1967 that the deal was sealed for me, as a 3rd-string QB named Bubba Wyche led the Vols to an unbelievable win at Tuscaloosa.  I still have the Sports Illustrated with the famous cover photo and the line "Vols Dam The Tide."

Bill Battle did a fine job as Tennessee's head coach in the early to mid-70's. But he couldn't beat Alabama. And he was from Alabama. And he was gone. He is the 1st incumbent coach ever to wake up one morning to a moving van in front of his house. Getting fired from Tennessee is the best thing that ever happened to him. He's now a billionaire.

I have no sympathy for Alabama or their fans. As a TN fan, I caught so much crap for so long during the 70's and 80's that I will never have any sympathy. On any given fall Saturday I am cheering for the Vols and whoever's playing Alabama. At least we have Tide stalwarts like Mike Price, Albert Means to hold over their heads, not to mention the fact that Fulmer owns 'em.

For this fan, there is no more hated rival.