RTT on hating Spurrier, UT's best game, and Tennessee's biggest rival

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 31, 2007 8:58 AM EDT in Tennessee Volunteer Football

There's an interview of yours truly up over at Stiles Points this morning. I attempt to answer the following questions:

Why does Tennessee hate Steve Spurrier so much?
What is the greatest Tennessee football game that you have seen - whether it be in-person or on television?
Who do you consider Tennessee's biggest rival - Florida or Alabama?

Let me know whether I embarrassed the orange or not.

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My answers (in short) would be this:

We hate Spurrier because he PWN3D us when he was a Gator.
Greatest game is a tough one. I can't single one out of UF, Arkansas, and FSU (1998), Arkansas (2002), LSU (2005), Cal and Georgia (2006) amongst many others. There are numerous other games that were tremendous that resulted in a loss for the Vols, but they're DQ'd as the "Greatest" by default.
Historically, the biggest rival is Bama. Recent history (<14 yrs or so), the biggest rival is Florida.

by Aerobab on Jul 31, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

We detest Spurrier because he abandoned his home state school as a young man and has never missed an opportunity for a TN dig as an old man. Give him credit for being funny. Also, the SEC is more fun with him in it (fun to see his butt kicked).

The greatest game in Big Orange history (since 1969) is the Sugar Bowl of January 1, 1986. It was supposed to be the national championship coronation of Vinnie Testeverde and the mighty Miami Hurricanes. Tennessee, with a back-up QB, didn't have a prayer according to the experts. 60,000+ rabid folks in orange showed-up that night in the New Orleans Superdome to watch the Volunteers undress the top ranked Hurricanes 35-7.

And, finally, the top rival is Alabama. The game has been played on the same October Saturday since anyone can remember. The series has been typified by winning and losing streaks for both sides. Alabama fans were incredibly obnoxious during thier streaks. I have never had any sympathy for them and always rejoice when they lose.

Vinnie Testaverde is always remembered for Tennessee kicking his ass.

by RevOrange on Jul 31, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

Great Call

The 86 Sugar Bowl is, indeed, one of the greats of all time. However, I'm in the same boat as Joel...didn't "become a Vol" until the mid-90's...so prior to that I can only comment on the highlight/historical videos.

by Aerobab on Jul 31, 2007 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Good Job, Joel

My answers would be:

-We hate Spurrier because he could be Tennessee's favorite son, but for some reason went to Florida, won a Heisman, beat TN a bunch, and talks some good smack on the Vols.

-Best game was the 2004 Florida game when Wilhoit missed the game tying extra point, then the D came up big with a stop, and the Wilhoit hit a 50 yarder as time expired!

-Biggest rival to me is Florida, although I do hate Bama fans. The past 10-15 years the UT-FLA game has determined who wins the East (UGA games, too). Bama is not in our division and they haven't been relevant in college football for quite some time now, which I know really bothers them.

Do they have Mayo in Berkeley? ...well they're about to get a taste! #7 Jerod Mayo

by Volorado on Jul 31, 2007 12:18 PM EDT reply actions

Speaking of...

...Mayo and Heffney are ABSOLUTE MONSTERS in NCAA 08! Only a few games into the season and #7 and #33 lead the NCAA in tackles and interceptions, respectively!

(I guess I need to come up with a catchy signature line to keep up with the Jones'. Any suggestions?)

by Aerobab on Jul 31, 2007 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Signature Line

Just speak what's on your mind, bro.

I just say Beat Cal! cause that's next

And I doubt I will every be over that ohio state debacle.

Beat Cal! (And I really don't like Mike Conley, Jr.)

by gramsey712 on Jul 31, 2007 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: NCAA 08

Mayo is a BEAST. He can rip through o-lineman and never misses a tackle, at least for me. Hefney hasn't been playing that well in my Dynasty, but I'm sure he'll some around as the season progresses!

Do they have Mayo in Berkeley? ...well they're about to get a taste! #7 Jerod Mayo

by Volorado on Jul 31, 2007 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, yeah. 2004.

I actually watched the last ten minutes or so of that 2004 game last night, doing a favor for a friend. Got the goosebumps again.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 31, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

2001 Florida

Best TN game I was ever at was 2001 Florida game at the Swamp, hands down. I had student tickets on the 3rd row behind the TN bench, and us beating Florida in a close but high scoring game, ending their national title hopes that year, and having Spurrier leave florida having lost to Tennessee more recently than beating them. It was awesome.

by rulessn on Jul 31, 2007 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

Remember 2001 at your place . . .

. . . when everything was on the line?"

I love that game. If you've never read this article on it, do it now. Fantastic.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jul 31, 2007 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent

Had not seen the article unitl now. Unusual year (of 9/11) where we played FL last game instead of in Sept. Shame it can't be scheduled that way every year. It does rank among the greatest games. It was tempered, however, by the loss to LSU in the SEC championship the following week.

Vinnie Testaverde is always remembered for Tennessee kicking his ass.

by RevOrange on Jul 31, 2007 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

2001

I actually was torn between '01 and '04 FLA games, and went with the one that was more recent in memory, not matter, both years we won the East, and then got beat by LSU and Auburn, respectively.

Do they have Mayo in Berkeley? ...well they're about to get a taste! #7 Jerod Mayo

by Volorado on Jul 31, 2007 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions