Please Say No to Vandy, Ala, & KY (Here's Why)

[keepitreal2022]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[fefe]

Any SEC is going to have a top 30 SOS. The SOS weighting is for LITTLE10 teams like Maryland who somehow faded Oregon, Ohio State, USC, and Penn State this year.

 

[Evol]

I think we’ll be just fine. Out of the other 6 SEC teams on our schedule, 4 to 6 of them will be ranked almost every year.

 

[taylorvol]

TN has played KY 108 times. They have been a long time historical rival. Bring back the Beer Barrel and KY belongs as on of the traditional rivalries along with Bama and Vandy. With that said, I hate it that UT isn’t playing GA and FL every year.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

OP, the difference between Bama-Vandy-Ky and Bama-Vandy-USCe/FL is really, really minor. Gotta put it in context. For instance:

with Bama-Vandy-Ky	with Bama-Vandy-USCe (or FL)
Bama	Bama
Vandy	Vandy
Kentucky	USCe (or FL)
UGa	UGa
LSU	LSU
Arkansas	Arkansas
Ole Miss	Ole Miss
Miss St	Miss St
USCe (or FL)	Kentucky

...and the following season:

with Bama-Vandy-Ky	with Bama-Vandy-USCe (or FL)
Bama	Bama
Vandy	Vandy
Kentucky	FL (or USCe)
Texas	Texas
Oklahoma	Oklahoma
A&M	A&M
Auburn	Auburn
Mizzou	Mizzou
FL (or USCe)	whichever of FL/USCe not listed above

Can you find the difference in Strength of Schedule between the two options?

So you see, it doesn't really matter.

There is a more significant difference between the easiest possible permanent opponents (say, Vandy, Kentucky, and Miss State) and the hardest possible (something like UGa, Bama, Texas). But even then, the difference pales once you put it in the context of an entire season.

Go Vols!

 

[Orange Navy]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

Appreciate your take, but I can never understand the logic supporting strength of schedule, or strength of record. In principle it makes sense. However the only way to determine strength of record is using the win-loss records of your opponents. So win-loss record matters after all!

That said, I take the likely win over Kentucky as opposed to a 50-50 game with Florida. Because ultimately the 10-2 SEC team is going to get in over a 9-3 team every time.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Those are our three true historical rivalries. I do understand your thoughts and concerns.

After pondering both sides, I vote to keep our three rivals and let chips fall where they may.

The only guarantee is change, Who knows...in ten years, it may be a 32-team playoff. Sadly, it is all about the money.

 

[DaddyChad]

SOS will take care of itself with a mostly SEC schedule. FFS idk what some of our fans are thinking wanting to constantly make our schedule harder.

 

[jasonvol18]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

Not happening..It will be Ala,Vandy and Ky. And as an avid Ala hater, Ala is still a powerhouse and will continue to be relevant. No, they won't win at the clip Saban did, but nobody will now in the NIL ERA ,

 

[orangefloyd]

When Bama is a powerhouse we don’t do to well against them and we haven’t done well against Florida either way. SOS doesn’t help when you lose.

 

[jasonvol18]

SOS will take care of itself with a mostly SEC schedule. FFS idk what some of our fans are thinking wanting to constantly make our schedule harder.

Agreed! Not to mention I'm tired of losing to GA and we don't win in Gainesville nor Tuscalooser. I'm more than happy with Ala,Vandy and Ky. Every year we will get someone like GA,Fla,LSU, Auburn A'm etc. plus, we have to play a power 4 school every year. Like you said, the SOS will take care of itself.

 

[Rickyvol77]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

you realize we would be replacing florida and georgia with teams like Texas and LSU anyway.

SOS doesn't matter, all Tennessee ever has do from here on out (especially in 16 team playoff) is go 10-2 and they are in 95% of the time

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Wanting to play Kentucky and Vanderbilt is for losers.

I want Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Those are our real rivals. We checker Neyland for those games. Not when we play Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

 

[Tenacjim]

OP, the difference between Bama-Vandy-Ky and Bama-Vandy-USCe/FL is really, really minor. Gotta put it in context. For instance:

with Bama-Vandy-Ky	with Bama-Vandy-USCe (or FL)
Bama	Bama
Vandy	Vandy
Kentucky	USCe (or FL)
UGa	UGa
LSU	LSU
Arkansas	Arkansas
Ole Miss	Ole Miss
Miss St	Miss St
USCe (or FL)	Kentucky

...and the following season:

with Bama-Vandy-Ky	with Bama-Vandy-USCe (or FL)
Bama	Bama
Vandy	Vandy
Kentucky	FL (or USCe)
Texas	Texas
Oklahoma	Oklahoma
A&M	A&M
Auburn	Auburn
Mizzou	Mizzou
FL (or USCe)	whichever of FL/USCe not listed above

Can you find the difference in Strength of Schedule between the two options?

So you see, it doesn't really matter.

There is a more significant difference between the easiest possible permanent opponents (say, Vandy, Kentucky, and Miss State) and the hardest possible (something like UGa, Bama, Texas). But even then, the difference pales once you put it in the context of an entire season.

Go Vols!

I see a lot of people saying we will play every team over 2 years (like this example). I haven’t seen anything definitive on that and I suppose that will be addressed on Tuesday as well.

I was thinking it would be more logical to do home and home with the same 6 opponents over the course of 2 years and then swap out and do the same with the other 6 over the following 2 years. It just seems more logical and “fair” to do it that way.

Has anyone seen anything one way or the other from official sources?

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I see a lot of people saying we will play every team over 2 years (like this example). I haven’t seen anything definitive on that and I suppose that will be addressed on Tuesday as well.

I was thinking it would be more logical to do home and home with the same 6 opponents over the course of 2 years and then swap out and do the same with the other 6 over the following 2 years. It just seems more logical and “fair” to do it that way.

Has anyone seen anything one way or the other from official sources?

You could be right. As you said, we'll start to get a feel for it Tuesday.

Either way, over the course of a 4-year cycle, it all evens out.

Go Vols!

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

In the sec in a 9 game format no strength of schedule is going to stand in the way of any team with a 10-2 or 11-1 record. It is impossible to foresee the future. The rotating schedules is fair for everyone. Did Alabama suffer when it was beating a weaker Tennessee team 10-15 years ago? I am sick of hearing that too, every time we beat Florida or bama a few folks say well they were down. What a crock, I didn’t hear from the same folks when we were losing. It’s like some try to minimize a big win. If we beat bama or Florida it’s a big win period. Heck even on 2022 there were a few that said well this bama team isn’t as good as past ones. I say big whoop, what a load of Bull. And who cares if they are down. I could care less as long as we win. But in 2022 they were highly ranked, cry me a freakin River. Anytime you beat your sec opponents it’s a big win. Never minimize them. GBO

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

This is the best decision for Tennessee and the SEC

Vandy in state Rival, long running series
Kentucky, our most played rival
Alabama, another long running rival


As for Florida and Georgia, we will still play them twice every 4 years. And we will rotate in Texas, Oklahoma, LSU and the other SEC teams.

If your rival games aren't as tough, then then your rotational games are tougher, it averages out.

Also, for the longest time, Tennessee and Auburn have had the toughest schedules in SEC and it has cost us several SEC Championship Game appearances/titles.

 

[Tin Man]

Gimme B***, Vandy, Kentucky. If the SEC decides to modify the three annual opponents at some point in the future, there’ll be a chance to rethink it.

 

[mercuryvol]

I like the way you spell the 1st teams name. Only suggest that you use a small case “b” in the future. I hate ‘em so much that they don’t even deserve to have their name on a UT board.

 

[rocketskates]

Those are the OG rivals but I agree, I’d hate to give up Florida every year—especially at a time when it seems that the series may swing back in our favor.

 

[VolCalls]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

Dude, appreciate the take but anyone spending a second of time worried about our CFP chances due to SOS has too much time their hands.
The SEC is unquestionably the toughest conference in America, Alabama is Alabama and Vandy is a top 20 team. We’re fine. Take it week by week and enjoy the ride.

 

[CAVPUT]

SOS will take care of itself with a mostly SEC schedule. FFS idk what some of our fans are thinking wanting to constantly make our schedule harder.

I chuckle when teams complain about playing Bama, UGA and UF. We've had all 3 on the books for a long, long time. Nobody thought we were treated unfairly. It's about time we got a little scheduling break.

 

[Batman1948]

First off, I know that I have not been active for a while, but let me say I'm so proud of my vols. The fans were incredible last week and I had a lot of relatives comment of how the campus and stadium looked so beautify. I think Game Day will be back sooner than later. And I think we make the playoffs again this year- hopefully we host one on campus if not a bye because we are (IMHO) a top 5. Mark it

Regarding the 9 game schedule: I know a lot of us are getting excited about having Vandy, Ala, & Ky. as potential rivals on our schedule for the next 4-6 years, but it may not be such a good thing especially if Ala doesn't get back to being the powerhouse its been for decades.

Remember, next year the CFB committee will select participants based on SOS and not just wins/losses.

Thefore, my first choice would be Bama, Vandy and and one of South Carolina/Florida.

Lets be real, we have a great brand, and plent of NIL/money, but we don't necessarily have the reputation as some other bluebloods have that if it came down to us and lets say Notre Dame, Penn State (B1G) or Miami/Clemson (ACC); as a result, without going either 12-0/11-1/10-2, we may be on pens and needles waiting on who the committee will select for the final 1 or 2 playoff slots. It's all Political!!!! And lets not even think about if we had a close fought battle or loss with Vandy and/or Ky. (Geez) ;however, if we do indeed get Vandy, Ala & Kentucky, I see us playing LSU/OU and Florida one year and the next Texas/Aub/Georgia and we'd better go 3-0 with the above 3 or we may be in deep trouble. In other words, we should be careful of what we ask for.

Just my humble opinion.

The decision rests solely with the SEC. We can't pick who we want as permanent games.

 

[VolCalls]

I see a lot of people saying we will play every team over 2 years (like this example). I haven’t seen anything definitive on that and I suppose that will be addressed on Tuesday as well.

I was thinking it would be more logical to do home and home with the same 6 opponents over the course of 2 years and then swap out and do the same with the other 6 over the following 2 years. It just seems more logical and “fair” to do it that way.

Has anyone seen anything one way or the other from official sources?

The SEC has publicly stated in the new format every school will play every other school every two years.

SEC to go with 9-game schedule starting in '26

The SEC said Thursday that it will go with a nine-game conference football schedule starting in 2026.

www.espn.com

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Those are our three true historical rivalries. I do understand your thoughts and concerns.

After pondering both sides, I vote to keep our three rivals and let chips fall where they may.

The only guarantee is change, Who knows...in ten years, it may be a 32-team playoff. Sadly, it is all about the money.

In addition, Tennessee is the first rival of both Vandy and Kentucky in the SEC. It is the only logical combination.