I remember reading something about Rupp and those who followed at UK didn't want to play UL for different reasons. Stuff like it would be counter productive to recruiting, and they didn't want to feel like they had to play other in-state schools as well. I guess for a long time UK didn't really want to see UL as an equal in any way. UK fans do have a bit of superiority complex, and hate seeing another team/program challenge us.
Probably BS but The thing about Richt is that whenever it ends, it's probably going to be sudden after he decides he's made enough money and wants to do mission work or something.