We have gained lots from all these problems.
We still stand to gain more.
When you have a consistent regional connection in a talent rich place, you have the right players to host others. They show them that it is a great place to be and that being that far from family is not that bad due to vacations and other opportunities to see them.
Tennessee has had series for lots of time going back to the 90s with Pac 10 teams. To very few people's joy (but something Kevin Simon's dad will remind you of every chance he gets) TN has not done all that well against the Pac 10 teams.
Now it is the Pac 12, but if we want to keep getting the Julian Battles, Kevin Simon, Burnett, Casey Clausen, Arian Foster, Donte Stallworth, Malik Jackson, Byron Moore and Tyler bray type players, we are going to keep heading out to Southern Cali.