We're gonna have to learn how to be graceful winners again, it seems

[VAVol85]

I guess the headline set people off. But, if you read the post there is no telling others to behave, just some appreciation for the teams we have (and will) beat this year. Saying your defeated opponent is good is a nice way of saying we are damn good!

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

I will talk s**t and any Bammer or other rival who doesn’t like it can eat s**t. It’s just football after all; we aren’t going to war with each other.

Edit: That’s not to say I can’t appreciate the sentiment. OP is one of the most thoughtful posters on this entire board.

I just think one of the best things about sports fandom is the reprieve it gives from the anxieties of everyday life. There’s something freeing about being able to care so much about something that doesn’t ultimately matter. No one is coming for my kids if McGrath misses that field goal last night. We’ll still have food to eat if UT loses to Georgia in three weeks.

It’s cathartic to channel our aggression into something that’s just a game at the end of the day. I hate Alabama, but do I hate the actual people who make up their fanbase? Of course not. There’s hate, and there’s sports-hate. I hope Henry T. gets pancaked into oblivion by an offensive guard every play of his career. I sports-hate the guy. Do I wish him any ill whatsoever in his day-to-day life? Of course not! I wish him the best whenever he isn’t in that crimson uniform.

Different strokes. I applaud your desire to keep it classy. Trash talk is enjoyable for some and not all. FWIW my good buddy who’s a Bammer said he was surprised I was restrained as I was lol.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I guess the headline set people off. But, if you read the post there is no telling others to behave, just some appreciation for the teams we have (and will) beat this year. Saying your defeated opponent is good is a nice way of saying we are damn good!

Yah, I think that's right. The title triggered a lot of folks.

But that's okay. We've been down a long time. There's a great deal of pent-up frustration being released. It will take a minute.

I don't mind the vitriolic responses. I don't mind that they thought I was telling them to shape up. I wasn't, at least not immediately, more an observation for the long term. But I'm okay with folks turning right around and blasting me, too. It's all part of the healing process, heh.

I simply want us to become the kind of program that people don't mind so much being on top. They'll all hate losing to us, but aside from that week they play us, I'd rather they held us in regard for our sportsmanship and humanity.

We'll get there, I hope. Fighting spirit is baked deep into the DNA of the Volunteer State's people. It's how we became known for leaping up to defend others. If we can find a way to marry that with good-spirited friendliness, we'll be far more appreciated than Bama has been over their reign.

Go Vols!

 

[WillisWG]

Maybe after I see some gracious losers but not before

 

[Jeff Clark]

Yah, I think that's right. The title triggered a lot of folks.

But that's okay. We've been down a long time. There's a great deal of pent-up frustration being released. It will take a minute.

I don't mind the vitriolic responses. I don't mind that they thought I was telling them to shape up. I wasn't, at least not immediately, more an observation for the long term. But I'm okay with folks turning right around and blasting me, too. It's all part of the healing process, heh.

I simply want us to become the kind of program that people don't mind so much being on top. They'll all hate losing to us, but aside from that week they play us, I'd rather they held us in regard for our sportsmanship and humanity.

We'll get there, I hope. Fighting spirit is baked deep into the DNA of the Volunteer State's people. It's how we became known for leaping up to defend others. If we can find a way to marry that with good-spirited friendliness, we'll be far more appreciated than Bama has been over their reign.

Go Vols!

That's never going to return because these days the nice type of fans you're talking about are a small minority in the SEC and the fans you see on the internet are the vast majority.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

That's never going to return because these days the nice type of fans you're talking about are a small minority in the SEC and the fans you see on the internet are the vast majority.

Quite possibly.

But no good goal should ever be abandoned simply because it's impossible.

 

[615vols]

There is an art to being at the top of the game (any game). The very best of the best do it in a way that not only deserves recognition for their excellence, but also appreciation for their humanity.

A big part of that for the Vols fan base is going to be recognizing talent in our opponents and rivals. Case in point:

Bama is a hell of a good team. Bryce Young is certainly one of the best three quarterbacks in the college game. He impressed me hugely yesterday. Hendon's better, but there's not a wide gulf between those two talented lads.

And Gibbs is an amazingly talented back.

Henry To'o To'o is a very good linebacker, and "QB of the defense." He's smart, quick, and capable. And don't impugn his values too badly; remember, we likely sent him away from Knoxville, he probably did not leave willingly. "Traitor" is too easy a word to use, and very likely does not fit him. Yes, yes, he could definitely have picked a better destination when he was shown the door. But being offered a spot on the (then) best team in the nation is hard for a young man to pass up, esp. when he's suddenly homeless.

Nick Saban is the greatest college coach in history. I say that objectively, looking at the cold, hard facts. We may not like him, he may not be the most charming man or the warmest personality, but he is without a doubt a living, walking legend of the sport.

And the Bama fan base may not be very sophisticated, but they are loud and loyal (you know, minus the bandwagon fans, we're going to have our share of those too, so best not to throw stones at other people's glass houses). And they're actually more football-savvy than most other fan bases.

I have a lot of respect for the Alabama program. Hate them, want to stomp them into the mud every single time we meet, but respect the hell out of them, too.

And I really appreciate being in the SEC, best league in college sports. I love our traditions. I love our rivalries, and our competitiveness. I'm proud of little brother Kentucky for rising so high (we're going to crush them, but still proud of them). I appreciate UGa for the business-like nature of their rise in the East; Smart is a very good coach, and their roster is maybe the most talented in the country. Florida are an amazing rival to have, they're fun to hate and have good (though wardrobe-deficient) people. Shane Beamer's a good dude, so is Mark Stoops, and Sam Pittman, too. Lane Kiffin and the Pirate Leach are hilarious down in Mississippi. I adore the people of LSU.

It's good to be rising to the top of such a storied and rich community.

Go Vols!

Oh stfu. Go lecture someone in your household, no one else cares

 

[DooleyOrangePants]

Whilst I agree with many of your sentiments, especially how tough and amazing Young was, and your comments are well said and should be said - the moment you try to guilt others to endorse that opinion or be ashamed, you cross the line from laudable to deplorable.

Too many here and in the far stretches of Volnation have suffered too long to so easily pour cold politeness on the still burning fires of their rival hatred. After just arriving near the top of the mountain after a long exhausting climb, they cannot be expected to act like those who have long been camped there.

In short, your sentiments are admirable when you express them for yourself, but lose all their their potency and turn sour when you try to impose them on others.

Well put and well said.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

There are thousands of nice classy fun spirited fans in all fan bases. There is always a few in every fan base that aren’t. This isn’t some one school thing. Folks try to lump a entire fan base based on actions of a few bad ones. No different than ones workplace. GBO!!!!

 

[happy-go_vol]

No more preaching and telling people how to act! Behave how YOU want to behave and leave Everyone to do what they want to do.

Why do these posts always pop up?

 

[CR-vol]

Go read their forum. Not much grace there if any at all. If someone does make a compliment there's a snide remark following it like a caveat. And Henry T is not that good. I was laughing at some posts over there someone commented how a Tennessee fan told them what to expect from To To...

 

[Probably_in_Class]

There is an art to being at the top of the game (any game). The very best of the best do it in a way that not only deserves recognition for their excellence, but also appreciation for their humanity.

A big part of that for the Vols fan base is going to be recognizing talent in our opponents and rivals. Case in point:

Bama is a hell of a good team. Bryce Young is certainly one of the best three quarterbacks in the college game. He impressed me hugely yesterday. Hendon's better, but there's not a wide gulf between those two talented lads.

And Gibbs is an amazingly talented back.

Henry To'o To'o is a very good linebacker, and "QB of the defense." He's smart, quick, and capable. And don't impugn his values too badly; remember, we likely sent him away from Knoxville, he probably did not leave willingly. "Traitor" is too easy a word to use, and very likely does not fit him. Yes, yes, he could definitely have picked a better destination when he was shown the door. But being offered a spot on the (then) best team in the nation is hard for a young man to pass up, esp. when he's suddenly homeless.

Nick Saban is the greatest college coach in history. I say that objectively, looking at the cold, hard facts. We may not like him, he may not be the most charming man or the warmest personality, but he is without a doubt a living, walking legend of the sport.

And the Bama fan base may not be very sophisticated, but they are loud and loyal (you know, minus the bandwagon fans, we're going to have our share of those too, so best not to throw stones at other people's glass houses). And they're actually more football-savvy than most other fan bases.

I have a lot of respect for the Alabama program. Hate them, want to stomp them into the mud every single time we meet, but respect the hell out of them, too.

And I really appreciate being in the SEC, best league in college sports. I love our traditions. I love our rivalries, and our competitiveness. I'm proud of little brother Kentucky for rising so high (we're going to crush them, but still proud of them). I appreciate UGa for the business-like nature of their rise in the East; Smart is a very good coach, and their roster is maybe the most talented in the country. Florida are an amazing rival to have, they're fun to hate and have good (though wardrobe-deficient) people. Shane Beamer's a good dude, so is Mark Stoops, and Sam Pittman, too. Lane Kiffin and the Pirate Leach are hilarious down in Mississippi. I adore the people of LSU.

It's good to be rising to the top of such a storied and rich community.

Go Vols!

This is our sixth win of the season. I think we know how to win, and we clearly know how to be graceful after a win. Following a huge TN win, you spent an entire post talking about how awesome Alabama is. Go hangout on their forum cause no one here cares. Are they good? Sure. We're better.

 

[JoAllan]

Maybe we can just enjoy this one……..however folks want.

I mean as long as they or hurting anyone.

Tennessee just beat Bama. It’s been 15 seasons coming. Tennessee is 3rd in the country.

less than 2 years ago Tennessee had their worst season EVER, coming off worst losses ever……..with a coach who screwed the program leaving nearly 40 kids to transfer.

BUT WAIT………..we should be graceful. I’m all for being a good sport……but it’s been 2 days after decades of build up and frustration……..folks can have a bit of fun.

 

[Other_Guy]

I had planned to only post "it's been a looooong 15 years" on my Facebook because I have no room to troll. Then I saw my friends and folks on articles whining about the refs.
I thought o HECK NO and I've been a madman trolling ever since, those pathetic hypocritical sore losers.

 

[JoAllan]

 

[volfanhill]

Maybe after I see some gracious losers but not before

Show me a good loser and I will show you a loser

 

[hjeagle1vol]

Ah yes, the pearl clutching and virtue signaling begins. Lots of assumptions in your post that you should also admit you don’t have a clue are true or not.

Be responsible for yourself and stop presuming you know the best way to act and how all of these people mentioned truly are. This is just as bad as the people you are trying to rail against in this post.

Preachin from somebody who wasn’t Sittin in the Bama section. I did and talked **** the entire game. F’da Gumps and their feelz

 

[JoAllan]

Quite possibly.

But no good goal should ever be abandoned simply because it's impossible.

Ahhh don’t fret most folks are just ragging on ya…….definitely not all but most.

We will all calm down (we’ll probably most)…….it’s only been a couple days…..most needed that first day just for everything to sink in. Plus lots of us have been getting lectured, trashed and ragged on by Bama fans who actually can’t handle losing…….friends, neighbors, and folks online.

 

[Gatlinburgvol]

I live in Birmingham, and was very gracious and hospitable today. I brought in to work two (2) dozen donuts. One (1) dozen of orange colored donuts and (1) dozen pink with sprinkles. In the inside lid of the orange donuts was written “52” and inside the pink sprinkles was “49”. I also brought string cheese for those “whining”. I enjoyed being on the field Saturday night and the office this morning. The Auburn fans had almost as much fun today watching the melt down. It was a Dixieland Delight.

 

[firestorm]

I’m not surprised Volunteers fans stormed the field after the Volunteers defeated a favored number 3 Crimson Tide after 15 seasons of losing to a great Crimson Tide team.
That’s just common behavior from fans of the home team after an upset.



Also I’m very damn happy 1 Alabama fan in a 2022 Alabama Tennessee football preview video stated his score prediction Alabama 45 Tennessee 24.

Young is a great leader that I respect. He is a great dual threat QB, has shown he has the ability to win close games, has proven to be a reliable starting that usually wins games, and he did successfully lead the Crimson Tide to a successful comeback because the game when they played the Volunteers was made close.
Also the Crimson Tide did tie the game, had the lead, and he did succeed getting the Crimson Tide into field goal range for a game winning field goal.

The Crimson Tide are an embodiment of greatness in College Football that I respect.
They have had great athletes including Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, etc.
Also a high amount of Consensus All American players, and 4 Heisman winners.

Nick Saban has proven to be a great Crimson Tide Head Coach because the Crimson Tide have won multiple National Championships, they’ve played in multiple National Championship games, and the Crimson Tide have always shown to be a great winning team in the Nick Saban era.
Nick Saban as the Crimson Tide Head Coach has proven to be the Bill Belichick of College Football.

 

[Pepe_Silvia]

I'm always grateful for people like the OP to tell us we shouldn't have such a good time.

 

[TNnative]

No more preaching and telling people how to act! Behave how YOU want to behave and leave Everyone to do what they want to do.

This. To do otherwise? It took living over 60 years to finally figure this one out. The best way to influence others to change their behaviors you find unacceptable has less to do with how you talk, and more with how you walk. Less said the better.

 

[Alto1]

F’em and feed em beans!!!!!

 

[vols1071]

There is an art to being at the top of the game (any game). The very best of the best do it in a way that not only deserves recognition for their excellence, but also appreciation for their humanity.

A big part of that for the Vols fan base is going to be recognizing talent in our opponents and rivals. Case in point:

Bama is a hell of a good team. Bryce Young is certainly one of the best three quarterbacks in the college game. He impressed me hugely yesterday. Hendon's better, but there's not a wide gulf between those two talented lads.

And Gibbs is an amazingly talented back.

Henry To'o To'o is a very good linebacker, and "QB of the defense." He's smart, quick, and capable. And don't impugn his values too badly; remember, we likely sent him away from Knoxville, he probably did not leave willingly. "Traitor" is too easy a word to use, and very likely does not fit him. Yes, yes, he could definitely have picked a better destination when he was shown the door. But being offered a spot on the (then) best team in the nation is hard for a young man to pass up, esp. when he's suddenly homeless.

Nick Saban is the greatest college coach in history. I say that objectively, looking at the cold, hard facts. We may not like him, he may not be the most charming man or the warmest personality, but he is without a doubt a living, walking legend of the sport.

And the Bama fan base may not be very sophisticated, but they are loud and loyal (you know, minus the bandwagon fans, we're going to have our share of those too, so best not to throw stones at other people's glass houses). And they're actually more football-savvy than most other fan bases.

I have a lot of respect for the Alabama program. Hate them, want to stomp them into the mud every single time we meet, but respect the hell out of them, too.

And I really appreciate being in the SEC, best league in college sports. I love our traditions. I love our rivalries, and our competitiveness. I'm proud of little brother Kentucky for rising so high (we're going to crush them, but still proud of them). I appreciate UGa for the business-like nature of their rise in the East; Smart is a very good coach, and their roster is maybe the most talented in the country. Florida are an amazing rival to have, they're fun to hate and have good (though wardrobe-deficient) people. Shane Beamer's a good dude, so is Mark Stoops, and Sam Pittman, too. Lane Kiffin and the Pirate Leach are hilarious down in Mississippi. I adore the people of LSU.

It's good to be rising to the top of such a storied and rich community.

Go Vols!

OK Karen.... You did good at not hurting feelings lol... Everybody is good at football. Is this a post to take masculinity out of the game? Jesus....

 

[hjeagle1vol]

K

OK Karen.... You did good at not hurting feelings lol... Everybody is good at football. Is this a post to take masculinity out of the game? Jesus....

Karen
The gumps sittin behind me we’re almost unbearable. I antagonized them with the throw the flag move and TD hands every time. Couple with a combined 100 IQ…figured she’d start some, but he didn’t want none so we tolerated each other. On my left was a very cool 25ish former Bama trainer and we very much enjoyed some convo throughout the game. Hope to see you in Atlanta Brock like we talked about