📡 Has Tennessee-Vanderbilt become better rivalry than Tennessee-Alabama?

[RTB X Bot]

 

[MunchyOs]

Knoxville vs Nashville has turned into a better rivalry overall. Because after years of it being so lopsided, the dores have managed to pick up a few wins. No longer is it the gimme win for the vols that it once was. Even in years where tennessee is doing alright and Vandy is, well being Vandy. Our rivalry with tennesse is anything but. Ten years ago, the Alabama-UcheaT game almost didn't get picked up for tv. Then, at the last minute, Lincoln-Financial Sports (the SEC Network's sorry ass predecessor) said they would take it. And they were glad they did while CBS was kicking itself. As weird as it is to say this now, bama slaughtered the vols in an upset. But, it was Saban's first season and he had inherited a Shula team from top to bottom, so the fact that they took it to tennessee that day was quite the feat. Plus, tennessee did go on the East that season. But, since that day way back in 2007, Bama-UcheaT has not been a rivalry. We are riding a 10 game winning streak against them (soon to be 11) and all but one of those wins was close. That of course was Rocky Block in 2009. Of course, 2015 was "close" on the scoreboard, let's be real, was that game ever really in doubt? No. not even when the viles had a 1 point lead in the 4th quarter. If anything, that game proved just how far apart the two programs are now. Bama can turn in a stinker of a game, and still beat the best team that UcheaT has had in the last decade plus. The same holds true for 2009. Bama absolutely stunk up the stadium that day, going so far as letting the game go down to the wire. And yet, Bama still won. So, there really is no "rivalry" anymore when it comes to us and UcheaT. Vandy on the other hand is a different matter entirely.

 

[Bamabww]

@MunchyOs, this is not directed at you personally so please don't take it that way. I must respectfully disagree that the Bama -vile game is not a rivalry game. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder because playing the viles is a rivalry game for me and always will be. I don't understand how that question keeps getting asked year in and year out. Was there a Bama fan anywhere that didn't want to play the viles when they had the upper hand? Hell no. We wanted to beat those SOBs because they were our rivals, our enemies and we hate them (in a football sense). Anything less than a victory was disappointing and heartbreaking. Was there an article by Cecil Hurt during our down years saying we shouldn't play the viles? Hell no, you won't find a single one.

A sports rivalry is intense competition between athletic teams or athletes, but not directly related to the formal sport and the practice thereof. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans.
definition of rivalry in sport - Google Search

Definition of rival
:one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess:one striving for competitive advantage
Definition of RIVAL

I just don't understand why it's not a rivalry game just because one team has dominated the other, regardless of which side was dominating. My feeling haven't changed. I hated them when they were beating us each year and I hate them now that we're beating them each year. The only thing that changes is the enjoyment factor and that belongs to the victor, which ever team it may be. And I have certainly enjoyed the past 10 years. Roll Tide!

 

[bamaledge]

!!! THIS !!!

 

[TerryP]

Our rivalry with tennesse is anything but. Ten years ago, the Alabama-UcheaT game almost didn't get picked up for tv. Then, at the last minute, Lincoln-Financial Sports (the SEC Network's sorry ass predecessor) said they would take it. And they were glad they did while CBS was kicking itself.

10 years ago the game was on ESPN, a 6:45 kick. Lincoln Financial Sports wasn't part of SEC football in 2008; ESPN had already purchased their rights.

AND, in this fans eyes, Tennessee is a bigger rivalry than Auburn.

 

[mhardiman]

2008 was an ESPN night game; a bad UT team, Fulmer's last season and was not an upset. He was refering to the 2007 game; Ainge's Serior season, text book scandal came out that day and six players were suspended. That game was an upset and it was a Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial game brought to you by the Dave's.

 

[MunchyOs]

10 years ago the game was on ESPN, a 6:45 kick. Lincoln Financial Sports wasn't part of SEC football in 2008; ESPN had already purchased their rights.

AND, in this fans eyes, Tennessee is a bigger rivalry than Auburn.

I hear ya. I have gotten so caught up in the rivalry with LSU (since CNS arrival at Bama) perhaps I have let the one with the UcheaT slide a bit, in my mind.

 

[MunchyOs]

2008 was an ESPN night game; a bad UT team, Fulmer's last season and was not an upset. He was refering to the 2007 game; Ainge's Serior season, text book scandal came out that day and six players were suspended. That game was an upset and it was a Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial game brought to you by the Dave's.

Correct. The 2007 game was off the chain. The viles were a heavy favorite. Not only were we paper thin in depth, we had lost all of those players due to the scandal. CNS took a Shula team and beat the shit out of the eventual SEC East champs.