Having lived in the state for a long time, I've had to suffer through the greatest period of their success, even exceeding that run in the 70s by the barh.
One of the most frustrating parts of it is knowing that had Tennesse been at its traditional strength, we would have stopped at least some of it.
Our progam being down was a significant contributor to their success. I would not say it was the no. 1 factor, but definitely it mattered that we were only a notch above Vandy and Kentucky throughout the last decade.
In fact, the defeat in 2009 comes to mind, as that may have just stopped their first NC (I don't know who else was good that year that might have faced Tejas in the NC), and that was the last time we were considered a credible threat to them. Unfortunately it set the tone for the next decade.
So year after year watching them succeed and living vicarariously through the occasional upset by other SEC teams, I always wanted it to be us, but more, could not help thinking IT SHOULD be Tennessee putting some spokes in their wheels. We always have! And should always.
Finally finally finally, the balance of the universe is right again. I only hope it continues well into the future.
