Vols join the “we don’t have to play Alabama football every year chorus”
By Ronald Evans
First Auburn, now Tennessee claim “we don’t have to play Alabama football every season.”
What began as a plaintive solo, has turned into a duet. First Auburn and now Tennessee are telling anyone who will listen, “we don’t have to play Alabama football every season.”
So far there are not many listeners. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced last week that divisional realignments are not a point of discussion for the league.
After ten straight losses to Alabama football, the Vols running from the Tide makes sense. Tennessee’s approach to avoiding Alabama football is more nuanced than the strategy used by Auburn.
Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Last week we reported Pat Dye and Auburn are afraid of Alabama. Sending Dye forward to the lead the charge for a Tigers move to the SEC East was poor cover for Jay Jacobs and Gus Malzahn.
When Dye said the “Iron Bowl does not have to be played every year,” it was immediately known as Auburn’s official position. We don’t know if Dye is accountable to anyone at Auburn, but we are sure Gus and Jacobs are given marching orders from Dye.
In Knoxville, Butch Jones and Athletic Director John Currie’s voices have yet to join the “run from the Tide” chorus. Instead, it appears the Vols are using a media surrogate.
John Adams of the Knoxville News had this to say.
"As a card-carrying member of the SEC East, Tennessee isn’t required to play Alabama every year in football. It does so voluntarily. And what does it have to show for treasuring tradition and maintaining Alabama as its permanent rival?Ten consecutive losses by a combined count of 351-119."
Adams is clearly making the argument that no coach or athletic director could be faulted for seeking a remedy to such disparity. Adams finished his pitch by providing cover for Vol Athletic Director, John Currie.
"UT athletic director John Currie won’t advocate dropping Alabama as a permanent rival. Better to get run over by the Tide than appear to run away from them. It’s a matter of pride. But eventually, the SEC likely will do UT a favor and eliminate permanent non-divisional opponents."
We have to give Adams credit for his skillful presentation. After all, he could not directly state the wishes of Butch Jones and John Currie. So we’ll suggest the underlying message from the Vols to the SEC is “show us the exit to escaping the Crimson Tide juggernaut and we will sprint through it.”
Next: Five Threats to 2017 Tide Championship
Another reason Butch Jones has been quiet on the schedule issue is he is very busy. He must find a way to beat Vandy next season and the Vols might not be favorites against Kentucky in Lexington.