I like to think of myself as a traditionalist. Those days are over.
Earlier in my career, when I was asked by other media members to rank Tennessee’s greatest rival, I had a very diplomatic answer. If you were my age, it was Florida. If you were a bit older, it was probably Alabama. Even older? Vanderbilt’s dominance over the Vols led Tennessee to be aggressive by hiring a guy named Gen. Robert Neyland. No matter how old you are, you’ve heard of him.
I’ve changed my perspective now. While I’d hate to see Alabama ever fall off Tennessee’s annual schedule, it certainly doesn’t have the same drama as it once did and it probably never will.
So, with a new view on college football, here are Tennessee’s top rivals NOW, not 20 years ago and perhaps not three years from down the road based on game importance and surrounding storylines. Traditional? Not even close.
5. Florida
There isn’t an SEC East to be won anymore, but there are still plenty of implications in what was once the hottest rivalry in all of college football. Both programs are trying to elevate their standing in the sport. The Vols are trying to become champions. Florida is trying to become a championship contender.
4. Alabama
I have to admit that this pains me. The Alabama rivalry is great, but not like it once was. First, the Crimson Tide isn’t an unbeatable juggernaut. In fact, the Vols have beaten Bama two times in their last three meetings. In the new era of college football, Alabama is just another conference game on Tennessee’s schedule.
3. Ole Miss
I know you don’t want to admit it, but beating former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin would be pretty sweet. There is some history here as well such as “The Mule Game.” However, this is all about the here and now. The Vols don’t play the Rebels this season, but nothing would be more satisfying than a potential playoff win over Kiffin and crew.
2. Georgia
This one still fits the parameters of a traditional rivalry, but sits high atop this list because Georgia is, well, just really good. The Vols are likely going to have to get over the Bulldog hump at some point to become champions. Sure, Tennessee could lost to Georgia and still win a national championship, but the Vols just need to show they can play at Georgia’s level, having lost eight consecutive games to a program that the Vols constantly recruit against.
1. Oklahoma
Let the criticism commence. I know that there isn’t a long, extensive history when it comes to Tennessee-Oklahoma series. The two teams have only played each other five times. However, this list is about the here and now. UT coach Josh Heupel would never admit it, but there’s no team he’d rather beat (especially handily) than his former employer.
