Russo: Against Vandy, Vols must face the Music

The year was 1982 and Knoxville was hosting the World's Fair. Since that day, these football programs, so it seems, have drifted worlds apart. The Commodores are perennial cellar dwellers, at least most years, and most years the Vols are in the mix for an SEC title.

But this season is not like most years. Big Brother is no longer bullying opponents. Wins have been hard to come by. For awhile it looked as though our neighbors from Nashville would be the ones contending for a conference crown.

However, what is always a grueling league race has gotten the best of both Tennessee and Vandy.

Nonetheless, the Commodores should be commended for achieving what they do with a talent base considered to be inferior to that of Tennessee's and most teams in the league.

Conversely, the Vols have underachieved with their talent base. Coach Fulmer insists his team's record is not indicative of its talent level. Does that mean the talent is not being extracted properly or are the players not living up to their potential?

It doesn't really matter what you or I think. That's up to a well compensated coaching staff to answer. What we do know is that a Vandy win over Tennessee, ironically, would not only snap one of college football's longer losing streaks, but would prevent the Vols from doing their singing in the Music City in the postseason.