Readers show no sympathy to Tennessee football losing Nebraska as an opponent

Readers show no sympathy to Tennessee football losing Nebraska as an opponent | Adams

Posted by author February 26, 2025 Football

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Nebraska’s decision to opt out of its football series with Tennessee in 2026 and 2027 generated emails from my regular literary contributors as well as Nebraska fans.

So, I’m leading off with two emails which were representative of the consensus.

Stephen writes: I find your recent column concerning Nebraska’s cancellation of the home and home series one sided.

I am sure you remember the “The Battle at Bristol.” Both teams had a considerable payday. It was all about the $$$.

Tennessee really wanted to be part of that game. They even went so far as to cancel a home and home series with Nebraska to be a part of “The Battle at Bristol.”

I guess nine years later what goes around comes around. Nebraska football may not be what it once was, but the Cornhuskers still remember January 2, 1998 42-17.

I’m sure you understand there are two sides to every story.

My response: As a columnist, I write my side − not somebody else’s. But it’s not all about me.

If it were, I wouldn’t publish emails like yours.

As for the Battle of Bristol, I remember three things – walking around the stadium, seemingly forever, trying to find the press box entrance; watching the game on the Jumbotron since the field was too far away to see the participants; and viewing in horror as a large roach crawled out from the bedding in my hotel room after returning from the game.

Shemp writes: Nebraska canceling Tennessee’s home and home schedule is very similar to White canceling the Army game for a no brainer opponent.

He shouldn’t be too upset.

My response: White should replace Nebraska by scheduling a second game with Kentucky (that wouldn’t count in the SEC standings). Throw a lot of money at the Wildcats and play the game in Nashville.

Gary writes: I agree with Coach Vitello. NIL is not sustainable. And I hope it all collapses and we quit paying players. UT or any other school will not get any $$$ from me.

I’m waiting to get “back pay” when they agree for that, since I was a DI baseball player back in the day. (I won’t hold my breath about getting any).

Another thing: Why Thompson-Boling Arena is not listed anymore, only Food City Center? Should be TBA at Food City Center. I guess because FCC gave $20M to UT, as we know money talks.

Appreciate your work.

My response: There’s no going back to amateurism once you’ve gone pro. Play for pay is here to stay.

It is unsustainable. Adjustments will have to be made. But we’re still in the transitional phase.

Don’t sell yourself short on “back pay.” With the right lawyer, you might cash in on your college baseball experience. Be patient.

As for Tennessee’s basketball venue, I often mention both though not necessarily in the same sentence.

Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center can really slow down a column. I’m having a hard enough time holding on to readers, so the last thing I need is to fill up a sentence with the name of a building.

Connie writes: I am hoping that since the ladies are going so well that the SEC will show their games on sec without the + channel.

The network did not realize how good a new coach could be. Guess they realized their mistake now. Do think that they will change the channel?

My response: They won’t change it. But that’s not just about Tennessee.

The best games aren’t always on ESPN or the SEC Network for a reason. They want you to subscribe. SEC+ means more for the network and less for you. But it’s not expensive.

As much as you seem to like the Lady Vols, you might be pleased with the investment. You could get it for the 2025-26 basketball season, then cancel it after the season.

Terry writes: Total genius on the idea of you and Blake sharing the job of college football commissioner’s job. Excellent ideas of reducing conference member totals, realignment and pushing Notre Dame into a conference.

Inquiring minds however want to know where Fulmer and Pruitt would fit into your staff?

My response: If you remember that white smock Pruitt donned for games, you can understand why I would hire him as the resident butcher for our office. Of course, I wouldn’t trust him to pick out the meat to be served at company dinners. But once it’s selected, he can chop away.

Fulmer would be hired to oversee Pruitt’s chop shop, kind of like the way he did Pruitt’s offensive line.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns