SEC football changed dramatically in 1992. Arkansas and South Carolina joined the conference, and the league was divided into East and West divisions.
Something has changed in Tennessee football, too. Florida suddenly became important.
Until the 1992 season, the Vols and Gators met occasionally. But it could have been every year if both teams were placed in the SEC East.
That's how a rivalry was born. And just like that, beating Florida became more important to Tennessee than beating Alabama.
This rivalry turned out to be brutally one-sided for Florida. It wasn't just when coaching stars Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer were producing championship teams. The Vols couldn't even beat the Gators when Will Muschamp was coaching toward the shooting line.
So when SEC divisional play faded into history after the 2023 season, UT fans had reason to celebrate. The Vols will no longer have to worry about playing The Swamp every other year as part of the SEC East rivalry.
When the conference finally begins planning its schedule rotation, things shouldn't get any tougher for the Vols than their biennial trip to Gainesville, where they lost 10 straight games, including last season when the Vols were a clear underdog. excellent team.
But Tennessee needs another swamp undertaking, as the conference brain trust appears intent on delaying a permanent schedule format for a 16-team league without divisions. The Vols must play in Florida in 2025.
That's why Tennessee fans should push for Billy Napier.
I haven't forgotten that Napier's Gators defeated the Vols in The Swamp last season. But I don't like the possibility of them doing the same thing again. In fact, I don't like the chances of Napier barely winning against his SEC teams.
The Vols have to play in The Swamp in 2025, so it's in their best interest that Napier still calls the shots for their longtime nemesis. I know it's not easy.
Napier's first Florida team lost in seven games. As if to prove that it was no fluke, the second team also lost seven games. He's now in his third season with a coaching position as hot as Sam Pittman at the University of Arkansas, and that's saying something.
With Florida's schedule, they could potentially get a better coach than fire Napier. This includes Miami, UCF and Florida State in non-conference play. And the November schedule could be the toughest in SEC history, with Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State. It will be advantageous for all five opponents to finish within the top 25.
I doubt Florida can win these games. I also don't like the chances of beating Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in mid-October.
So how can we expect Mr. Napier to keep his job?
Answer: With lots of luck and lots of prayers.
Tennessee fans should pray the hardest.
For example, let's say Florida State fires Napier, puts the NIL house in order (something is clearly wrong), and hires someone talented like Lane Kiffin.
As successful as Kiffin is at Ole Miss, he probably won't be interested in going where so many other coaches have failed since Urban Meyer won two national championships. But what if Kiffin were to replace Napier?
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We know what happens next. The self-proclaimed “Portal King” will strengthen his roster with a plethora of transfers, coach the offensive line and reignite optimism in the Swamp.
That's the last thing Tennessee wants to see when it travels to Gainesville in 2025.
John Adams is a senior columnist. 865-342-6284 orjohn.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/johnadamskns.
