Lunker Bass

Congratulations on some really great and dominating years of late. I've always said that pre 2008 Alabama fans are great. Having been to many Tenn-Alabama games, believe it or not, there is a ton of respect between the two programs as far as the loyal Tenn & Bama fans. There is not a lot of trash talk, fights, and all that you think there would be when these two play. There is usually just a lot of "Roll Tides" and "Go Big Orange". Maybe more trash talk this year from UT fans due to the addition of Lane Kiffin. I personally have no problem with him leaving Tenn for his dream job. If any of us are offered our dream jobs, we would jump at the chance. But, I have a good employer that has put food on my family's table, and I wont leave and say see ya in the middle of the night. Thats the only problem I have with him. I never attended UT or any other college for that matter. But having been to well over 150 games, I would say that I am a true fan.

I may be showing my age here. A friend of mine invited me to go to about 1 or 2 Tennessee games a year in the early 80's. I got to see Reggie White play, and my first Tenn jersey was #92. I was in HS and still a Tenn fan, but very casual. In 1985 I saw the goal posts come down and #1 Auburn and Bo Jackson leave the field defeated and from that point on I have been hooked. Dad finally got season tickets in 1986 and except for the funeral of my grandmother in 2006, attended every home game, and usually one away game. We would alternate between KY and USC east. I have never attended UT. Just a fan. The reason there are so many UT fans around here is due to the locality and the fact that in SWVA, Virginia Tech did not really take off until 1999. Please do not take that out of context. VT has been a very solid program since then, and yes handed our butts to us in the Chik-Fil-A bowl. Tennessee playing in the SEC, more TV coverage and playing the name teams (Florida, Alabama, Ga, Etc) has helped their own popularity. People can cheer for whomever they wish. I have friends that have always been Alabama fans and ND fans. But, these guys were Alabama fans when Mike Shula was there, and fans of ND when Gerry Faust and Bob Davie were there. Now, If I drive from Bristol to Johnson City I will see 25 crimson A's on the backs of cars. You cant throw a rock without hitting an Alabama fan. Just like I used to see 25 Gator heads on the backs of cars during the Meyer/Tebow era.

Pick Alabama or Notre Dame. They have 215 NC's between them.

This will be one for the ages IMO. I'm going as just a SWVA football fan. I would say that the Iron Bowl is being played at night so they wont have to compete with the GC/RHS game! Good luck to both teams.

I would be lying if I said I havent been waiting on this since Friday night.

The only place Alabama has beat us the last 7 years has been on the scoreboard. Vols 49 Alabama 7

I've heard on some of the radio broadcasts and a few of the haters on facebook and some of the other outlets have started the Peyton bashing. Being a Tennessee fan, of course I'm a Peyton fan. He did not have a stellar performance in the Super Bowl. But, with that being said, how in the world, as bad as Denver's defense and special teams played, can you pin the loss on one guy. If it had finished 59-58 with Seattle hitting a game winning 60 yard field goal, it would have been another "Peyton chokes in the big game" load of crap. The guy is still one of the best to ever play, has won a Super Bowl and 5 MVP's to his credit. A class act, never brags on himself, studies the game, a clean track record, definitely no place in professional sports for that I guess, huh? Congrats to the Seahawks. The better team won.

Old habits are hard to break. Good one!

Saturday @ 2:00 I believe. Double check me on that before you make the trip.

Will this game be at Sandlick or will it be moved? It is the states discretion right? I was listening to radio broadcast and they were talking about the field conditions. If not at Sandlick, would they play at Clintwood, UVA-Wise?

The 1987 playoff game when VHS beat Marion at Marion was the coldest game I have ever attended, not even close. Anybody else see that one. I remember Marion had beaten VHS earlier in the year, but that day belonged to Scott Jones (VA Tech). My God, it was cold. Why can't we play HS football 10 months a year? This is great!! I leave you fellas to fight on now!!

It is the decision of the homestanding coach as to whether to have a 15 or 20 minute half also. The time starts when BOTH teams have left the field.

Considering the talent of the teams in SWVA and the first round matchups, which if any team(s) would you consider to have a "good" chance at going to the finals?

My lock of the week. Take the Tigers straight up. Congrats to both teams, should be electric at Sandlick.

I have known these boys a very long time. There are not two better boys on the planet. Stuff happens. Get well Justus and Wesley.