I regret not making the TRO tailgate. That is about my only regret from the weekend. And Rocky Top is definitely a place worth returning. 

There is no better tradition in college football than a bunch of Vols dancing and singing Rocky Top. Well, except maybe Florida beating Tennessee.

It's funny how teams often take on the personality of their coach. This Florida team kind of reminds me of a slow undersized walk on safety during the summer practice he makes the team. They really shouldn't be there. They just keep coming at you, making plays, and refusing to be denied.

I got to pet Smokey and meet his trainers. That's a good looking well trained dog. UGA aint got anything on my new friend Smokey.

Toddy's Back Door Tavern is well worth stopping in. Some old timer told stories about playing high school ball against SOS. Some young Vol stranger bought our whole party a round of beers to welcome the Gators. They have a horseshoe pit and play the best old school outlaw country music ever. It was pure Tennessee, pure Southern, and pure fun.

It fits that Neyland Stadium is named after a military officer. It reminds me of being on an aircraft carrier. It's not plush or pretty but good Lord its size and power is awe-inspiring. I like stadiums named after Generals. The only thing cooler than that would be a stadium named after a Sergeant Major or a CMH recipient.

Smoking, dipping, and drinking is still tolerated on gameday at UT. Law enforcement is about as visible as UT's 4th quarter offense. Oddly enough demand for tickets is still high enough that scalpers were asking up to $600 for a pair.

It's really entertaining to tailgate on UT's frat row with a bunch of guys who now live in Chicago. Apparently SEC over Big 10 dominance is not limited to football. They could not stop ogling the coeds. They claim the average looking girls on a Southern campus look better than the best looking girls in the Midwest. I would agree that UT definitely has some talent. 

Their QB has a rifle for an arm. Our QB has balls big enough to come in a dump truck. Their defense likes to jaw jack a bit. Our defense likes to hit people, a lot. 

I love the state of Tennessee. It may be sort of simple. Those hills and their people however have character as strong as a bear or a shot of Jack Daniels.

Speaking of character, I am really falling in love with this 2012 Florida football team.

Go Gators!