Most of you know, I grew up just outside of Knoxville.  Maryville to be more precise, close to Phil Fulmer's house.  I grew up dreaming of Neyland, worked at the Last Lap (long gone), lived in Shelbourn Towers on campus after working at the World's Fair.

I was there when the Vols beat Bama in 1982 breaking a 10 year losing streak.  People standing/riding on top of busses as they made their way down a packed Cumberland Ave.  Shear pandemonium. Absolute nuts.

For my first 29 years, I was a Vol fan...to the core.  Then, in the fall of 1990, I knew my time in the Navy was coming to an end, I visited FL.  One of my submarine buds was attending  UF and asked us to come visit.  So we did.  I immediately fell in love, and never looked back.

My entire family and almost all of my high school friends are Vol fans....  You see, that's pretty much it if you are from that part of the country...UT.  They don't have other universities like we do.  It is UT or bust. Even the company I work for is in West Knoxville/Oak Ridge. 

SO it is obvious how much this game means to me.  If the Vols win, it will be as if the Gators have NEVER beaten them.  I think their memory has fallen out with their teeth.  When I am in Knoxville, I typically wear blue, but no Gator logos.  They've had enough pain.  I prefer the silent treatment and to talk about how good their programs can be. I call it soft shoe.  When we lose, I know that it will NOT be reciprocated.  But hey, it is 11 years of frustration coming to the surface.  God bless'em!

So every year, I look forward to this game.  For me UGA and FSU are huge, but this one is about home.  It is a MUST HAVE for me.  I received about two dozen CALLS on Sunday to announce that it was now FL week and to talk football.  I have had HUNDREDS of  FB jabs since summer when it was announced that UT will be all world.  The first preseason line was UT(-11).  I have been reminded of that maybe 500 times by my Vol faithful brethren and family.... 

Of course, the craziness about how both teams have played only increases the uncertainty, now we have substantial injuries to both sides...I'm not sure how much I'll sleep this week.  But I will take comfort in a few meaningless statistics....

1. During the 3 year period of the Peyton Primetime, UT was 30-4 during the regular season. Against FL they were 0-3 , but beat all other SEC teams during that period. In fact from 93-97, UT was 0-5 against FL with 4 of those years being the ONLY loss in the SEC. I was at UF at this time, much to the chagrin of my family and friends.

2. '93-'97 are the Peyton Years at UT.  They are also the Spurrier Years at  UF.  Several years ago, (2005 I think), UT retired Peyton's jersey. They were playing USC.  Spurrier was the coach.  Yep, Spurrier and Manning in the house, Vols lose. Anyone know if Peyton and Spurrier will be in Knoxville this week?