Remember Why We Hate Tennessee

by:Nick Roush•10/28/23•

RoushKSR

NCAA Football: Tennessee at Kentucky — (Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports) Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Kamal Hadden (5) and offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) celebrate after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.

Kentucky and Tennessee will meet for the 119th time Saturday night at Kroger Field. Over the last century the Big Blue Nation has learned to hate the Volunteers and everything they stand for.

Why do we hate Tennessee? There are many reasons why. Allow me to explain.

Actually, I take that back. Nobody can explain Tennessee hatred better than this legend.

The colors are disgusting. Who would willingly choose to wear puke in a pumpkin orange?

Cawood Ledford called plenty of games between Kentucky and Tennessee during his legendary broadcasting career. Before his final Kentucky football game, he delivered an inspiring message to the Wildcats.

Before Cawood Ledford's final Kentucky football call, he shared this message with the Wildcats.

"God bless you and good luck. And go kick Tennessee's ass." pic.twitter.com/YHDgAfYqRG
— KSR (@KSRonX) October 28, 2023

Unfortunately, Ledford’s speech did not propel the Wildcats to a win. Let’s instead direct our attention to one that did result in a Kentucky victory, the first at Neyland Stadium in decades.

John Schlarman played and coached in this rivalry game for 20+ years. Nobody understood it better than the Kentucky offensive line coach. What makes the Volunteers so despicable is their lack of respect for their border rivals.

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“Don’t fool yourself for one second, these mother ****ers don’t respect you. They don’t respect your ass. You gotta go take it from them,” he said. “Every man in this room: do it for your brother next to you. Do it for the guys who aren’t here, that aren’t able to do it right now.”

Kentucky took it from them, quite literally. The Wildcats had a pair of Pick Sixes en route to a 34-7 win over Tennessee. It was Schlarman’s final game on the sidelines. Mark Stoops handed him the game ball and Schlarman shared a statement that’s on the walls at Kroger Field. “If you come together, nobody can stop you.”

Beat Tennessee.

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.

Monday: Mark Stoops Press Conference & Rapid Reaction
Monday, 8 PM: KSR Football Podcast
Tuesday evening: Interviews with Liam Coen and the offense
Tuesday, 8 PM: Sources Say
Wednesday, 1 PM: Stoops’ comments from the SEC Teleconference
Wednesday evening: Interviews with Brad White and the defense
Wednesday, 8 PM: 11 Personnel
Thursday Afternoon: Pigskin Preview
Thursday evening: Final comments from Stoops after practice
Thursday, 8 PM: Point Kentucky, KSR’s new Volleyball Show
Friday night: Kroger KSR Game of the Week recap, highlights
Saturday: Postgame Press Conferences, Interviews, Rapid Reaction