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10. Relevance
The last few years, Vol Nation has had to settle for relative relevance, if that makes any sense. Relevance in the context of not sucking, consolation prizes this program needed, for it was evidence of the rebuilding which had to occur. But this year, the relevance is different. When analysts like Kirk Herbstreit go on shows like Paul Finebaum’s and tell the world they’re leaning toward UT to win the East, you’re getting more than a golf clap for a sexy recruiting class. You’re getting validation that you’re not only on your way back, but actually walking through the door. You’d have to go back to ’06 and ’07 to find teams that had as much national relevance as Team 119 does. And that more than anything else is what you can feel in the air right now. That the Vols are just about to walk through that door again and hop back up on the stage. It’s a tricky place. When there’s relevance and expectation, there’s more at stake. Which is why the highs this year will feel just a little higher and also why the lows will probably feel a bit lower. It comes with the territory. Here’s hoping a level head also comes with it this time around. Because one thing we’ve seen around here? Relevance isn’t a birthright. It can go away. So it’s probably best to not take it for granted this time around and embrace it as we sit back and see how these boys do. I have a feeling they’ll do just fine.
