Vols Flunk TV Test

Apparently the Vols 2-2 start has scared off television executives. In the world of college football telecasts, Tennessee used to be a prime time player. But now they can't even play their way into a mid-afternoon appearance on a regional network.

The UT Sports Information Department issued a release last night announcing the Vols will play Mississippi State on October 13th, at 1:30pm CT. Later in the release, it was mentioned that none of the SEC's broadcast partners have elected to air the game.

CBS will carry LSU vs. Kentucky. ABC will air South Carolina vs. North Carolina. ESPN opted for Auburn vs. Arkansas. ESPN2 grabbed Georgia vs. Vanderbilt. Lincoln Financial Network wanted Alabama vs. Ole Miss. ESPN Deportes wasn't even interested. OK, I know. They air soccer. But you get the idea.

Are you counting? That's 10 (out of 12) SEC teams that make television appearances that week. The Vols aren't one of them.

Apologists will argue that Mississippi State doesn't make for an attractive matchup, and they're right. But the Vols share half the blame. Remember, it's the same Mississippi State team that upset Auburn a few weeks ago-- so it's not all the Bulldog's fault.

Apologists will also argue that the Vols ARE on TV against Georgia and Alabama in upcoming games. And if they win, the South Carolina game will also be televised. But right now, UT football is riding the coat-tails of those programs.

If you're a Tennessee fan, that's a tough pill to swallow. But TV is a very tough business-- as the Vols are finding out.