re: Is the Nebraska problem also the Tennessee problem?

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What has really hurt Tennessee is the emergence of Clemson.

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This is, 100%, the answer. Tennessee used to raid the talent-rich Upstate with impunity until Clemson became a juggernaut and was able to sell players on the SEC experience (culturally and athletically) in a less difficult conference. They neutered not only the Upstate to Tennessee pipeline but usurped the Vols in terms of overall regional recruiting, perhaps dating back to Tajh Boyd decommitting from Tennessee after Fulmer's ouster in 2008.

Tennessee can be great again, but it will be a lot easier if Clemson starts falling off and (in a perfect world) winds up on the outside looking in when the SEC expands again.