Saw this on reddit.
Since 2006, defeating Tennessee has been an integral part to a team's shot at the National Championship. Take a look:
2006- Tennessee lost to Florida, who went on to become champ
2007- Tennessee lost to LSU, who went on to become champ
2008- Tennessee lost to Florida, who went on to become champ
2009- Tennessee lost to Alabama, who went on to become champ
2010- Tennessee lost to Oregon, who went on to be runner up
2011- Tennessee lost to Alabama, who went on to become champ
2012- Tennessee lost to Alabama, who went on to become champ
2013- Tennessee lost to Auburn, who went on to become runner up
2014- Tennessee lost to Alabama, who lost in the playoff
2015- Tennessee has lost to both Oklahoma and Alabama, who are competing in the playoff
Part of this is due to the SEC dominance for awhile, part of this is due to TN being pretty bad recently, and part of this is due to just downright bad luck. Either way, schedule TN in your future if you want to compete for a trophy. Now excuse me while I go cry myself to sleep and dream of '98.