This has only been recently. Still, the color commentators constantly gushing over the opposing teams, Tennesse might as well not be playing because you won't heare much about TN. Then there is a constant love fest with USC and OSU; and that is only on the football side of things. Now, I have been checking ESPN during the hiring of our coaches. Many other schools would have gotten tons of attention especially with the coaches we have brought in. But NO, ESPN would rather talk about the University of Washington and their recruiting.
So, no, I don't think that ESPN is conspiring against the VOLS, they just won't talk about them.