I am a TN native (and grad) but grew up in SC. I speak with experience when I say debating with a Cock is an exercise in futility. It leads to nothing but bewilderment and frustration . . . and humor.
Find me a Vol on a Cock message board bragging about winning 2 of 4 matchups over the past four years. Won't happen. Says something about their program.
We know they do it here at VolNation. And it wouldn't surprise me to find a Cock smack talking on a Vandy message board making the same argument. Lame.
It's the same record played over and over again in Columbia. They've been trained to accept mediocrity. Nevermind results. They are always on the way up . . . program is always looking great!:
"We didn't win a game this season, but we have a new coach. Just wait until next year. There's no way we are not a contender for the SEC East."
"We may have finished last in the SEC, but our recruiting class looks phenomenal. Just wait until next year. There's no way we are not a contender for the SEC East."
And now . . . this one cracks me up . . . "We're 7-5 and competitive with TN and our facilities are going to be with the best of the SEC. We even backdoored our way into a New Year Bowl!!! Just wait until next year. There's no way we are not a contender for the SEC East."
When they don't win, the fans and media prop themselves up with a 'moral victory':
"TN was favored by 17 and was supposed to have X, Y, Z. Yet we only lost by 3. In OT." Or whatever the argument is for the week . . . etc etc etc. I've heard it for years - and not just with TN and other SEC games. They replay the same tune for Clemson (who has owned the Cocks for years).
Enjoy the Tampa experience, Shamecocks. We've been there and done that . . . and haven't patted ourselves on the back for a trip to the Outback Bowl. For TN it's a disappointment . . . not something to put in your prospectus for recruits.
The real story here is that USClite fans have grown to expect mediocrity. And when anything rises above their normal level of expectations . . . well, let's just say their euphoria gets the best of them. They assume an SEC championship in the years to come.
Time has proven them incorrect. And arguing with them about it is a waste of time on both sides.