AN OPEN LETTER TO DIEGO PAVIA

[BrentVU]

Dear Diego,

I kinda hope you are not reading this... I hope you're staying away from social media this week and focusing on the game. But just in case you're not...

This is probably your last home game for Vanderbilt (best of luck in that lawsuit next week), but it will be your first taste of what a true SEC rivalry game is all about. This particular rivalry game has been played for over 130 years. Your teammates have probably prepared you for what it's going to be like-- in a sense, it is, as you say, "life or death".

What I want you to understand is that the University of Tennessee (by virtue of its name alone) and its fans, consider themselves far superior to Vanderbilt. You won't have to look far on social media to find one of those orange-wearing Vol fans referring to Vanderbilt as UT's "little brother". The sad truth is, their very countenances are dripping with disrespect for you and your teammates. Their fans in ridiculous-looking checkerboard overalls consider an annual win over the Commodores in football their divine birthright.

And the fact is, the Vols have won five of these annual meetings in a row, and they have been pretty good this year. They have racked up nine wins to date, some of them by insane scores. Another win will most likely put them in the College Football Playoff, something that the SEC and I'm sure its officials badly want too.

But this is the kind of adversity that you have thrived upon your whole life. You have shined the most brightly when others have disrespected you and counted you out. As a fan, it has been a joy this year to watch you inspire your teammates and lift them team to new heights. Whether you're back next year or not, this has been a season to remember. But there is one last hurdle to be overcome. If the Commodores were to lose this game at home, on Senior Day, to its archrivals, it would leave a sour taste. So I guess I'm saying, if there were ever a game for putting everything on the line, this one is it.

Thank you for putting your body on the line this year for the old school on West End. You know what to do. (And be careful tomorrow, they're going to try to maim you). Just remember-- you can't spell "Turnt" without "UT".

Your fan, BrentVU

[Seadog73]

Amen!

[Charlestonalum]

Well said.

[Ballguy]

Love this! Hope DP finds himself back at Vandy somehow!