Knoxville, TN. (AP)-- Unprecedented. That's the only word that can describe it.
In the wake of a 49-12 drumming at Neyland Stadium this season and the 9-2 defensive struggle in Pasadena last year, the Tennessee Volunteers and UCLA Bruins have asked their respective conferences for permission to trade conference affiliation with one another.
"I really like the move," Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer told the reporters gathered at the historic press conference. "Chav's defense has gotten so low-rate but out west we'll look like the Monsters of Midway. (Erik) Ainge really gave us a fan base out there in Pac-10 country and I'm looking forward to growing it even further."
"I'm also a great fan of the idea," said UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell (who was also in attendance). "Playing in the SEC means we can run the ball up the middle for three straight downs and no one will even think to criticize it. Shucks, with the way we recruit great kickers we'll be competing for the conference title in no time flat."
The move also has larger conference implications. The Pacific 10 has long struggled to find a legitimate number two football power and the Volunteers' rich history readily lends itself to that challenge. With the addition of the Bruins the Southeastern Conference can lay claim to pretty much every NCAA basketball title ever and the accompanying bragging rights therein.
