UT Vols football, Auburn were equals 10 years ago. Why have Tigers done so much better since?

Tennessee shouldn't look at Auburn as just another SEC opponent Saturday. Instead, Auburn should be a role model.

The Vols won't produce a dynasty to match Alabama's (who will?). And they won't ever dominate the SEC as Florida did in the 1990s.

But maybe, they could match Auburn's success.

Let's back up to 2008 as a starting point for comparative purposes. That's the last time UT and Auburn played at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

Tennessee managed only nine first downs and gained just 191 yards in losing 14-12. Auburn, which had 226 yards, wasn't that much better.

The frustration for Tennessee fans was exacerbated by field position. In the second half, Tennessee gained possession at its 35, Auburn's 44, Auburn's 37, Auburn's 38, UT's 42, Auburn's 46 and UT's 46.

Despite that favorable field position, Tennessee scored a mere six points, made three first downs and totaled a whopping 62 yards. Auburn had only 75 yards and never advanced beyond Tennessee's 44 in the second half.

The game was representative of both teams' season. Auburn lost its last five SEC games en route to a 5-7 record. Tennessee also finished 5-7. 

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, who won a national championship in 1998, was fired before the end of the 2008 season. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, who led Auburn to an unbeaten season in 2004, also was fired that year.

The two programs basically were on equal footing in 2008. Not anymore.

Since 2008, Auburn has played for two national championships and won one; Tennessee has played in two Music City bowls and won one.

Auburn has won eight or more games seven times since 2008. Tennessee has won eight or more games twice since 2008.

Auburn has had one losing season since 2008. Tennessee has had five.

The Tigers also have distinguished themselves by beating Alabama three times since 2008. The Vols haven't beaten Alabama since 2006.

If Auburn can have that much success, why can't Tennessee?

Auburn is the No. 2 program in its own state. Both programs rely on regional recruiting and both recruit Georgia heavily.

Tennessee is at a disadvantage for having Alabama as its natural rival from the West. Auburn has Georgia as its natural non-divisional rival but also must play six teams from the West, which has been superior to the East for awhile. 

So, why has Auburn succeeded and UT failed so much in the past 10 years?

Obviously, Auburn's coaching hires have worked out better. Since 2008, Auburn has hired Gene Chizik and Gus Malzahn while UT has hired Lane Kiffin, Derek Dooley, Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt.

Another factor in Auburn's success: It has been quicker to make changes than Tennessee has.

Tennessee football lapsed under Fulmer, who didn't win a conference title after 1998. But even when the Vols fell to 5-6 in 2005, UT stuck with its longtime coach.

Never mind that Chizik won a national championship in 2010. When the program dropped to 3-9 in 2012, Auburn fired him and hired Malzahn.

Although Malzahn almost won a national title in 2013, he began the 2017 season on the proverbial hot seat after going 8-5, 7-6 and 8-5. Winning seasons and qualifying for bowl games aren't good enough for Auburn.

Tennessee should take note.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

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