There have been plenty of times when Tennessee football lost to inferior teams. The Vols have also lost plenty of heartbreakers. However, in both instances, they were still usually outplayed in some way. They were extremely unlucky in some cases, though.
Now, throughout history, Rocky Top has been more lucky than unlucky. That’s partially what comes with a winning mentality. When things get close, they actually expect to win, so they often pull games out because of such a mentality.
Still, in plenty of instances, Tennessee football has been on the other side of that bad luck.