College football is all about bowls this time of year. In fact, the bowls command so much attention the advantages of not playing in a bowl often get overlooked.

But they haven't been overlooked in this corner. While watching my share of bowl games, I have compiled a list of reasons why Tennessee should feel good about being left out of postseason play.

Tennessee players could revel in the mishaps of others

UT hasn’t beaten Vanderbilt since 2015. But at least it can enjoy watching others beat the Commodores.

As good as Vanderbilt has looked in three consecutive double-digit victories over Tennessee, its momentum hasn't carried over into bowl games.

After beating UT 45-34 in 2016, the Commodores were routed by N.C. State 41-17 in the Independence Bowl. A 38-13 victory over Tennessee this past season was followed by a 45-38 loss to Baylor in the Texas Bowl last week.

Mishaps of others, Part II

Tennessee fans have had a vendetta against Michigan football ever since Wolverines cornerback Charles Woodson beat out UT quarterback Peyton Manning for the Heisman Trophy in 1997.

Although the Vols usually don’t get much satisfaction from seeing Florida prosper, they had to enjoy watching the Gators dismantle the Wolverines 41-15 in the Peach Bowl.

Florida beat Michigan so badly that more Wolverines players or recruits might be inspired to leave for Tennessee.

No Vol failed a drug test

It happens every year: players get busted before games for ingesting NCAA banned substances. And it even happens in the biggest games.

Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was suspended for the College Football Playoff after failing a drug test.

The Vols didn’t have to worry about that. And they didn't have to look foolish trying to act innocent after drug-test results were made public.

Lawrence said he didn’t know what happened. And I believe him.

My guess is he caught the banned substance in the rain or while breathing the air near a body-builders club.

Tennessee’s defensive self-esteem got a huge boost

One of the high points of UT’s season was a 30-24 upset against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Its defense looked even better while watching Auburn crush Purdue in the Music City Bowl.

Tennessee held Auburn to three touchdowns. Auburn scored four touchdowns on Purdue in the first quarter.

That wasn’t the only reason Tennessee’s defense benefited from watching bowls rather than playing in them.

Even in a 25-point loss to Vanderbilt, UT could boast of holding the Commodores to 100 yards rushing. Vanderbilt’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn rushed for 243 yards against Baylor.

Also, as the Gators were having their way with Michigan, Tennessee’s defense surely had its confidence buoyed. It’s not the only defense to make Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks efficient. He completed 13 of 23 passes, rushed for 74 yards and didn’t commit a turnover against Michigan.

Tennessee didn’t embarrass itself in a bowl

Many teams haven’t just lost bowl games. They’ve been embarrassed in them.

Through Saturday’s bowls, 11 games were decided by 26 or more points.

South Carolina and San Diego State were shut out. Miami didn’t score a touchdown. Houston gave up 70 points to Army. And Notre Dame looked so inept against Clemson that it should be banned from the College Football Playoff for at least three years.

No Vol refused to play in a bowl game

Football is often characterized as the greatest team game in sports. But it’s not as team-oriented as it once was.

Instead, more and more players choose to sit out bowl games for a head start on their NFL career. West Virginia quarterback Will Grier let his team go on without him. So did Georgia’s best defensive player, cornerback Deandre Baker.

You can’t abandon your team for a bowl if your team doesn’t play in a bowl.

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.