Tennessee Football: 10 Vols Who Were Robbed of Postseason Awards in School History

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

10. Robert Meachem

Year: 2006

Award: Fred Biletnikoff Award (Best WR)

Winner: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Please note, we fully understand that Calvin Johnson is the better NFL wide receiver. But he was not the best wide receiver in 2006.

That title went to Robert Meachem.

Meachem had more yards than Johnson by nearly 100 and more yards per reception on the season, but Johnson’s NFL lure and four-touchdown edge over Meachem made the difference.

It was really unfair considering Johnson was playing against the ACC when the conference was in its worst state in history while Meachem was playing against SEC competition, which at the time was in its peak state in history, particularly SEC East defenses during that time.

But while Meachem had 1,298 yards to Johnson barely eclipsing 1,200, Johnson’s 15 touchdowns to Meachem’s 11 seemed enough to give him the edge in the minds of voters despite playing one extra game and facing weaker competition.

Next: #9: Outland-Doug Atkins in 1951