Already posted this once, but it is worth repeating... what about this basic, blessedly simple explanation??
These kids go through recruitment talking about "Auburn University" - their mail comes from "Auburn University" - their new gear comes from "Auburn University". I doubt they don't know the name of the school. But now they are playing the up to media hype, dragging out the suspense, right?
Most colleges are The University of... Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky (insert your preference here).
Our school is Auburn University. The first word is kind of a giveaway - not much of a chance for a fan of The University of __________ to gets his hopes up for one brief shining moment before they are crushed to bits when they hear the word Auburn...
That is the take I have had on this from the get-go... give them the benefit of the doubt, for Pete's sake, and I don't even know Pete...