AE,
Sounds like like you got the "Big Orange Screw." Part of the UT tradition. I would contact the Athletic Dept, or even better the AD Mike Hamilton(865-974-1224 off the UTK website). I'm sure they would love to find out that you received a VT backpack ordered through their official site. I would imagine that spending $2K would get you better customer service. They must be real busy getting ready for the big bowl game this year!