Vols don't need any more incentive against Florida

One would be wrong.

"It's whatever I've got to do to put their backs to the wall, because they respond,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "We're playing for seeding; and our undefeated record at home (15-0), that's a huge motivator.''

A UT (20-9 overall, 8-6 SEC) win in Tuesday night's 9 p.m. game against Florida (25-4, 12-2) in Thompson-Boling Arena would tie the Vols' school record for most home wins in a season. The 1984-85 team went 16-3.

"Seeding is always important,'' UT junior Chris Lofton said. "We want to be the best we can be.''

Pearl said this year's Vols also want to be remembered.

"We're about making history and doing special things,'' Pearl said.

Certainly, a win over the defending national champions in front of a national ESPN audience with Dick Vitale calling the game and more than 20,000 in attendance would be special, too.

Pearl said the Vols' win at Arkansas on Saturday was another step in that direction.

"I've said to the team let's do some things we weren't able to do last year,'' Pearl said. "Last year we lost to Arkansas, and on Senior Night against Kentucky last year, we lost that game.''

Pearl is hoping the Vols send senior Dane Bradshaw out in the proper fashion against the Gators.

Pearl reiterated Sunday night he will endow a scholarship in Bradshaw's name for future UT student-athletes who represent academics, athletics and a strong faith. Men and women are eligible.

The official scholarship announcement will take place at Tuesday night's game, sometime after Lady Vols' coach Pat Summitt and her assistants honor the men's team in their own unique way.

"I don't know exactly what Pat has planned, but I understand people should get here early,'' Pearl said. "They will not be disappointed.''

Injury Update: Chris Lofton continues to receive treatment on his right ankle, but as his 31-point performance against Arkansas would indicate, he's nearing 100 percent.

Bradshaw gets treatment for the tendinitis in his shoulders but is not at further risk for injury. Ramar Smith's knee is mildly sore after his collision with Alabama's Ronald Steele on Wednesday, but it's not considered serious.

Jordan Howell continues to have his right wrist and hand taped, but that's to provide support for the mild wrist sprain he suffered when he broke a bone in his hand (Dec. 21). The bruised back JaJuan Smith suffered against South Carolina (Feb. 17) has healed.

Must Be The Shoes: Lofton said a switch of shoe model may have contributed to him regaining his shooting touch against Arkansas.

"I switched back to the shoes I'd been wearing all year,'' Lofton said, referring to the adidas 'Piranhas' model. "When I got hurt wearing them, I switched up because I thought they were bad luck.''

But against Alabama, Lofton was doing a lot of slipping on the floor in the Vols' adidas "KG'' model

"I don't want to blame my shooting on shoes,'' Lofton said. "I should have made those shots. But I do feel like these shoes I'm back wearing have more traction.''