Posted by johngalt on February 2, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whew!!

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 2, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now that is what I call dodging a bullet. If that game would have went to O.T., MSU would have won by 10 the way they were draining threes.

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 2, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Was Stansbury crying at the end? He looked a little misty-eyed. Talk about having a dagger shoved into your heart...

Posted by lquevedo on February 2, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols.......

Check Lofton's video

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DuPpsYfY6Kc

Posted by EastTNVol on February 2, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess what Airforce1, the game didn't go into overtime, and MSU didn't win by 10, and Tennessee is atop the SEC all alone. Terrible officiating on the road once again.
Go Vols

Posted by mdvol on February 2, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win! Crazy 3's by Miss State. We were the far better team. They were just in the zone the last 4 minutes. Duke Crews makes a great difference for us inside.

Posted by 1bigutfan on February 2, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now that will get the juices flowing. This should help us in March.

Posted by volsrock54 on February 2, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My God, I thought I saw an official ( Refs) putting on a Mississippi State bulldog uniform and was about to go in the game.. The foul calling was horrible. Thank God their luck ran out on the three's.. I was beginning to think Miss St. had a maganet in the ball they were using.. Go Vols!

Posted by pdhuff on February 2, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ho-hum, had 'em all the way. MSU must have went beserk in the last 3 1/2 mins. Was following it on ESPN gametrack and clicked off with 15 point lead. Man!

Way to go, Vols.

Posted by Vols1998 on February 2, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is up with ESPN and the Vols? can someone explain why all the negative commentary about UT sports? are they actually that anti-Vols or what? I'm tired of hearing Gameday Football and now Basketball commentators talking down our programs.

Go Vols......it's you against the World!

Posted by VolBall on February 2, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mdvol, I couldn't agree more about Duke Crews. He is so much more physical and quicker off the floor than Chism. But we needed Chism, Williams, and Crews tonight defending the post with all the ticky tack foul calling. There were many times it appeared we did a good job fighting over the postup man on the entry pass, and then the whistle would blow.

A great road win. The last 4 minutes were too interesting.

With the length of the Miss State post players, focusing on perimeter jumpers and crashing the boards (a bit better lately on the boards) seemed to be the better offensive option. It's a good thing that we shot the ball well tonight.

Posted by natcross24 on February 2, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a game. Crews and Tabb did the little things to win that game.

Posted by schymtz on February 2, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phewee! Few of us really expected a 2-0 road swing. None of us expected MSU's valient and spectacular last five minutes. But Tennessee so far has all the right stuff! I'll sleep well tonight. Way to go, Vols!

Posted by cdldoc on February 2, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is with the officiating in some of these games. We should have won by 25, but oh, there are those officials.

Posted by VolBall on February 2, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad to see Tabb getting some minutes. He really gobbles up loose balls, has great defensive quickness and is really a contributer in so many ways.

Tyler had a tough night, which makes the win that much more impressive.

JuJuan, as always, made some big plays. He really only shot one bad ball, which was very early into the shot clock with less than 2 minutes to play after we broke the press. It would have been nice to kill 20-25 more seconds in that possession. But, great win!!

Posted by bshell12 on February 2, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think having Tabb on the floor is more beneficial to the team than J.P. Every time J.P. touches he scares me and he is still a defensive liability especially in transition.

Posted by akkdowl on February 2, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prediction, the Vols get tired of hearing how they are soft on the inside and they go all the way to the final four by beating people on the inside just like the Colts defense shut people up with their D all the way to the SB last year.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 2, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"What is up with ESPN and the Vols? can someone explain why all the negative commentary about UT sports? are they actually that anti-Vols or what? I'm tired of hearing Gameday Football and now Basketball commentators talking down our programs."

I didn't watch GameDay... can you cite some examples of today's negative commentary? I've heard nothing but positive about the Vols, especially from most of the ESPN commentators (Freschilla, Gottlieb, etc.)

Posted by Plasticman on February 2, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stewart was unconsious the last 3 minutes! I wish we had recruited him (Shelbyville) as we will need shooters next year. I too am glad to see Tabb play more, he is a great defensive stopper. Jordan Howell stepped up big and hit the FT's to ice it at the end. Lofton is BACK!!!

Posted by bmaples on February 2, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols1998 -- I don't know what you are talking about. I listened to the entire game, and I heard nothing that sounded like "talking down." In fact, I heard Tennessee called "one of the premiere programs in the country this year" more than once.

I think the ESPN anti-Vols angle has gotten a life of its own, and is not backed up by the current situation. At one time, yes, I think there was some bad blood on both sides; now, I don't see it.

And by the way -- GREAT WIN VOLS!

Posted by rab63 on February 2, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

anybody know what happened to Childress? I didn't see him in the entire game.

Posted by snowvol on February 2, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols1998, maybe you've missed a few basketball shows on ESPN over the past few years but the truth of the matter is that ESPN loves UT basketball. Today, the GameDay show picked against us but that's been the rarity.

Jay Bilas has gone on record saying no reason why the Vols can't make the Final Four; Jimmy Dykes loves the Vols; virtually every coach they've had in studio and doing color of our games have raved over both Bruce and the team.

It's way too convenient for Vols fans to lament over ESPN. But, if you listen to them day in and day out not to mention on ESPN Radio, you come to realize UT is one of their favorite basketball programs.

For that matter, throw in Pat and the LV's and last year's great coverage the softball team received -- this whole anti-Vols notion and the idea that ESPN has an agenda against us simply doesn't hold water. Honestly, with all due respect to anyone who thinks that way, it really is time to put an end to the whole ESPN-paranoia.

Posted by VolBall on February 2, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's awesome to see that hand-in-your-face, lean back three now falling for Lofton. He made some nice dribble drives too. You're right, Plasticman. He is back!!!

Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on February 2, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too true...Lofton is back. I am also in total agreement that Tabb is our Ace in the hole.

I have heard mixed things from ESPN commentators. I have reluctantly resigned to the fact that TN is not overly liked by mainstream media. We simply cant let that play into our game.

Go out there, play through adversity and the worst SEC officiating in years and bring home the conference title.

This is our destiny!!!!

Posted by akkdowl on February 2, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rab63 Childress didn't make the trip because he is recovering from the flu. He didn't practiced the 2 practices before they left for this game.

Posted by tigervol9802 on February 2, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL!!!!! Derogatory comments? Because Bilas said he thought UConn/UT women not playing was bad for the fans during the UCLA/Arizone game? I love you people!!!!!

Nice W. I'll say it's the nicest road win of the year. We were able to beat another team that is a slow donw type of pace.

Posted by rbatten9 on February 2, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

J.P. isn't playing team ball imo. I'm glad to have Tabb back playing.

Posted by tapeworm on February 2, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl has has helped his teams at UT develop a mental toughness that has ALWAYS been absent in Tennessee teams. Talent has never been a problem. I'm guessing that he has spent a lot of time consulting w/Pat Summitt, in addition to employing his own set of principles. Win or lose, these guys are always in the game, and that's refreshing.

Posted by Hunter on February 2, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bmaples - they're referring to ESPn GameDay this morning, and I must say I agree. There were NO believers in the Vols on set today - they all picked State as if it were the obvious pick. Maybe beating Florida Tuesday AGAIN on national TV will continue to make believers....

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 2, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will have to watch the game again on TiVo, but I certainly remember two horrible calls - the technical on Prince, and the missed player control foul against Gordon in the second half.

Posted by Plasticman on February 2, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought the officiating was horrible tonight. I love games when you don't even notice the refs, but these games where they call a foul every possession is ridiculous. It's a good thing we have alot of depth. MSU was shooting 1 and 1 with 14 minutes to go in the second half!!

Posted by VolBall on February 2, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love the touhness and character of this team. They are really playing as a unit despite the heavy substitutions throughout games, which obviously keeps fresh legs on the floor. Even with varying personnel and rotations, someone always seems to step up on both ends of the floor when we need a big play.

Williams is showing gradual improvement as SEC play continues. We really need his heft and length the rest of the way.

Posted by budd on February 2, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to get the SEC to assign people to walk the refs to their cars so they are not afraid to call fouls against the home team. One of the most poorly called games I have watched in a long time.

Posted by weedbreath on February 2, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know that game almost gave me a heart attack, and I am serious about that! But you know that gang of threes did not save them as Gordon missed the one that counted at the end. I am just glad we got out of there with a win! Let's get back home and get ready for Florida.

Posted by 98reax on February 2, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love those Smith boys & hats off to Jordy who came up large tonight. I am excited about different guys stepping up to the plate on any given night. They just play so well together. Give credit to a State team coming back from a huge deficit. Gordon was shadowed in the first half keeping him in check. Foul trouble kept us from putting that kind of pressure on him in the 2nd and he just kept on shooting. They started to drop, did the treys, and Stewart was on fire all game long. A great comeback by State but our guys just played good team ball. Nice road win Vols. Now tell me again why we did not go after Gordon. And Stewart right here in our own back door?

Posted by Vols1998 on February 2, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All, I was watching Game Day from UCLA and they specificly said the only reason UT was doing well was because the other SEC teams were doing not as good as last year. Digger actually said that UT was not better that MSU and picked MSU to win big. Another comment was on the RPI and they thought it was a useless tool just because UT was at the Top vs. not having Memphis, KU etc.. I know what I heard. They did not say the Vols were bad, it just was hard to hear the love. There are some commentators that play to the crowd on TV, UT was great tonight, your not going to hear too much bashing when their winning. Do not get me going with ESPN's Football Game Day crew.

Go Vols

Posted by nivatne on February 2, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols1998, I agree w/ you 110%. I absolutely HATE ESPN for the way the dog on UT sports. Any FL, AL, or GA football highlight is against UT. Actually, the only way they will use a UT highlight is if we are getting scored against. I have noticed it more now than ever. What a bunch of losers up there in Bristol. They just hate when some good-ole southern boys lay a whippin' on the precious programs they hold so dear to their heart. Seriously, I think they all have a man crush on Urban or Nick. Who knows, may they sleep w/ an Urban Meyer Fathead above their beds

Posted by weedbreath on February 2, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have gotten to where I don't listen to those idiot Tar Heel and Blue Devil lovers on College Gameday. I seen that too this morning and was loving the thought of it after the game when they were eating those words. I did find it a little starnge that all three of them just picked MS without a bit of hesitation. Oh well, they were wrong!!

Posted by harrierncd on February 2, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice game, fellas. Way to hang in there and close out the win at the end.

As I calmly (just ask my wife) listened to UT lose its 15/16 point lead (Bob Kessling alternately said one or the other), I was confident that Bruce and the team would close out the game. Also, sometime tonight I realized that the men's and women's basketball teams are now the same for me. When either is in a close game, I expect them to win, regardless of the opposition or circumstances. I know that Pat and Bruce will have their teams prepared to play and that they will have the right personnel in the game for success (so long as the right personnel haven't fouled out).

Posted by asleep on February 2, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two things that make me very happy. First, Lofton has obviously gotten back on track and that makes us very scary down the road. Second, I didn't realize what a difference Crews makes. Chism is bigger but Crews is much quicker to the ball and to the basket. Road wins are so rare in any conference and I'm very proud of the Vols this week. Beat 'Bama in a rivalry game and took MSU down @ Humphreys - not a common feat. If we get through next week unbeaten, we will probably go to Memphis with only two losses. Who else wouldn't love to beat them by 20 in the Pyramid? Also, most of the "bias" from ESPN seemed to be on the football side and not all that recently. All I have heard from ESPN is that we are clearly the class of the SEC and that BP is nothing short of a miracle worker. Go Vols!!!

Posted by redneckerson on February 2, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like somebody has a career night against the Large Orange every game. That Stewart kid was a 32% 3 pt shooter before tonight. Guess you have to take everybody's best shot when you're at the top.

Posted by mattlock on February 2, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think picking State to win at State in being negative, especially when your heart isn't with the Vols like ours is. I wanted to believe we were going to win before the game, but I would not have been surprised to see us lose. That said, if we blew this game after that big lead, that would have been a HUGE disappointment.

Posted by creepykev on February 2, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you notice that if UT isn't playing on ESPN that day they hardly say anything about us. They only push the teams that are going to on their network that day. Every other team is garbage.

Posted by Ironcity on February 2, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SnowVol is so right. I think I have heard it all tonight on this board. Some of you are mad because ESPN commentators chose agasint us. Heck I picked against us. Teams with big inisde players have given us trouble all year. Instead of getting your feelings hurt appreciate the good coaching that Pearl brings to the table. Yes Miss St is big and physical, yet UT still won. Great game from everyone. I do have one complaint, I think my over 40 basketball team plays a better zone then UT. It was like shooting practice with not a had in anyones face.

Posted by james on February 2, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game to watch. Scarey at the end. Give MSU the credit for hitting some big shots. Great two wins on the road this week. Go Vols

Posted by mparker on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1--I'm happy as hell to be wrong twice in a row!!! I don't have video of this game, but from what I read looks like the vols were in control until the final 6 minutes. Maybe some odd fouls???

2--that youtube video of Chris....GREAT!!! If Chris would've played fottball, hw would have been CONDREDGE HOLLOWAY! The balance, the playmaking, the nerves.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 2, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What I find encouraging is that we outrebounded both State and Bama these last two games. If that trend continues, and if CL stays hot, we're positioned for a nice postseason run.

Posted by redneckerson on February 2, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ironcity, rest assured your team doesn't play any part of the game better than UT.

Posted by Ironcity on February 2, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whats great about UT right now is someone can have an awful game it hadly matters. Foul trouble can be easily overcome by our talented deep bench. I think the rebounding is a product of Duke and all the zones we seem to be seeing of late. We still need to be a little smarter down the streach of games. First Jujuan jacks up the early three and then Chism holds the ball instead of getting it out and passing it down into the corner where Jujuan aws wide open. In Chism's defense he may have thought Jujuan would jack up another ill advised three.

Posted by yemmusdarb on February 2, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wanna see a funny joke? look at Duke's away schedule this year. they only play 11 total games away out of 32 games, none of which are very scary. yet we get busted on for winning close games on the road. this game wasn't nearly as close as they made it in the final 6 minutes. the ref's in SEC play are horrible. i think we had 393 total fouls and only shot 1 free throw until about 15 min. left in the 2nd half compared to their 17 at that point. the ref's need to stay out of the game. people don't buy tix to watch them control the flow of the game: LET THEM PLAY!!! no blood no foul.

Posted by reg_mza on February 2, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Observations:

1. Great depth kept the Bulldogs off balance and guessing the whole game as to who would take a shot. That's vital come tourney time so other defenses cannot guess what you're going to do.

2. Loving the 3 ball and glad to see it falling on enemy soil. Some teams just don't shoot as well from 3 land on the road, ie., colder shooting on the road. Glad we're not suffering from that.

3. Glad to see Dukie put up that same energy we're used to...we need it.

4. Give the Dogs credit, they battled back and never gave up. Give us some credit in taking it to them on their own floor and dictating most of the outcome.

5. I'm reading WAY too much talk about bad officiating and ticky tack fouls but let's face it, the Vols are an extremely clingy, aggressive defense and YES those are fouls some times. We just happen to get away with quite a few and get called for just as many. This is a good thing actually because come NCAA tourney time, when we experience refs from other conferences with more conservative officiating, we'll be used to tight foul calling and adjust accordingly. How many times have we seen NCAA games where different refs from other conferences call games different and put some teams with far less depth in foul trouble because that team is not used to such a tight officiated game? Oh I can live with the officiating just fine.

6. We need to get more anticipatory on defense and stop hand checking to the point where ticky tack fouls become our Achilles heel.

7. Lastly, I love irony and it showed in this game. We almost got our attitudes checked big time by the Bulldogs and them doing what we do best, hitting the 3. And we helped seal the game by doing what they do best, defense with Chism blocking Rhodes, I believe, and Jordan grabbing the loose ball.

Posted by ggriggs939 on February 2, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can understand all the fouls in the AL game because they have the money to throw around. When they spend 5 million to get a coach to beat the VOLS in football, how much would they pay to get the 15 or more fouls on four of the VOLS basketball team.
MSU doesn't seem to have that much money avaikable.
Don't know what incentive the refs had tonight.

Posted by KingsportVol on February 2, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(Q)What does Michael Vick and Bruce Pearl have in common?
(A)They are both dog beaters!!!
Gonzaga,GA,Miss St

Anytime Anyplace Bring it !!!

Posted by budrhon on February 2, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Disagree about JP, thought he contributed nicely. The tech on him was so bogus because he did the same type dunk in a previous game with opposing players around him. Ticky foul by the Refs. For him to be about himself he would be jacking up ill advised shots which he doesn't. He does what Pearl needs him to do which is drive and penetrate. The Bulldogs interior just happen to reject or alter some of those shots.

Asleep - Memphis plays in the Fedex Forum, not the Pyramid anymore.

JuJuan is so deadly of late that you know he's got ice water running through his veins

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 2, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well the streak continues, never a post-game thread here without more ESPN hates us and the refs screwed us paranoia---u can always count on it---are your guyswho claim we always getting screwed by refs on the road willing to admit others teams get screwed on road against us at TBA as well so it all evens out----noooooooo, I didnt think so------unbelievable this same whinin and paranoia after every game ,win or lose, home or away,football or basketball -- the whole world hates us and is out to get us----but we sure give them a reason to hate us with the incessant whinin and cryin

Posted by orangeinmississippi on February 2, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a game! Went to the Memphis Grizzlies game, but they did have the game on all the TVS in the concourse area! GOOOOOOOOOO VOOOOLLLLSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring on those GATORS and Memphis Tigers!!!

Posted by redneckerson on February 2, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeh and we got arrogant, sarcastic, haters who value no opinion over their own - like yabbydabby.

Posted by mdsleeper on February 2, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wish we had not been asleep at the wheel when it came to recruiting Barry Stewart. From what I understand in the state only MTSU offered a D-1 scholarship. He really hurt us. We need to keep talent like that in the state. He would have looked good in orange.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 2, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After watching the ESPN Game Day crew all pick against us, I made a point of watching the half-time report of the UCLA-Arizona game (sorta fun watching O'Neill get his butt kicked) just to see what they would say about the MSU game. In a lightning quick summary of SEC games, Rece Davis said only that "Tennessee avoided the upset at MSU." They didn't give our higher ranking any respect in unanimously picking against us and then called it "avoiding an upset" in a throwaway line.
reg_mza, you are right that our defensive style on the perimeter exposes us to lots of foul calls, but since it also gives us lots of turnovers and tires and confuses our opponents, I can accept that. What I can't accept is that we almost NEVER get the benefit of the doubt inside. People crash over our backs on rebounds, knock our drivers to the floor, and shoulder us out of the way in the paint with no call or it's on us. We block a shot or strip a post man inside and we are called for fouls. Poor Brian Williams can't breathe inside without getting called for a foul while Chism gets mugged repeatedly with few calls. I'm just glad we have the depth and mental toughness to get through it all.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 2, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Apparently, ESPN hates us so much right now, they've put us (again) on the front page of their College Hoops section as the featured story, complete with photo of Ramar Smith defending a MSU player.

Posted by utchris2003 on February 2, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone mentioned mental toughness up above. One of the things that most impressed me tonight, was that even when Miss St. made the late push, our guys and coach never looked panicked. Other than maybe the Kentucky game this year, I have seen nothing but confidence in their eyes no matter the situation.

This is a good road win.

As for Memphis' struggles...was it foreshadowing? Can't spell UTep without UT!..haha

Posted by johnlg00 on February 2, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yababadoo, you would be hard pressed to name an instance in which opponents got jobbed by refs in TBA. We have less home-court advantage in refereeing than almost anybody.

Posted by vtvol on February 3, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks, it's not paranoia. ESPN does not like UT. A few minutes ago on Sportscenter, ESPN showed the highlights of tonight's UT-MSU game. Every shot shown was taken by a MSU player and the storyline was the frenetic comeback by the Bulldogs who rained threes down upon the Vols. They even showed a "helpless and bewildered" Bruce Pearl on the sideline. They flashed the final score briefly at the end while announcing that "the road team hung on." Quite a backhanded way of burying the lede, "Vols win."

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 3, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on. The reasons they showed the MSU highlights are 1) the comeback was the primary story line, and 2) they only had 15 seconds to fill. I watched the same piece. It was not anti-UT. It merely featured a comeback that fell short.

Posted by coach75 on February 3, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

great game, was worried there at the end. i was very into the game that i dvr'd, but because of the boring vandy-au runover my dvr cut off the last 2:12. i thought i was going to have a heart atttack when the screen popped-up to delete or keep. leave it to the dores to screw something up. i'm like others i thought that our shot selection was very poor at the end of the game. keep working hard vols.

Posted by ut_volfan on February 3, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00, actually we pulled the upset. SEC road wins are hard to come by. The SEC West leader at home should win the game. We were also a 1 pt dog according to the Vegas line. The GameDay crew was right to pick against us. I wouldn't have been surprised if we lost that game by 15-20, but I'm tickled to death that we won...by any margin.

Great game, great win, great season (so far!)

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 3, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

johnnigoo, you're paranoid--------i watch the games to enjoy the game and not critique the refs on every touch -------I'm speaking in general, not here to give instances------you have no basis to suggest every other team gets ref favoratism at home and we dont as well---you are deluded if you think such-----in your deluded state you wouldnt even admit other teams in general--TBA excepted you claim-- dont get the calls on the road as we dont so you claim---cant the Koolaiders show any fairness and non-bias at all---as I said before i anyone wanted to hate Tenn we give them plenty of reason with the constant crying and whinin and paranoia

Posted by Gustoly on February 3, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Continuing to blow big leads and poor FT shooting worries me as we head toward March and the "Dance".
Having said that, who would have thought we would be 19-2 in the first part of March ?
GO VOLS ! ! !

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 3, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vtvol, you're paranoid and deluded as well ---doesnt take away from the good game we played but we did hang on regardless of how the paranoid one wants to spin it

Posted by murrayvol on February 3, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coach75: Having had similar keep/delete kicks in the butt, I routinely dvr whatever show follows the game in question. Unfortunately my cable provider does not carry Vol games except those available on CBS or EASSPN.

Posted by chrisw2967 on February 3, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gustoly: I hate to tell you this but this is the first part of Feb. not March.
I noticed onething Chism gets manhandled in the paint,he got pushed around all night. Crews will be starting in another week. Just keep proving ESPN nerds wrong and I also think we will beat Fla. by at least 20, if not by more

Posted by kbart4033 on February 3, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought the game turned when we switched to the zone and then stayed in it, allowing State to get
squared up and in a rhythm...I like showing zone,
but only for one or two possessions. I thought our
man defense had State totally out of sync...Anyone
know why R. Smith spent last 9-10 minutes on the bench?...I like Tabb's toughness; hope he can hit
a couple of Js soon and get his offensive confidence back...Speaking of officiating, I believe SEC crews have no clue on the blocking-
charge calls...Let'em play--especially under the rim...Go Vols!

Posted by mparker on February 3, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't much care about what ESPN says. UT is still having problems at that 7-minute mark. They gotta get something steadier going.

To the fellow about the fouls: I did a sampling of games over the last week or so (SEC and others), and it seems that the preponderance of FT's goes to the home team. I'd hate to think it's systemic, but it sure is there in black and whte.

About UK: I think the ESPN guys are wrong. UK has a chanbe to win 9 of the next 10 games, with the toughest looking to be at UT and at Vandy. Teh way Patterson is playing, Vandy is dead meat. I think 19 wins put them in, especially if they show well in the SEC tourney. The selectionc committee does look at how you do down the stretch.

Posted by bshell12 on February 3, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ramar sat in the closing minutes because it was on his side in the zone that stewart killed us on

Posted by creepykev on February 3, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wouldn't go predicting Fl blowouts. Except for todays game they have looked pretty good lately. We will have to play inspired basketball to beat them.

Posted by mparker on February 3, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kbart:
did we go zone because we had 4 players with 4 fouls???

Posted by tennvol on February 3, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey yabadabadoo, how about some objective evidence of the poor officiating? Here is a clip from tonight's game where they gave MSU credit for a 3 when it was an obvious 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYQRE_...

This could have had a huge impact on the game if MSU had hit that 3 at the end.

Posted by nnease15 on February 3, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All 3 guys on Gameday this morning picked Miss. St. and 2 of the 3 said Miss. St. was the best team in the conference. I hope Pearl showed them that at least 10 times before the game.

Posted by FatherVol on February 3, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, where are all the Memphis fans today. I guess they're home wondering how they managed to escape a near loss at home to UTEP....

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 3, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tennvol--I'll admit that was a bad call that we have a birdeyes eye view of in a replay-------these guys are human and cant be expected to be 100% perfect anymore than you or me are---my complaint is the paranoid suggestions that calls are deliberately made against and to screw Tenn----bad calls generally go both ways over the course of a game and a season and balance out----i never said there we never any bad calls or no calls---there is no ref conspiracy against tenn

Posted by weedbreath on February 3, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know I thought I had seen that wasn't a three!I'm glad you posted that clip because I was thinking I was seeing things after they called it a three. The scoreboard even showed it was only a two at first but the commentator said it was three and then the score changed. That is amazing because he was more than two feet inside the three point line!

Posted by NashVol74 on February 3, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Game! About the ESPN comments....I would have to say that they do have a vendetta against the vols..Besides ESPN started the whole test/academic accusations a few yrs ago. The only caster that I value an opinion is Herbstreit..other than that they are all Big Ten freaks..Pearl has silenced critics by delevering..hard to be negative about what he has done with the program..Now all we need to do is get Fulmer to get us back on track like we use to be and give ESPN highlight film. Hard to make highlights with Coach Cuts 2-3 yrd sideline patterns.

Posted by FatherVol on February 3, 2008 at 1:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Was just reading on ESPN.com the article by Chris Low about the game. Well-written and (I think) very positive about the Vols.

Checked out the ESPN Power Rankings and was surprised to see that Hubert Davis (ESPN Analyst)doesn't even have the Vols in his Top 16! He has Kansas State in there, and Gonzaga and Xavier. But the Vols are nowhere to be found. All the other have us in their Top 10.

Posted by ballewville6 on February 3, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo you are out of the stone age for sure there were 3 goal tendings that were definatly goal tending in first half and point out to me if you possibly can any game at home where we were shooting freethrows in the first 5 or 6 minuets of both halfs and the double bonus with 12 minuets to go in game and miss state had 3 fouls called in the same period of time and prince got a t for hanging on the rim but i seen a miss state player under him if he had not held on he woul have been under cut you moron and 4 minuets later a miss state player got a dunk a hung on same way and there was not another player within 8 feet of him ,and at the end of game the announcer said give miss state credit for great comeback to make it a game and said nothing of a great road win by tennessee who has not won very many games at state in a long while ,you are a nimrod or blind one i dont agre with ggriggs on payment of officals i just dont think to many of them like tennesseemlike the polls we lose on the road to a team that has beating us well over a hundred games and 90 percent at rupp and we drop 4 spots and unc losses at home to an unranked team and 3 is all they drop,we have played and beaten more ranked teams in the country than any one else in country and ranked number 1 in rpi and we are behind georgetown that is laughable and we shoul move to number 5 after k state beat kansas after losing 18 games in a row to them then k-state lost to missoure but maby the rankings will change when we are 24 and 2 and we beat nuber 1 memphis on road to snap there 47 or 49 game regular season winstreak dating back to when we beat them by 22 last year

Posted by VOLS85 on February 3, 2008 at 4:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For everyone who has issues with spelling, his name is JAJUAN Smith, and his name is ERIK Ainge...If you're going to be fans, please learn how to spell their names, because you make yourself look like you don't have a clue.

On another positive note, officiating. I could have been on 14 different kinds of drugs and still not screwed up the 3 point call with the MSU player who clearly had two feet fully INSIDE of the three point line. My friends and myself only saw it once(LIVE) and we yelled at the TV for 10 minutes telling FSN to change the score. I do not care what their excuse is, they are officiating in the biggest sports conference in the country that has produced the last two national championships. These refs should undoubtedly be reviewed for this incident because it was a complete and utter failure to do their jobs. How can they be trusted to call the rest of the fouls when an obvious 2 is so egregiously missed?! This is different from a bad call because I've been watching college basketball for a long time, and refs get chastised for missing a call where a player has the tip of his toe on the three point line. The failure to be 100% is inexcusable. That is an extremely elementary call!

Posted by callen825 on February 3, 2008 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I had to follow the game on ESPN Live Update...FSS did not broadcast here in lovely Ohio, and I guess the networks didn't want us to see it either. I hope to the man above I can watch the Memphis/UT game...surely ESPN, or someone will broadcast it.
Go VOLS

Posted by natcross24 on February 3, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

budrhon---have to disagree. as bad as i hate to say it i think JP's technical was a good call. he did a chin up on the rim, which was uncalled for. it would have been different if someone would have been under him. he also seems to whine alot on calls that i am sure did not help in that situation. seems as if he is lost out there most of the time to me.

Posted by natcross24 on February 3, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FatherVol---agreed, great article on espn by chris low. i am not sure where all the negative vibes are coming from on here about espn. granted they picked against us, but who cares. i personally think they are giving more coverage now than i can ever remember in the past. 5 years ago you would be lucky to even get a UT highlight on espn. i am glad they are covering the highlights, and coming to do our games. who cares if they pick against us on game day. that could be good in the end as Coach can use it as bulletin board material.

Posted by vol52 on February 3, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The road is a lonely place in the SEC. This team has some grit. They will learn from this game and get better. GO VOLS!

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 3, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Zandra, It's still not Feb23. Did you bring your friend yet? UTEP was a powerhouse too eh? 13-7 at Memphis and were winning by 2 with 4 min to go. I guess we should be impressed by that one.

Posted by FatherVol on February 3, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Callen825, the Tennesse-Memphis game is on ESPN. You'll get to see that one. The MSU game was on Fox Sports South here in Memphis; it's no wonder you couldn't get it in Ohio. Where in Ohio? I grew up in Delaware (OH), just north of Columbus.

Posted by FatherVol on February 3, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Zandra, or is it Sandra?:

Why don't you just be a person of integrity by keeping your word and absenting yourself from our circle until February 23 as you promised. Even a Memphis State , er, U of M fan is only as good as his/her word.

Posted by THE_VOL on February 3, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you people realize how LITTLE there is in Starkville???? What a freaking dump this place is! But everybody here has brightened my day with all the comedy about ESPN, officiating, and of course the always present amateur coaching clinic! LMFAO!!! I absolutely do not understand the TN faithful's insecurity complex and constant bitching about ESPN. Who really gives a damn what a bunch of former coaches who can't get another job and former players who never made the big-time think????? History has proven that the Selection Committee doesn't and other than WINNING, THAT is ALL that matters! Get over it! After all it's not like TN has some great hoops history that should be respected or feared by all! I guarantee you that whatever negatives are put out there about the Vols play into our favor as it helps our guys stay hungry while remaining underrated by opponents. As for officiating, another comedy. Yeah they weren't good last night but all this bitching would have been on here even if the Vols had won by 20. FACT folks - college basketball road games are so hard because ALL home teams are gonna get the edge with officials. TN gets calls at home too - deal with it! Another FACT - officials had NOTHING to do with letting MSU bury an avalanche of 3s the last 5 minutes!

Now for the QUESTION OF THE DAY for all you wannabe Pearls - WHY THE HELL WAS CHISM ON THE FLOOR WHEN TN GOT THE BALL WITH 39 SECONDS LEFT AND MSU FORCED TO FOUL?????? THAT little Pearl nugget just about cost this team this game - while MUCH BETTER FREE THROW SHOOTERS WERE SITTING!!! Now I know that questioning The Savior and Almighty One may get my "true Vol fan" credentials revoked but THAT was just plain stupid!

In any event, zander ole bud, don't you disappear on us these next few weeks - and PLEASE don't let your Tiger High boys drop any to those powers of the CUSA - yesterday was certainly impressive against that Mining school. I think your boys are getting really primed to get that ass kicked so keep em pumped up!!!! Oh - and be sure to tell all the MemPISS cops to just look the other way the next few weeks - we don't want ANY excuses coming from you clowns!!! Of course there's always the LOGAN YOUNG SOLUTION!!! LMFAO!!

Posted by Plasticman on February 3, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TennVol , thanks for the Youtube of the 2 pt. shot that was called a 3. We were watching the game and when the announcers said he hit his secoh=nd three, we went bezerk. He was 2 feet inside the 3 pt. line. The ref that called that a 3 definitely needs to be reprimanded. No excuse when it's not even close. I don't understand why Pearl didn't call a TO and have the shot reviewed, they do this all the time. Zandra, keep beating up on your Patsies and we'll see you Feb. 23rd!

Posted by chowdog2 on February 3, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Being a Vol fan, I definitely enjoyed the final score but the game itself was tiring. The officials called a foul, on average, every 50 seconds. This tells me that the officials were much too involved. I don't think they intended to favor either team but since State had 4 guys playing in the high 30 minute range, all the stopping for foul shots allowed them to catch their breath and avoid fatigue. This definitely worked against us. At game's end, they still looked fresh. Main thing is we won and Chris is back for sure! Also glad to see Josh get some minutes. Jordan stepped up when he had too! Now let's pack our bags for Memphis. GO VOLS !!

Posted by gruntworks on February 3, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a Memphian and Tiger fan, I have to agree with you about ESPN's antipathy toward UT, especially in football. I don't know the history, or reasons, but football Gameday clearly dislikes you folks in Knoxville. I guess it's their Big 10 and Big East roots, but they never have liked the SEC, which is OBVIOUSLY the powerhouse in college football. It does seem, though, that your (conference) dominance in recent years has earned their grudging respect. On the basketball side, with everything coach Pearl has accomplished so far and in so short a time (and in the classy and exciting way he's done it), I don't know why the talking egos at ESPN haven't given you more acclaim. It's matched; however, by their overall disregard and disrespect for Memphis basketball. We're undefeated, setting school records, extendeding winning streaks, etc. and they're constantly suggesting other teams are the "real" #1. ESPN has become more about their inflated personalities than the games they cover. They have become caricatures of themselves. And I have reached the point that I will not watch ANYTHING in which Stuart Scott appears. He is the absolute epitome of the over-hyped, over-exposed grandstander - even worse than Vitale. So Vols, ignore the detrators and continue with your great season. I wish you only two more losses - Feb in Memphis and April 7 in San Antonio. Go Tigers!

Posted by hosslarry on February 3, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a diehard Tenn. fan in Northern Virginia and officiated collegiate basketball for 20 years and you just have to be realistic in acknowledging that this team just commits too many fouls and a lot of them are unnecessary and just plain dumb. It appears to me that they can't play defense without fouling and early in the 2nd half last night they committed 4 fouls in less than a minute. Tight in your face defense is great but play it without all the grabbing and body bumps. If Pearl doesn't get this under control soon, it's going to cost them when playing somebody that can hit free throws. 27 fouls last night and I would bet that the majority of them didn't involve a shot being taken by State.

Posted by pdhuff on February 3, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This keeps up with B Ball soaring and football staying the course, we may turn into Ky and airforceones. Gonna be tuff having to wait for the winter to get excited, but the groundwork is being laid. Well, at least the B Ball fanatics have passion and that's what the games about.

What do you do all fall with nothing to look forward to? May we'll have another concert. Phil and the Farmall's or Chief and his Cloggers or TDtn's Jug Band featuring Dupree on bass jug and 12times on harp.

Posted by utfpmd on February 3, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a great article on ESPN about the vols.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...

It is written by Chris Low, an awesome sportwriter formerly with the Tennessean.
Yes, there are positive comments about the Vols on ESPN. There would be more about the football team if we would simply perform better.

Posted by TurboFan on February 3, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Classy post Gruntworks, albeit, a strange post name.

ESPN's interest is in getting people to watch them. Last year we were the darlings, bare painted chest and all. This year, by picking against us they are either right, or have created a cinderella. Either way people watch.

Posted by Ironcity on February 3, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My brother is a Florida grad and he complains to me that UT hacks more then any team in the Nation. He contends that we get away with it because the refs loved Dane Bradshaw and love Pearl. One's perspective comes from what side of the fense you are on. I know that the people at Ole Miss and Miss St thought there were obvious fouls at the end of the games not called on UT. I will say that the refs tend to call the game towards the most physical players. Thats why Chism doesn't get calls. As for Williams, he hasn't learned how not to foul yet. He makes it easy for the refs to call fouls. You notice Pearl never complains about the refs. He knows that as a whole, our team is physical and plays the game on the edge.

One last thing, please people lets get past the inferiority complex we have. ESPN loves UT and ESPN loves college basketball. These guys do not have an agenda. They will promote games that are on ESPN over games that are not. Why any of you would think otherwise is just stupid.

Posted by Plasticman on February 3, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Being a long time BB Fan (and a rec league official, which does not give me any credibility at all for officiating), I think the best officiated games are the ones that you do not realize the officials are even there. Yes, they need to call the obvious fouls, but the ticky tac fouls that were called during the MSU game just turn the game into a FT shooting contest. Many of these SEC refs need to watch tape of themselves and see how they are the center of attention, instead of the game itself.

Posted by marc_ash on February 3, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, yabadabadoo1026 good post. Kwitcherbellyachin, good post from you too. Let me mirror what you've both said on my own soapbox.

Next, quit whining about the ESPN announcers. Why even waste your time crying about that. Makes UT fan's look like whiners. Let the Vols speak on the court and stop with the "poor UT getting blasted by the announcers" crap.

Redneckerson, how is yabadabadoo being arrogant for stating some facts?

Next, are you people insane about fouls?!?! UT got some VERY favorable calls in that building (especially in the second half). The loose ball that Gordon went for and barely grazed JuJuan. The technical foul that we got. The charge they gave UT when Tyler was clearly too far under the basket. Fouls were not called poorly at ALL. The Ohio State game, thats a different story...just not this game.

If you don't like ESPN, turn the channel.

And zander616 do you REAAALLLLLLY want to talk smack when Memphis BARELY beat a UTEP team at home in the closing 30 seconds. Memphis is truely a joke, and will be embarrassed on their home floor. UTEP? hahaha, come on.

Posted by creepykev on February 3, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Aren't you guys in Memphis number one in the nation in another infamous contest? Murder rate. What language is it that you speak out there? I can't understand a word anyone says. Must be those wonderful public schools. We should cut TN off at Jackson so we won't have to hang our heads when the name TN is said after the profane word Memphis.

Posted by marc_ash on February 3, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the_vol, notice how many folks respond to your posts. Nobody cares.

You still going to insist that Williams will be redshirted this year and won't be an impact? You are the expert though, aren't you?

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 3, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Having lived 20 years in Memphis, I can say with firsthand knowledge that if somehow Memphis could be given to the state of Mississippi, both states would improve in every way imaginable.

I'm reporting zander616. We don't need his/her trashy comments on here.

Posted by chowdog2 on February 3, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hosslarry -- while I certainly can't compare my experience to yours in the area of officiating, I am still puzzled why all the fouls last night. Not to sound argumentative but if what you say about UT's defense is correct, why isn't it called that way consistently? If the refs have the option of "letting them play" then I'd rather see that than calling a foul because someone waved at someone else. Or stepped on his shadow. har har. That said, I don't think there was intentional calls against UT. It went both ways.

Posted by kevinlimbo on February 3, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm no JP apologist, but.....

He does play a role on this team, especially when the other team goes zone or presses up on the outside shooters. IMHO, Bruce has given JP the green light to drive to the basket when the other team is in zone, like Lofton having the green light to shoot the three when he has the slightest hint of daylight. JP is a scorer.

With JP's rangy build I think he should be a better defender making steals in the passing lanes in the half court, and perhaps that'll get better as the season goes on. I think he's already made some improvement in that area. However, from a defensive standpoint I feel much better seeing Tabb on the floor. No matter how much improvement JP makes, he'll never be the on ball defender Tabb is. The trade off is, Tabb is not an offensive threat.

My question is why can't our big men catch the ball on an entry pass and go up stong? Crews and Chism both had this problem last year.

Posted by iowavol on February 3, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TheVOL, the question of the day is not why Chism was on the floor with 39 seconds left - it's hard to question anyting Pearl does. No, the question of the day is why did Chism not give the ball up after he caught it. Seems like he held it for 3-4 seconds with no one around him. I think Pearl was asking the same question from the sideline.

As for the ESPN and ref paranoia, got to agree with Yaba on this. We get our share of love from both and our share of grief from both. Last night's game was definitely on the lack of love from the refs - what did they shoot 40+ FTs to our 18 - too big a difference. The fact that ESPN is talking about us period is a good thing - lots of publicity. As for football highlights showing other teams scoring against us - the solution is in our hands - quit letting other teams have career days against us and they will stop showing that kind of highlight.

Posted by txvolsfan on February 3, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OLETD, I agree with Gordon, We would be NASTY!!!
Glad your back from your timeout!!!
GO VOLS
Will see you in March here on the Riverwalk
I GOT MY TICKETS AND MY POPCORN
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by cazfree58 on February 3, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we not just keep zander off here altogether? Man...he is annoying.

GO VOLS!

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 3, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know who's paranoid and not paranoid, but what has Tennessee done on the men's BB or football side to warrant ESPN blowing sunshine up our rear ends? The sweet 16 run was tremendous last year and should have gone further, but it didn't happen. Fulmer is 0-for-Atlanta going back ten years now. Obviously this BB team has something great going that we all hope turns into a return trip to San Antonio. However, we have never passed beyond the Sweet 16, so our cred isn't there yet. Let's keep it rolling and skin the Gators Tuesday night.

Posted by chilton77 on February 3, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Zander616, is UTEP a Division 2 or Division 3 team? I can never remember.

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 3, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did I catch a "neener" in there from Zander? What is that? When are you guys going to join a conference and attempt to become legitimate?

Posted by TommyJack on February 3, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Zander: I always thought Memphis was the place Hell went to die.

Posted by rockyknox on February 3, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Zandra, The kittens have powerhouse SMU with an RPI of 284 coming up next. That should boost your score and confidence.

Posted by Orangefever on February 3, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey zandra, CONFERENCE USA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHHAHAH

Posted by johnlg00 on February 3, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to keep flogging the deceased equine, but I would like some of those stat wizards who parse every conceivable baseball stat do an analysis of officiating in basketball, especially with regard to the so-called "home-court advantage". I have watched basketball at every level, in person and on TV, from every perspective as player, coach, and fan, and in several different countries, for more than 50 years. I would be AMAZED if there is not a significant home-court edge in officiating--EXCEPT at TBA. I'm not saying that we don't get the occasional favorable call, but as often as not it is sheer incompetence by the refs. This is not to say that they are necessarily anti-UT, just that the NORMAL home-court advantage in officiating does not apply to UT at home to the degree it does other places. There are only a very few refs who are not intimidated by certain home crowds, certain coaches, and even certain players. Our home crowd intimidates NO ONE. Refs who have clearly been intimidated at Rupp Arena, for example, come to TBA and almost seem to say to themselves, "Tonight I'm gonna show the world that I am NOT intimidated by a home crowd!" Now, granted, there are no more perfectly played games than there are perfectly officiated games. The fact is that there are so many teams and so many games these days that the supply of skilled, experienced refs falls far short of the demand. The good ones, and too many of the bad ones, call games almost every night of the week at widely separated sites. The travel demands alone are unbelievable. The game itself is faster and more physical than ever. The sheer noise at many game sites has a physical and psychic pressure, let alone the abusive content of the "cheers". How can one not believe that the constant cursing and abuse "uncooperative" refs get at, for example, Cameron Indoor Stadium and from Coach K have an effect? By contrast, the atmosphere at TBA is simply not that intimidating. The quiescence of our older fans on the sidelines is well-known. CBP does not berate refs nearly as much as some. To sum up, the "home-court advantage" is a real phenomenon; we don't get as much advantage out of it as some; and it is not necessarily anti-UT.

Posted by icecream on February 3, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris and JuJuan pulled us through again, But rebounding was the key to this game. We're on a collision course with Memphis and they know were comming hard.

Posted by bshell12 on February 3, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Chris Low article speaks very well for the vols, but this story does not and it is written by Jimmy Hyams for Tennessee Scout. I had to check and see what website i was on cause this story kills the vols.

http://tennessee.scout.com/2/725758.html

Posted by ryjenkins on February 3, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Props to Chris Low on the ESPN article. He was very straight forward about how he felt the Vols are playing right now. I really thought it was a great article and it is nice to see that their are some at ESPN that value the Vols play.

Posted by icecream on February 3, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

officiating was terrible. Had Tyler been able to play more it waould not have been so close.
SEC's best two teams Tennessee & Arkansas

Posted by icecream on February 3, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 3, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll admit any team can can a bad game but I figured the Memphis escapees would lay low and go into hiding for a few days after yesterdays 36 % fg%, 51% FT% and 6% 3-pt % ( 1-17) against the mighty UTEP----hardly seems the day to be over here talking smack

Posted by johnlg00 on February 3, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshell12, thanks for the link. Apparently Jimmy Hyams did not notice that we had FOUR guys with FOUR fouls each when we went into the zone, fouls that we picked up when we were playing our usual "in their jersey" man-to-man. That said, we need to do a better job of contesting the three from the zone. I guess that is only to be expected when we play so little zone. I remember one game as a player when I had to physically push one of my teammates out to cover a guy who had been killing us from the corner. I too question Chism even being in the game late when it was clear that MSU had to foul, but even CBP might admit that he missed that one. I guess he thought we needed Wayne's rebounding and interior defense enough to risk him having to go to the line when the game was in doubt.
The Chris Low ESPN.com article was indeed kind to the Vols. Jimmy Dykes and Brad Nessler, who have seen much more of UT than the studio suits, have been generally favorable towards us. ESPN, as a big media corporation, perhaps understandably gives more, and more favorable, coverage to the programs with the big national followings. We are just not quite there yet.

Posted by pdhuff on February 3, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat the Gators. Anywhere, anytime. They will be dangerous.

Posted by bshell12 on February 3, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree Chism shooting free throws down the stretch is not something we want, however, he did make a huge block on Rhodes in the closing seconds, I don't have a problem with him being on the floor but he needs to concentrate hard on getting better at FT's, because teams are going to allow him to get the ball when they are wanting to foul, and also are press break set at times calls for him to get the ball at the foul line and then to make an outlet pass to a slanting guard.

Posted by THE_VOL on February 3, 2008 at 2 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by TurboFan on February 3, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Johnlg, the only wrinkle to the excuse of "four guys with four fouls" is that we run 10 deep. My guess is the zone was to protect Jujuan who was guarding Gordon, from fouling out not Wayne or Tyler or Brian. And who would think they would hit 7 of 8 down the stretch?

Regarding Wayne, could ask the same question in the Alabama game.

Posted by budrhon on February 3, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN is like FOX news, unbalanced, unfair and one sided.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on February 3, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nnease15 -- What do you expect from those three so-called analysts -- Hubert Davis (N Carolina) Jay Bilas (Duke) and Digger Phelps (Notre Dame). It was hard for them to pick a winner since both teams were SEC teams and they couldn't pick a non-SEC team. We should all pitch in and buy them a plane ticket to Knoxville so they can see what real basketball looks like.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 3, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40plus Vol, that was pretty much my point. The thing is WHO is in foul trouble as much as how many there are. We needed Chism, Tyler, and JaJuan in the game at crunch time, but had to try to protect them from fouling out. The principal benefit to our depth is hopefully taking minutes and fouls in the middle of the game so our key guys are able to go full speed in crunch time. The trouble in this game was that Tyler and JuJuan in particular got in foul trouble in the first half. The way the game was being called meant that we had to back off the defensive pressure if we wanted our main guys to be there at the end when we really needed them. BTW, this was a GREAT win and I fully support CBP and our hard-fightin' guys. I never want to be critical of the team as long as we are getting such a high level of effort and, usually, execution. No coach and no team is perfect all the time, but, boy, we sure come lots of times in the most critical situations. It's great to be a VOL fan!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on February 3, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Meant to say that we "come close" to perfection when we have to(;-D)! Love me some Vols!!!

Posted by TurboFan on February 3, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Understand your point, John, but my point was that Wayne and Tyler could have been replaced with equal or better FT shooters and trey shooters. Jujuan could not. Yeah, I know CBP had a much better handle on it than any of us, would just like insight into his genius.

Posted by DSmooth1977 on February 3, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris found his mojo on the way to Lexington and watching him splash 3's like old...... is enough to make any Vol fan smile.....all the way to San Antonio.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 3, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40plusVol, I'm not sure we have that many better FT shooters than Tyler and I don't think we needed any 3-pt shooters on the floor at the end, because we didn't need to be taking threes at that point, but that's just me. I enjoy exchanging views with you, and I think we both enjoy and support the exciting brand of basketball CBP and the guys are bringing us!

Posted by Vol_Fan_4_Life_615 on February 3, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game, cant wait to see the rematch in the tourny, that sunday will be special in alot of ways if we keep fighting like we have been

Go Vols
So anyone hungry for some gator tail? Yum cant wait till tuesady night.

Posted by THE_VOL on February 3, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey marcy boy - Since the KNS police removed my previous post I'll try to make it a bit more acceptable for the hypocrites.

Do you REALLY believe that I care if anybody responds to my posts or not???? Unlike your socially challenged self I don't have to come on this board to get validation.

Secondly, as for your boy Williams - (A) he WOULD have been redshirted if Duke had not gone down, and, (B) Other than ONE game he has had absolutely NO IMPACT - unless of course you consider being a foul/turnover waiting to happen an IMPACT. Never mind, you probably do.

Finally, I've purposefully left you alone for several weeks mostly because I find you boring, uninformed, misguided and pretty much stupid. PLEASE let me know if you'd rather I give you the attention you are craving so much. Will be glad to oblige but I promise it won't be pretty. Here's a suggestion - take the LOGAN YOUNG SOLUTION!

Posted by dfreeman on February 3, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good evening zander, congrats to your kitties they purred their way to a win!! Again, we can talk about the education and wealth of Knoxville and Memphis all you want to!! Average household income is higher in Knoxville!! Higher test scores and academics in Knoxville both at grade schools and university levels!! Hillbillies?? It would seem your little rundown crack infested rat hole of a city has taken over the hillbilly name!! Here's proof you sack of monkey dung!!!

http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/C...

Enjoy that underarm farting contest and pigs feet bobbing!! HICK!!

Posted by dopedawg on February 3, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prince needs to remember TEAM. He doesnt need to showboat.

Posted by dopedawg on February 3, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only things good about Memphis:
BBQ
Elvis
St Judes

after that, nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by newtonrail on February 4, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, I hope I don't get The_Vol mad at me. Been reading this site since it was established as pay site, and I see no need in Harsh name calling to and telling another poster to commit suicide. Nuts. Have gotten to most of the home games, and the Zebras have been pretty good except one game. That one was fair, they called it equally bad on both teams. Now we know ESPN cost Peyton the Heisman, and the Eastern writers same with Johnny. We might as well move on and remember they are in business for one thing--that's right $$$ just like the rest of us. If not for ESPN, my mother and a lot of you folks wouldn't get to see a lot of Tenn games on TV. Men's and Women's BB and Football. The way those folks make money is stirring folks like us up. Some have referred to ole Hyams Scout article. That just stirs the pot to call his Sport Talk Program. And then we all get to talk, see, some more sports; and make some more money don't you see?