Posted by Volchaz on February 25, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rocky Top of the world........How sweet it is...

Posted by HardcoreHottie on February 25, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never before in our collective lifetimes Vol Nation.

Thank you Bruce Pearl for making this a first in many ways.

Posted by tigervol9802 on February 25, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not surprised we are number 1......

Very surprised it is unamious! Wow!

We've taken care of little brother, now let's just take care of the ugly red-headed step-bother Tuesday.

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Associated Press Top 25
The nation's sportswriters have their say in the granddaddy of polls.
1 Memphis
2 Tennessee
3 North Carolina
4 Kansas
5 Duke
6 UCLA
7 Texas
8 Butler
9 Stanford
10 Xavier
11 Wisconsin
12 Georgetown
13 Connecticut
14 Purdue
15 Indiana
16 Drake
17 Washington State
18 Louisville
19 Michigan State
20 Vanderbilt
21 Notre Dame
22 Texas A&M
23 St. Mary's
24 Kansas State
25 Marquette
Complete poll
(02/25/2008) at 02:08 EST
Coaches Poll
If anyone is in the know, it's the highly regarded coaches who vote here.
1 Memphis
2 Tennessee
3 North Carolina
4 Duke
5 Kansas
6 UCLA
7 Texas
8 Butler
9 Stanford
10 Wisconsin
11 Georgetown
12 Xavier
13 Connecticut
14 Indiana
15 Purdue
16 Vanderbilt
17 Michigan State
18 Drake
19 Washington State
20 St. Mary's
21 Notre Dame
22 Texas A&M
23 Louisville
24 Marquette
25 Kansas State
Complete poll
(02/25/2008) at 02:08 EST

Posted by murrayvol on February 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What could be better?? To still be there come April 7. Way to go Vols. Don't let up. Wasn't sure I'd live to see this.

Posted by dlobh on February 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, we need to be undefeated in the state before we really deserve #1. Beat Vandy!

Posted by VolJunkie on February 25, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is fantastic and a proud day for the Volunteers. IMHO we beat the 3rd best team in the State on Saturday and Tuesday night's game against Vandy is going to be tough. I think I read that no #1 team has won at Vandy in the past 30 years. Good thing this UT team seems to be all about breaking streaks!

Well done to CBP and all the men in orange. GO VOLS!!

Posted by jh43 on February 25, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee at Nr. 1 - it only seems right!

Now that we have gotten there, let's stay!

Go Vols!

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. Tennessee (31) 25-2 775
2. North Carolina 26-2 726
3. Memphis 26-1 714
4. UCLA 24-3 669
5. Texas 23-4 635

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best in its own state, and now best in the land by unanimous vote.

By thwarting Memphis' pursuit of a perfect season Saturday with a 66-62 victory, Tennessee wrestled the No. 1 ranking in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll away from the Tigers -- its first visit to the top in school history.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/st...

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are still #2 in the 2 big polls Coaches & AP.Does not really make much sense how you lose at home and don't drop.Where is TDTN to make some sense out of this mess?Destroy Vandy!

Posted by vegasvol on February 25, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kpvol, double ckeck you're info. Vols #1 in ESPN poll. AP poll not out yet.

Posted by fjm777 on February 25, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YES!!!!! GO VOLS!!! BEAT VANDY!!!!

Posted by vegasvol on February 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

correction, Vols #1 in both polls. All 1st place votes in both.

Posted by FatherVol on February 25, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think some one must have copied the polls from last week before the new rankings were posted to the polls page on ESPN.

Posted by vegasvol on February 25, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another correction, NC got 2 1st place votes and UCLA got 1.

Posted by pjhaddix on February 25, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport, you were looking at last week's...we're #1 in both, and Memphis is #3 in ESPN's and #2 in AP. And I am surprised by the unanimous vote, too. Now we just have to get the energy back for Vandy tomorrow night! Go Vols...sweep the state!

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The USA/ESPN Coaches poll has us at #! and the AP will not be released until later tonight.

Posted by 4everavolfan on February 25, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to all of our Players, Coaches, Staff and Fans!!

What a great time for the University of Tennessee, as well as our whole State.

Keep the focus on these upcoming games. We're pulling for you.

GO VOLS !!!!!

Posted by 98reax on February 25, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THANKS VOLS BBall. THANK YOU, Coach Pearl. You are greater than pearls! You made history. Pearl for President!

Posted by eduardo on February 25, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe this! We have finally arrived after years of irrelevant bball! buzzball seem like a lifetime ago, greenjeans a millenium ago and wade the fade centuries ago! How about a new hall of fame after Pearl the Real Bball coach gets through here? How about that 2k's? Haa haa

Posted by pjhaddix on February 25, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dennis, ESPN.com has the AP posted:
AP Top 25
1. Tennessee (69) 25-2 1,797
2. Memphis 26-1 1,682
3. North Carolina (2) 26-2 1,668
4. UCLA (1) 24-3 1,593
5. Texas 23-4 1,478

Posted by FatherVol on February 25, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AP Poll is out. UT #1 but not unanimous. Vols are second twice behind UNC and second on one ballot behind UCLA. UT got 69 of the 72 first place votes, as previously noted.

Posted by Colliervol on February 25, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

69 out of 72 first place votes is still pretty impressive. You know there are always going to be a couple of homers that would give NC or UCLA a vote if they are given the slightest opening.

Posted by 55Vol on February 25, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Smile.... nice job CBP and team.

Posted by 55Vol on February 25, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Smile.... nice job CBP and team.

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pjhaddix
Thanks for the update. The last time I had checked it was not released.

Posted by VolJunkie on February 25, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for posting the AP, I did not realize it had come out yet. Interesting that UT is unanimous pick in ESPN/USA Today but split vote in AP. More interesting is that Memphis did not get any of the first place votes: UT 69, NC 2, UCLA 1, Memphis 0!

Take care of Vandy tomorrow ... GO VOLS!!

Posted by MOOREVOLS on February 25, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great. Maybe we can get the shooting guard from Kentucky now. What's his name? Hopkins or something like that? I can't remember his name, but I know he can shoot and we'll need him next year. Now, let's beat Vandy.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on February 25, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great for right now but as Lofton and Pearl have both said there is alot of basketball to be played and it only matters whose number 1 in April. Great job though for taking a sleeping giant and putting it on top of the basketball world.

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www6.comcast.net/sports/articl...

Posted by marc_ash on February 25, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Enough talk about polls and rankings folks. Do not get caught up in the hype! We have Vandy ahead on the schedule. You know...the Vandy that is 17-0 at home this season. Yea, that Vandy.

Again, Polls and memphis mean squat right now. Play like you've been there before. Beat Vandy.

Posted by utvolz on February 25, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats Vols! Wow! CBP will keep the focus on Vandy. Heck, they were back at work yesterday watching Vandy film. Don't forget the majic in that Orange blazer tomorrow night too...

Frank in Miami

Posted by 98reax on February 25, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love Coach Pearl's humility. Always giving the university, its athletic program the glory. He says thanks and goes ahead and shares it with fans, and everyone who is so happy right now. Give the quy a raise and a phat contract. come on marc-ash, it's OK to be skeptical, especially if you are among the intellegent fan club. We can be proud as heck today. You cannot take away that right. We know at the same time, tomorrow is another game. A game that has just as much merit, if not more, being a serious conference contender. But today, my friend we are numero uno. Enjoy it while you can.

Posted by juicetke on February 25, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does Kingsport Vol keep posting last weeks polls?

Posted by pdhuff on February 25, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Drill the Dores. Play like # 1. Do it.

Find a unicycle rider. Gen Fritter could do it.

Posted by MOOREVOLS on February 25, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash
I think the team has moved past Memphis already. That's the main thing. But, isn't it fun as fans to be #1 for the first time? Now no one can ever say we've never been there before. I totally agree though, I'd much rather be there at the end of the NCAA tournament. It's been a fun year so far. I'm anxious to see how far all this goes. Beat Vandy!!

Posted by givehim6 on February 25, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is great thing beeing #1 I love it! But, we have a target on our backs now. Other SEC team probably think there just little UT, we can beat them. And you know vandy. wont's us, UK thinks thay owns us. So play like the #1 we know you are guys are. Let every one know how UT is.

Posted by EDis4UT on February 25, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I kind of agree with marc_ash. UNLIKE FOOTBALL, we all know that NCAA basketball is a Tournament driven sport. One college team and only one team will go 6-0 in March in the tourny. 99.9% of the time whoever that team is regardless of their record or ranking or conference will be crowned the National Champion.

So, the regular season polls in basketball means you are just #1,2,3 etc...for that week, until the next polls come out.

With that said, I think the #1 team has the right to gloat for the time being - because they are (we are!) the king of the hill for now.

Keep them focused Bruce!!!!

Go Vols #1 (this week)

Posted by Volchaz on February 25, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that the team has to mentally move on to the next game, Pearl stated they turned the page onto Vandy as of Sunday morning. But that doesn't mean that we, as fans, can't take some time to rejoice and bask in this place we've never been before. This is Frontier, baby..CBP hasn't given us any reason to think we'll have a letdown, so until then... GO BIG ORANGE.. THE #1 Team in the Country.....

Posted by TommyJack on February 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Bring back Roger Peltz!

Posted by tngeoff on February 25, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

F A N T A S T I C!!!!! Great job guys! The University and everybody who follows Tennessee sports are extremely proud of you, your hard work and your excellence in accomplishment! Keep it rolling!

Posted by mparker on February 25, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

juice....
he probably has a browser setting that is not updating cached pages.

In english, he's pulling up a page stored on his pc rather than pulling it from the web.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 25, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just curious which 3 voters voted for UNC/UCLA.

Posted by waterskier3 on February 25, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by EastTNVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does John Adams have a vote in the AP Poll? Maybe someone from the News Sentinel can have him post his ballot if he does have a vote.

Posted by Ironcity on February 25, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never thought I would live to see this day. No matter what happens from this point on, we will have climbed the mountain at least once. I look forward to the rest of the season and will be satsified with what ever happens.

Posted by EDis4UT on February 25, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see memphis got (0) first place votes.

So much for their fans pretzel logic!

memphis fan:

Hey we should still be #1! Because #2 (mean 'ol big brother) only beat us by 4 points in our house! We only have 1 loss! We're still #1! Is anybody in the country listening to us?!?!?
_______________________________________

What a bunch of idiots.

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 25, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc-ash,

Dude, everyone who needs to be focused is focused for Vandy. This forum is for UT fans to enjoy something that happens about as often as Haley's Comet. It's something for the boys to take pride in. They know they are now the hunted and will take everybody's best shot the rest of the way. No worries there, guy.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 25, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWIW, here's a link to the AP site where all of the writers' individual votes are given. It hasn't yet been updated for today:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external...

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My BAD !!!

Posted by Chainsaw on February 25, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go Vols! Now get your heads 100% focused on taking care of Vandy in their house, just like you did Memphis on Saturday night.

You do that, and this place will explode with Big Orange Pride!

Posted by Colliervol on February 25, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure BP has the team already focused on Vandy and left the Memphis game behind on Sunday morning. He seems to have a way of getting their attention.

Whether we can beat Vandy, I don't know. Just have to line up and see. But it's sure fun being #1 for a week. And if we can beat Vandy and Memphis in consecutive games on the road, what a feat that would be!

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker thank you.I did not refresh before I copied.Destroy Vandy.

Posted by BigOrangeInCarolina on February 25, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact that the Vols beat Memphis is NO SHOCK!!! I'm tired of everybody saying this was an upset, a shocking victory, etc. Anybody who looks at UT this season knows they were every bit as good as Memphis going into this game. Memphis didn't play their best, but neither did the Vols. What mattered was the poise UT had and the determination to win. If they played today, the Vols would still win. You are going to have some detractors, like Sour Grapes Calimari and those clowns at ESPN. Anybody who gets a chance will vote for North Carolina and UCLA because of their heritage. North Carolina could be 0-20 and Dean Smith would vote for them, along with all the refs and writers he had in his pockets all those years. At the end of the day, the Tennessee Volunteers are #1 in the land, and they will play anybody, anywhere, anytime because they have talent, heart, balls, and Pearl. Nuff said.

Posted by ratkins589 on February 25, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW great game -GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL

Posted by VolJunkie on February 25, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here are the three non-UT votes from the AP. Apparently crack houses are prevalent in Illinois:

Bill Liesse, Peoria Illinois Journal
UCLA, UT, NC

Lindsey Villhite, Herald, Arlington, Illinois
NC, TN, MEM

Don Ruiz, Tacoma, Washington
NC, TN, MEM

Here's the link if you are interested:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external...

GO #1 VOLS!!!

Posted by dirtdobber1 on February 25, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is Ted Valentine calling the game tomorrow night- i hope not!

he called the Vandy/Georgia game over the weekend and gave Ga coach a Tech for getting out of the coaches box? Felton asked him where the coaches box was because there was no lines on floor indicating coaches box...Valentine held up the game to get some tape to put on the floor/

FLa at Vandy a few weeks ago...Donavan on post game show was upset...He said, I didnt think it was possible for team to go 32 minutes without a foul...I guess its possible.

Point- Vandy cheats- most home courts are about 5 points- Vandy is 15! Vuck Fandy!

Posted by zjcvols on February 25, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think UT will be so pumped for the Vandy game to prove they really are #1 we will win. The game that scares to death is @Florida. I can see us losing that game

Posted by Colliervol on February 25, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. I'm guessing those two Illinois writers haven't forgotten the little disagreement that BP had with Illinois a few years back. Don't think he's the most popular person in that state.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 25, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FYI...

UCLA: Bill Liesse Peoria Ill Journal
UNC: Lindsey Willhite Herald-Arlington, Ill.
UNC: Don Ruiz Tacoma WA News Tribune

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on February 25, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oops... Voljunkie beat me to it. :-)

Posted by stroker on February 25, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol Better check your kool-aid for spike.

Posted by VolJunkie on February 25, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No worries Kwitcher ... I had a few minutes.

Since the Vols have their first #1 ranking, and it's my birthday, allow me to dream ... UT wins the SEC regular season and tourney, gets the #1 seed in the NCAA, goes 6-0 and wins the NC (you are not allowed to argue this, I said I was dreaming!). Next year, CBP puts Memphis on the schedule early, like he did last year, and here's the best part, waits for that game to hang the National Championship banner in TBA ... I get chills thinking about it! Thanks for letting me dream ... ;)

GO #1 VOLS!!!

Posted by PennVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go Vols! We're officially a football school with a huge basketball problem!

CBP - Keep coaching 'em up and making in-game adjustments!

We will be hard to beat with all of these weapons. Hard to believe we won without any 3's from Lofton and J. Smith on the bench with cramps most of the second half.

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stroker or lack of spike.lol.

Posted by marc_ash on February 25, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No worries guys, I'm not saying not to bask in the excitement of a #1 ranking...I just get really nervous when I think of Tuesday's game. All the cheering and happiness will be a foregone conclusion if the Vols can't take care of business tomorrow. Then, Memphis is right back where they were 72 hours earlier.

I have faith, but man it sure is hard to win in memorial.

Go Vols, we love ya.

Posted by GerryOP on February 25, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't forget to vote for Chris Lofton for Lowe's Senior Class Award:

http://basketball.seniorclassaward.co...

Posted by MOOREVOLS on February 25, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem marc_ash. I agree. I just want to gloat for one more day. I feel like Pearl and the boys quit gloating Sunday morning, hopefully. Go Vols, beat Vandy.

Posted by DSaVol on February 25, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dirtdobber - now that we've finally gotten kingsportvol to refresh his browser why don't you refresh your spiel. Vandy is a tough place to play MOSTLY because teams aren't used to the floor layout with the benches on the end lines. It makes it hard to communicate for a coach. It's also an old gym with bad backgrounds that give shooters perception problems. Vandy doesn't get any more home cookin' than any other team.

I have NO WORRIES ABOUT VANDY! All you terrified of their 17-0 need to take a look at who that's been against - NOT MUCH! And they've snuck by in several of them. With the urgency and focus BP has put on this game since the middle of last week, VOLS win by double digits!

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DSaVol always nice to see you on here.Go Big Orange.Crush Vandy.

Posted by mparker on February 25, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kingsportvol, no problem;

I'm alrady past memephis and thinking vandy.

HINT: when I was a kid and playing ghostball (1 v 1 atainst yourself), one team would be UT and one would be Vandy.

Guess who ALWAYS won??? Being honest, I had to try to make shots for vu just like I did for UT. the way I got around it was the game would go on for HOURS until UT finally won

:)

Posted by dave1 on February 25, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ....you are on fritter patrol. Build a wall around the fritter supply like the Vols did around the basket Sat night. Once the rest of the country finds out what is fueling the UT resurgence, there will be a run on fritters everywhere!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by TommyJack on February 25, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dave1: I know..don't know how long we can keep a lid on it.

Posted by dirtdobber1 on February 25, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DSaVol- wow...who are you Roy Skinner? I live in Nashville and have seen the officials screw the Vols more than than once over the years.(worse than other gyms)

I sure hope that the Vols beat the stew out of dores, cuz a vol fan in nashville would never here the end of it if they beat da #1 Vols!

Posted by oldorange on February 25, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope UT can stay in 1st till the SEC tourney. That should insure a #1 seed. I am very happy the VOLS finally made the top spot. Wonder how this will help recruiting?

GO VOLS!!!!!

Posted by Colliervol on February 25, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oldorange, it will help recruiting a bunch. You don't think BP wasn't burning up the phone lines yesterday and today and talking to recruits about UT being #1. If it's an open recruiting time, you bet he was.

Posted by utmac92 on February 25, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AP haters out there!

I saw that we didn't get all of the first place AP votes. Here is who didn't vote for us:

These 2 AP voters voted for NC:
Lindsey Willhite Herald-Arlington, Ill.
Don Ruiz Tacoma WA News Tribune

This one voted for UCLA:
Bill Liesse Peoria Ill Journal

Posted by chipper10 on February 25, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Classic let down game tomorrow night. On the road, coming off a huge win, against a good team. Have to find the energy and will to win this game, then we can announce to the college world we are truly a legit contender.

Posted by VolJunkie on February 25, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chipper, not a letdown game, just another tough road game in the SEC. Frankly, I think we will discover that Memphis is the 3rd best team in Tennessee. CBP is too good to let this chance get away from this team.

But wait, there's more ... Kentucky has never played a #1 ranked UT team; it will be sweet when we kick their butt next Sunday in Knoxville.

Go #1 VOLS!

Posted by knoxvegas75 on February 25, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THIS WEEKS STUPID PERSON AWARD

ITS A THREE WAY TIE

THE THREE IDIOTS THAT DIDN'T RANK TENNESSEE #1

1. Bill Liesse - Pieoria Ill Journal IL (UCLA)
2. Lindsay Willhite - The Daily Hearald IL (NC)
3. Don Ruiz - The news Tribune Washington St(NC)

ARE THESE GUYS JUST STUPID OR NOT AWAKE FOR THE GAME.

I mean i understand we might not end up #1 but come on we deserve it this week atleast....

just plain stupid idiots and two from bum fuzk Ill.

Posted by bleed_orange on February 25, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we beat KY & SC (our home games), then win the SEC Tournament- we should be a 1 seed (with #1 RPI and #2 strength of schedule). TN would be 30-4. Even with a down year in the SEC that should be a #1 NCAA seed in my book (of course my book doesn't count for a hill of beans). GO VOLS! REMEMBER LAST YEAR'S GAME IN NASHVILLE (LAST SECOND SHOT)? GO BEAT VANDY! I hope Chris goes off on Vandy. Then again as long as we win. It might be better to go over the 2,000 career point mark Sunday on KY. GO BIG ORANGE! ONE GAME AT A TIME.

Posted by pearlific on February 25, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton will get off for about 26 tuesday!!! Come get u some vandy!!!

Posted by garyfmtn on February 25, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's GREAT to be a Tennessee Volunteer....I sure hope they remember that there is still more work to do.........I am sure that CBP will have their focus on the process - One at a Time......Its time to take down the Commode Doors....GO VOLS

Posted by snowvol on February 25, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's surreal just seeing "Tennessee" at the top of the men's basketball rankings. As a former player (not at UT) I've always believed the right coach could, and would, do this in Knoxville.

It's interesting now, thinking back on everyone lamenting how miserable Thompson-Boling Arena was for basketball. Now, with the kind of team Bruce Pearl features, the incredible renovations making it more intimate (even with 20,000+ in the house) and the deafening noise in the place...even Sporting News has taken notice calling TBA the hardest road stop in the SEC. Incredible. And let's be honest here -- people can talk all they want about the O'Connell Center in Gainesville but hey, the Vols have racked 30 straight in TBA. That defines homecourt advantave.

Posted by dopedawg on February 25, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep the faith all ye good Vol fans!!! We have the tools to beat Vandy. I'm sure that BP will prepare the boys properly!!!"AINT IT GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND TO BE IN TENNESSEE!!!!!!!!!"

Posted by dopedawg on February 25, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, I ask that anyone with contacts at UT ask the band to play something new at the Kentucky game. Some of the music they play is getting old. Dont get me wrong, I think we have the greatest band in the land and the #1 mascot ( I am a big Smokey fan too), but would like to hear something different. Maybe "Hawaii 5-0"??

Posted by TurboFan on February 25, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those looking for an axe and a grinding wheel against a few AP journalists, ask this question first: where did those three have UCLA, UNC and Tennessee ranked the previous week? Could be they don't have a grudge against UT or Pearl and simply are following the age-old progression ranking routine.

Plus, who cares, polls are a farce anyway. I wonder how many of the journalists that voted actually watched the whole game while they were submitting their articles for the Sunday newspapers.

Posted by threehundredbowler on February 25, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don Ruiz from Washington State The News Tribune voted North Carolina ,Tennessee ,Memphis as 1-2-3-. Lindsey Willhit,Illinois,The daily Hearold voted North Carolina,Tennessee,Memphis as 1-2-3.Bill Liessee,Illinois,Peoria Journal,voted UCLA,Tenn.,North Carolina as 1-2-3.Adams does not have a vote.

Posted by yeavols on February 25, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO VOLS!! Forget UNC and DUKE and focus on VANDY and FLORIDA..we still have the difficult schedule..UNC and DUKE just play each other in their so called tough schedule..IT"S ABOUT THE SEC..VANDY is next..we can lose..we have a bullseye on our back..IF we ever needed to take FULMER's words to heart it's now! .." STAY THE COURSE"

Posted by EDis4UT on February 25, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This week polls turned out to be fair. I don't see that we have anything to gripe about.

We are #1!!! So we didn't get a unanimous vote from the AP. Big deal!

Posted by TopperVol75 on February 25, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE BASKETBALL...
STATE CHAMPS!!!
And we are number one in America, too!

Posted by dave1 on February 25, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl before the game at Jillian's working the crowd. http://video.google.com/videoplay?doc...

Posted by rabidvolfan on February 25, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What does the basketball team and John Adams have in common?

Both are #1

Posted by ClipboardCasey on February 25, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cheers to the Vols!

http://ccww.wordpress.com

Posted by Razzle on February 25, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The polls don't mean squat until the season is done. GO VOLS BEAT VANDY!!!

Posted by TommyJack on February 25, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40: 6:20 post. No, these guys must all be the anti-christ. How dare they vote for someone other than us? There's got to be some sort of espn, regional, national, racial or some such bias against us. I say, boycott'em. Notify the border crossings..do not allow these losers into our state.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 25, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BFD we didnt get 3 of 72 votes-----you paranoid and insecure ones with the we disrespected complex are never satisfied---bet BP hasnt even noticed or cares----online polls suggest 70% of the public voting doesnt even think us the best team in the land---makes no difference what anyone thinks includeing us----thats what the tourney if for to settle those questions

Posted by redneckerson on February 25, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, yabbydabby, that's some keen insight you got there. I bet next time you'll tell us that it's time to focus on Vandy.

Posted by General_Watermelon on February 25, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport. The Homeless shelter let me use their PC and I got the KNS to update the poll to the correct one by telling them I knew EF Hutton.
Got your email. Good God! I hope no one smokes.
You should live where I do.....the open air would do you good.

There's a lot of crow eating here at work, especially with one particular Memphis fan who told me my team did not have a chance. Memphis is famous for the blues and the Big Orange did not disappoint. The sad faces of the Memphis fans was priceless.

#1 in nice but Vandy lumes large. They are undefeated at home for a reason. Hope we are not reading our press clippings. Stay grounded. Stay focussed. This team sure is fun to watch.

Posted by SFOrange on February 25, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its an amazing accomplishment in 3 years of REALLY heading in that direction. Enjoy for now. Kick some ass the rest of the way. Go Orange.

Posted by KingsportVol on February 25, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General_Fritter lol.Glad you made it home safe.

Posted by route33 on February 25, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We in Rocky Top are on Top Of the world!!! Awesome!! Way to go Vols, and Stay focused. BEAT VANDY!!!!

Posted by TurboFan on February 25, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yessir Col TJ, orders been given to shoot the varmaints on sight. The general is safeguarding the fritters.

Posted by LazhilUT on February 25, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep the focus! We gotta win out!

Posted by jasvol on February 25, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash: I just read your posts on the commercial appeal. great stuff on your posts. All your posts were right on and Tiger High fans had weak rebuts!

Posted by jasvol on February 25, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General-Fritter: If a football is called a "fritter" then what is a basketball called?

Posted by jasvol on February 25, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by GerryOP

Don't forget to vote for Chris Lofton for Lowe's Senior Class Award:

http://basketball.seniorclassaward.co....

Posted by jasvol on February 25, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lowe's Senior Class Award: Lofton's leading by 1% over a 'dukee'. Let's keep the voting on.

Posted by DCVolFan on February 25, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vandy is going to be tough, but I can't imagine the Pearl of Tennessee won't have them ready and focused.

Posted by rabidvolfan on February 25, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat Vandy!!! Mark Allen says! I listened to Pearl on Vol Calls. Does it bug anyone but me that Vol Calls only spent the first 20 minutes on Basketball. The next 40 was on Women's basketball and Baseball. So of course I turned it off and watched basketball on TV. I think they should have at least the first 45 minutes related to baskeball and the last 15 to whatever else they would like to do.

Posted by DennisVols on February 25, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Team of The Week Tennessee Volunteers
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

Last week: Beat Auburn 89-70; Won at No. 1 Memphis 66-62

OK, so how many teams knocked off the top-ranked and only remaining undefeated team in the country?

Tennessee pounded Auburn earlier in the week, then outlasted Memphis in a rocking environment at the FedExForum. The Vols will ascend to the top spot in the polls. They might last just a week if Vanderbilt beats the Vols on Tuesday in Nashville.

But last week, Tennessee did something it hadn't done before; it put itself in position to be the No. 1 team in the country. The Vols also are lined up for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee's ability to score in a variety of ways -- on the offensive glass, in transition, midrange -- and essentially make plays in the final minutes were enough to outlast the Tigers. The effort was outstanding. The composure by the Vols was professional, as much as can be expected by a college team.

Tennessee didn't wilt one time during the mayhem Saturday night. If the Vols can display similar poise throughout March, they have a real shot at being in San Antonio in April.

Posted by rabidvolfan on February 25, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I loved John Adams comments on his radio this morning. "Memphis going through all the trouble just to keep UT fans out, show the little sisters that they are.

Posted by FatherVol on February 25, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rabid, I know we all want to hear about our great men's BB team, but Vols calls is about all the sports at UT and we do have a #3 ranked Lady Vols team that has one 7 nat'l championships with a gizillion weeks at #1 and we have a new baseball coach who took the Batting Vols out for the first time over the weekend. Let them have a moment or two in the limelight.

Posted by FatherVol on February 25, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just wondering...How many tickets was UT given for the game for distribution? Were our cheerleaders even admitted? I never saw them. And if they were, UT fans were so scattered they couldn't effectively lead Big Orange supporters in any cheers.

Posted by volruss on February 25, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the best article I have read:

http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/...

Posted by rabidvolfan on February 25, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But FatherVol. During these mediocre football seasons, the first 45 minutes of Vol Calls is nothing but football.

Posted by murrayvol on February 25, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article volruss. Thanks! That's the first time I've seen the Jillian's video.

Posted by schymtz on February 25, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee has series of games ending their SEC Schedule: At Vandy, Kentucky, At Florida, and South Carolina, but these games are one at a time, not all four at once! These Vols are capable and will prevail playing one game, one possession at a time. This team is beautiful to watch!

Posted by rabidvolfan on February 25, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen Schymtz, I'm really concerned about tomorrow vs Vandy. I don't think we'll have a let down, but can the human body handle 2 games like this in 4 days. I'm sure this is where playing a lot of people can come in handy. I'm really pumped for it. Can't wait! BEAT VANDY!

Posted by rockyknox on February 25, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone listened to the ESPNU College Basketball Insider today? It is on the ESPN website in the "podcast" center. They talk about the game for over 12 minutes. Doug Gottlieb totally "TRASHES THE VOLS". He says that Lofton takes the worst shots he has ever seen. He says TN has a terrible bench. He goes on and on with negatives. If Pearl is at all concerned our team getting up for Vandy, he needs to let them listen to what was said today on ESPN radio.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 25, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm very concerned about tomorrow night's game at Vanderbilt. Does anyone think Bruce Pearl sounds tired and drained tonight? Just watching that game Saturday drained me. But, being tired isn't going to keep me from driving to Nashville tomorrow to see the Vols in person for the first time this season.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 25, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rocky , obviously Gottliebs CL comments are a generalization but if we're honest about it we have to admit CL forced up some bad ones the other nite and admittedly did the first third of the season before he got it going---the other nite was an aberation for him over the last 10 games so hes excused--lol. Gotttlieb is entitled to his opinion just like John Adams and any of us are---they are opinions and why does everyone here get so bent out of shape over what anyone else thinks anyway---only thing that matter is what the collective poll voters and selection committee think.

Posted by redneckerson on February 25, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volruss, great article - thanks

Posted by IPOrange on February 25, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This afternoon, some goober from an ESPN broadcast, maybe "Rome is Burning", or whatever it's called, really slammed both the Vols and Memphis, saying neither team was a #1 caliber team. He went on to say that North Carolina or UCLA could beat either team. No respect. Coach Pearl ought to use that to motivate the team to finish the deal in the regular season and SEC tournament.

Posted by schymtz on February 25, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was most concerned about unforced turnovers an a couple of unfinished breaks, but BP has nailed that already. Go Vols! Cl's shots are only the "worst" when he misses! JP was great! The inside was fantastic, And yeah, I'm concerned about fatigue, but hey -these are the Vols!

Posted by Chainsaw on February 25, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gottlieb is an imbecile who obviously has never seen any of Chris Lofton's clutch shots. Take for example against Texas in December, 2006 when he launched over Durant from roughly the last "e" in Tennessee.

Hey, maybe now that Adams has established the standard for journalism at KNS, Gottlieb can get a job there as Hooker's boss. Assuming Gottlieb would permit Hooker to bury his head in his short all day, every day.

Posted by Chainsaw on February 25, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"shorts"

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 26, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm as big a fan and supporter and proud as any of you but I can only laugh at you Koolaiders who see everything thru the orange colored glasses and suggest that we couldnt get beat by anyone--ie a N.C. or UCLA--cause we are rated #1. So the way I'm understanding it here is its no respect for anyone to even suggest we might be beatable---unbelievable how you people think. Guess they should just call off the tourney and give us the NC now cause the Koolaiders have spoken--lol. Even BP would think you all are morons to think such. It really is possible to be a loyal supporter and be proud without being on the aide and totally in the clouds and out of touch with reality all the time.

Posted by weisgarber2003 on February 26, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"

Posted by PennVol on February 25, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.

Way to go Vols! We're officially a football school with a huge basketball problem!"

No, at the moment we are a basketball school with a big football problem.

Posted by weisgarber2003 on February 26, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by IPOrange on February 25, 2008 at 11:09 p.m.

"This afternoon, some goober from an ESPN broadcast, maybe "Rome is Burning", or whatever it's called, really slammed both the Vols and Memphis, saying neither team was a #1 caliber team. He went on to say that North Carolina or UCLA could beat either team."

It is true that either NC or UCLA could beat UT or MSU (Memphis State U), on any given day, but that is true of many teams and college basketball in general, especially the top ten. Pearl himself has questioned whether UT is the number one team, saying he wasn't sure of that. He is doing that for strategic reasons of course, but he probably believes that as well. UT has a challenging end of schedule, and has no room for error. At least they will be number one for one poll, which is an accomplishment of the greatest magnitude.

Posted by boneroni on February 26, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vandy fan dropping in to say hello. Impressive win Saturday. Ya'll really came to play. Can't wait for the game Tuesday. Here's to a hard-fought and injury free game. Go Dores!

Posted by 98reax on February 26, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know what? Those guys have opinions, just like we do. Just because they are getting paid to have one, doesn't make theirs any more or less of an opinion. Folks like Rome, Bayless, Bilas, they are just homers. Whatever they care to say is NOT gospel. They just got lucky enough to get a job expressing their opinion, and we are just gullible enough to think they have some insight we don't have.Skip Bayless says UT is not even the best team in the state much less the nation. I don't know who in their right mind would like this guy. He's such a whiner. They should transfer him to the poker shows. The PTI guys, they too are full of themselves and think they are so pretty they should be on a quilting bee. Fact is The Tennessee Volunteers are #1 RIGHT NOW and they are NOT.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 26, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

heres a good Wetzel article on our man----from pariah to pied piper he says

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news?sl...

Posted by weisgarber2003 on February 26, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Skip Bayless says UT is not even the best team in the state much less the nation. I don't know who in their right mind would like this guy. He's such a whiner."
Bayless big problem is that he has an i.q. two points below a carat. Talk about a nerd! It is remarkable that someone with such little knowledge of anything could get a job on any national forum. I checked his bio and it lists Bayless as a Vanderbilt alum, believe it or not. How that dork could get a degree from anywhere, much less Vandy, is beyond me.

Posted by King53 on February 26, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just along for the magic carpet ride that is TN basketball right now. I keep wondering if it is all a dream and I'll be waking up soon.

Posted by 55Vol on February 26, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rabidvolfan......... what do the men's basketball team and John Adams have in common?..the men's team is #1...John Adams is farting dust. He is irrelevant

Posted by marc_ash on February 26, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jasvol,

Man those folks are brutal. And they don't say a single thing that makes any sense or is based on fact. I can't believe how much they hate BP. Very sad, coming from fans who have a coach calling a player he recruited to Memphis the wrong name.

Thanks for the comment, but I think I'm about done posting on that board....well, maybe a few more haha.

Posted by marc_ash on February 26, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FatherVol,

Basketball is a bit different than football. Ut doesn't get any tickets to distribute to fans. However, the school does get some for University folks I think.

I think you made your point though, that building was sparsely populated with Orange on Sat.

Posted by marc_ash on February 26, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fathervol,

You have stated you are coach calapari's priest. Can you give us any insight on why he may have called J.P. Prince P.J.? Seems a bit insulting considering he recruited Prince to Memphis and knows his name quite well.

Would you mind commenting?

Posted by pdhuff on February 26, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - Is there any chance Roger Peltz could be named ACFD by Pearl? We need a asst coach for diversions. Can you imagine the uppity Vandy crowd if Peltz led them out 6 feet in the air? Wonder if the boy can still ride.

Listened to Bill Justice on 104.5 the Zone yesterday. memory city. Ms. Mears was promoting her (?) new book. Man what a gunner.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 26, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP, thanks for continuing to remind us to vote for CLo for the Lowes Senior Class Award. Let's get to it, Vol bball fans! You can vote once each day until the end of the season. Chris is still only 1% ahead of Nelson from Duke.
98reax, you are painting with too broad a brush when it comes to the ESPN guys. Jim Rome LOVES CBP; he has had CBP on his main interview segment several times this year already. Michael Wilbon of PTI picked UT to beat UM. Even Hubert Davis, ex-UNC, of the College Game Day crew, was the only one of the four to pick us over UM. All the sports writers on "Around the Horn" gave us props, and the ones who picked against us admitted they were wrong. Jimmy Dykes and Brad Nessler, the crew who usually does the SEC games on ESPN, have liked us all year. Yeah, Gottlieb and Bayless are smart-a** know-it-alls who don't like us, but who cares? BTW, it is not exactly stupid to suggest that somebody else might beat us; we HAVE already lost two this year, no? CBP knows we are beatable, but he has rightly convinced the guys that if we just, er, stay the course and keep competing, good things will happen. So far, so good, but there is still work to be done. GO VOLS!!! SINK THE COMMODORES!!!

Posted by TommyJack on February 26, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: BP should locate Roger and bring him in for a ride. Serious. What a hoot that would be.
Many forget the long range bombing of Ron Widby.
Would have rocked if 3 pointers were around. Great shooter for a big man. (6'5" was a big man then)..Precious memorys. How they linger.

Posted by marc_ash on February 26, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

weisgarber2003, skip bayless has been saying all day on 1st and 10 that Vandy doesn't have a prayer. I was shocked too, but he's been pumping the vols up quite a bit today.

Check it out if you are near a tv.

Posted by TommyJack on February 26, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc: At the risk of being negative :), it's extremely difficult for me to watch Skip Bayless.
Man, that guy must have some serious poloroids of ESPN officials.

Posted by marc_ash on February 26, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Skip generally says crap IMO. Woody on the other hand is a vol guy...but he picked memphis the other day on one of his shows.

The problem I have with Skip is that he only agrees with folks that see it his way (kind of like Memphis fans actually).

OK friends, I'm off for Memorial gym. Hope the wind dies down here soon, should be a windy trip to Nashville.

Go vols.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 26, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm shocked to hear that, marc_ash! Guess he's doing that to psych up Vandy. I'll try to catch that show this afternoon, though I vowed long ago never to watch it again. Have a safe trip to Nashville and back--bring us back a win!

Posted by TommyJack on February 26, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc: Never thought Woody made a good ex-vol either. In fact, that whole show blows. IMO of course.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on February 26, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

re: The problem I have with Skip is that he only agrees with folks that see it his way (kind of like Memphis fans actually).

marc_ash---lmao, losing any and all respect for your commentary not that you should care to suggest UT fans arent the same way and reject any opinion contrary to their own-----have you not read this thead, the 1000+ posts lynching Adams thread and all others???-----what an insane accusation fo finger other fans while its as biased/unobjective or worse here on our boards---thats absolutely the most rediculous comment I've heard yet to point such fingers at others-----you people think I'm not a stauch a Tenn fan as yourselves by comments as such and youre wrong but just no fairness or objectivity at all over here and I'm gonna keep laughing at and bringing it up--- UFB such a comment---why you people so insecure to give a damn what anyone else may think when it matters no more or less than any others opinion including our own

Posted by pdhuff on February 26, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ at the risk of being serious, would lady luck allow us to stay on this magic carpet a little longer? Surely no gremlin would let Vandy shoot 60+% from the floor like Texas, would they?

Lord, leave the air in this baloon for awhile.

Posted by tngeoff on February 26, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy used to play defensive back for Auburn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n4xXc...

Posted by anthony on February 26, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

winning is not everything.