Posted by AllVol on January 19, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Top five comin' up. GO BIG ORANGE!!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I said on other posts...

Could this day have gone any better (NC and UCLA lose) with the Vols winning?! Awesome!

Posted by danthemanwells on January 19, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UCLA and North Carolina both lost, and Duke still has to play Clemson. If Clemson wins, it's really conceivable that UT could be number 3!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I look forward to reading commentary here since my local affiliate in East Texas decided that the UCLA/USC game would draw a bigger audience (despite the hundreds of SEC bumper stickers I see around here!)

Posted by wewhite on January 19, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soooweet! Bruce and the boys played hard. Killed 'em off the bench: 23-0 there. NC and UCLA lost so the Vols'll be on the move.

Posted by bricker865 on January 19, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nerve racking game and OSU was good, but some of the worst calls I've ever seen. Does anyone know where the officials were from??

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It were'nt pretty, Worst game we've played IMO. They made us play their game. Foul shots almost beat us. Am I the only one that thinks we get NO calls in the paint? Do other teams constantly go over our backs? Do we drive to the hole and hammered,with no foul called? Not just this game, most all of them. Once again,when the chips are down,Bruce is a God!!!!

Posted by SFOrange on January 19, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yep, sweet. out FT (7/18) has to improve...and this is not close. don't worry about rankings---this is taking care of itself with the wins.

Posted by VolnAZ on January 19, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As much as I hate to, I only see the Vols moving up to Number 4 if they move up at all. The ESPN poll love the other schools way to much!

Posted by tuckepk on January 19, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2nd worst game they've played all year and we still won. Officiating was pitiful and I hate to watch games on CBS! And they still won. Lofton is starting to get cranked up. We really need to improve free throw shooting, but we still won.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Personally, I wouldn't say that I am "worried" about rankings. I just think it would be nice if in late February, we had a 1 vs 2 matchup in Memphis. Try getting tickets for THAT game.

Posted by pdhuff on January 19, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, walked away several times from this one to play Spider. Hard to take that FT shooting.

All considered, a great win without our best effort. You rock, Pearl. Break out the unicycles.

Posted by VolnAZ on January 19, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

True Belly, Didn't even think about that. Is that game in Thompson or in Memphis?

Posted by tennecwingrider on January 19, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great intense game. Way to go Vols!!! Two words to live by during practice for the rest of the season: FREE THROWS - FREE THROWS - FREE THROWS!!!

Posted by dfreeman on January 19, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am with you guys on the free throws!! In March we have to hit those or we go home early!! However, we did win and UNC and UCLA both lost to unranked teams!! Lofton is beginning to look good!! Go Vols!!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on January 19, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Each game the other team shoots about twice as many FTs as we do. I'm not sure why we don't get the calls but so many times we get drilled under the boards and they do not call fouls. I think our guys need to initiate the contact when we shoot from in close. That seems to work with the other guys.

Posted by wewhite on January 19, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CBS said it's in Memphis.

Posted by weedbreath on January 19, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love it!! I think it was a hangover game from the win against Vandy. When we were down by seven I was starting to sweat a little but the Vols really kept their composure and fought back. Great win!!

Posted by Titan on January 19, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clark Kellogg (OSU alum) was absolutely awful on the broadcast.

Posted by hdhurst on January 19, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Free throw shooting is the pits, but you got to love the rebounding edge the VOLS had.

Overall, the team seems to play in spurts, kind of like just playing up to the opponents level. That will have to change if we are to get the the final 4.

We are no doubt a top 5 team. Playing Memphis will be interesting. So, if Memphis is No. 1 when we play them, and we beat them as a top 5 team, shouldn't we then be No. 1? That my opinion.

Looking forward to taking down KY....GO VOLS!!!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Got to start hitting those free throws. Should not have been this close. Go Vols.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many times did Kellogg use the term "spurtability"? He always uses that term when he's broadcasting a UT game. Also, I was disappointed that Gus Johnson wasn't the play-by-play guy. Some people think he's obnoxious, but I love his exuberance. College broadcasts need more Gus Johnson types.

Posted by tdvolman on January 19, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you jevol...we don't seem to get very many calls go our way. FT shooting wasn't good today but this team doesn't panic. Good game Ramar driving to the basket and finishing.
Go Vols!!!

Posted by rockyknox on January 19, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Get ready for a hit in the RPI come Tuesday night. The Mildcats have an RPI of 177. Come on Hamilton, can't you schedule better opponents? :-)

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin,
Man we got it here in Houston, where the Hell in East Texas are you?

Posted by dwolfcreek on January 19, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KEEP THE CAMERA'S OUTA DRESSING ROOM , THAT SHOULD BE FOR COACHES AND PLAYERS . GO MEN AND LADY VOLS .

Posted by AlpharettaVol on January 19, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clrk Kellogg sounded like he had done absolutely no homework on the Vols. Some of his comments were asinine and his lack of background on any of our players showed time and again. When ESPN did the Vandy game with Brad Nessler and Jimmy Dykes they actually knew what they were talking about. Could be because Nessler is a true Southerner who lives in Atlanta.

Posted by tuckepk on January 19, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I usually like to listen to Clark Kellog, but I agree that he showed a lot of big 10 bias. The CBS commercials wear me out. Go Vols!!!!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dwolfcreek, Bet my bottom dollar that BP wanted those cameras. Almost bit him in the ass though.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Game is in Memphis. Last time I heard "spurtability" I think Ron Jeremy was doing the color.

Posted by glenncandrews on January 19, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can Bruce coach basketball and football? Maybe he should be athletic director too.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm south of Tyler. Damn the Tyler TV station management. Damn them all!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jevolball7,
U been spending some money onlne haven't ya. Your wife know? LOL

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If he's still out there,I am old!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sure all of you that saw the game on CBS saw that high five from Pearl to Fulmer. Why isn't CPF sitting with his recruits?

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He is still there.bud. Better to spend your dough elsewhere though.

Posted by VolBall on January 19, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ramar came to play! He was strong with the ball finishing at the hoop. Williams contributed nicely. Our depth was really the difference. I thought we were a little flat, probably due to big effort against Vandy two night ago. Refs sucked...Go Vols!!!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They did look a bit flat, however their perimeter D looked solid. Just didn't get the inside D from Chism like against Vandy. Can't wait for Duke to get up to speed. They will be unstoppable.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last 8 games:W.KY-good team;UNC ASH.-good team;Xavier-very good;theZags-very good;Ole mess-very good;SC-well?;Vandy-very good;OSU-very good. Go back and throw in WVU-very good and UTC ain't bad. Boys thats pretty damn good!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With a RPI of 1..they have got to be #3 this week.

Posted by maples on January 19, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hit free throws and this game is a blow out. Foul shooting will hinder the Vols in the tournemnt if they can't improve in that area. Still great win. Buckeyes looked a lot better than I thought they would. Well coached team.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prediction - #4 in the polls. They pass Georgetown, and UCLA. They'll still trail UNC.

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OSU is a lot like UF. Better watch out for those teams rebuilding. They all have talent.

Posted by VolBall on January 19, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

maples, you're sure right. Tonight's game had the tempo and ticky-tack foul calling reminiscent of a NCAA tournament game. Each possession counts and foul shooting is critical. We've got to shoot foul shots more confidently. There's no excuse for Chism shooting 39% from the line. He's got too good a touch for that, it's all about confidence.

Posted by danthemanwells on January 19, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lunardi, on his weekly braketology video, said that UT (even before UCLA lost) could definitely be a #1 seed and may have a better case for it than UCLA.

After this week, with Georgetown, NC, and UCLA losing and UT beating Vandy and OSU since the last voting, we've got to be 3 or 4. If they decide that a 2 point loss isn't a big enough deal to drop UNC past number 3, then we'll be 4, but in all likeliehood (based on how UNC has been playing lately) they'll drop to 4 and we'll be number 3. So, it should be:

1. Memphis
2. Kansas
3. Tennessee
4. North Carolina
5. Duke

Posted by mparker on January 19, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We do NOT get calls in the paint, especially at home????

OSU got almost half their first-half points from free throws.

Y'know, maybe Bruce wanted OSU to feel a 'close loss', and reined the kids in for this game :)

Great job by Ramar today.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dantheman, that's how it SHOULD be... but it won't. The voters have a love affair with all things Tarheel.

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

danthemanwells,
It's really to soon for seeds but you are right. Let's just hope it doesn't jump up and bite us in the ass. FT shooting will kill us if we get overconfident.

Posted by Volssux on January 19, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TIC TIC TIC.

The bomb blows up 2/23/08 in Memphis. It will be a big orange mess in the FedEx Forum!!!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

geezzzz, more belly-achin over officiating---its a given on this board after every game, football or basketball, home or away. There is no bias against UT in officiating (or by tv announcers) koolaiders and then mparker to even suggests it on our home court. They got a lot of points off FTs parker because they made theirs when they had the opportunity. Theres no law that says both teams have to go to the line equally---we didnt make ours.

But agree with parker on Ramar----hes making impact now. We made it more interesting then it had to be but with BP running the show its easy to remain confident

Posted by bugman on January 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we'll be #3 in AP and #5 ESPN. The dookies will be ahead of us in the ESPN poll and UNC will also. The poll are all politics but the RPI can't be denied.

Posted by bugman on January 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we'll be #3 in AP and #5 ESPN. The dookies will be ahead of us in the ESPN poll and UNC will also. The poll are all politics but the RPI can't be denied.

Posted by danthemanwells on January 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you're right kwitcher. and i'm actually really ok with that. if we're not 3, maybe pearl can still use the disrespect card that he loves so much.

Posted by rockyknox on January 19, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ramar did what the Sonic guy says. You take it strong to the hoop or you don't go at all!!!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl would never chance a loss to a nationally prominent team like OSU to prove a point. It could be suicide.

Posted by tennrich1 on January 19, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You folks are getting WAY ahead of yourselves. We still have really difficult games ahead of us on the road....Lets win some of those before we worry about Memphis...

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the only poll that matters is the one AFTER the tourney is over----makes no diff at all till then---whatever your seeding you still have to win them all and beat the best team in the other half

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PMS;how you know? Hmmmmm.... All kidding aside,why don't we have a "basketball finals" show after the BP show? Seems I remember it being talked about before. This might be a good year to bust it out!!

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux, Do you have a problem remembering that your coach does not want to play UT. Wonder why?

Posted by houvol on January 19, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think everyone in the future is going to play matchup zone against us. We did not do well against their D. Good win. Houston loves Tn. I get to see them a lot down here. Keep it up. Time to slay the Cats.

Posted by Alphafemale on January 19, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CBS's Clark Kellogg was such a homer today that it made me want to puke. He said something about the refs letting them play, and yet OSU kept going to the line to shoot. Such horrible officiating... how does Tyler Smith come away bloodied and there not be a call?

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl will solve the matchup zone by Tuesday. Houvol I am probably your neighbor and I also love UT.

Posted by GerryOP on January 19, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Only had access to audio. It sounded a bit rough. But who cares? A really big win over The Ohio State! Next stop Lexington. Time to get a piece of pu ... er ... Wildcat!!

Posted by invisiblekid on January 19, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quick turnaround time against quality opponents and we came out with 2 W's, not much to complain about at this point. Scheduling games like this should pay dividends in March. There is room for improvement in free throw shooting, shot selection and getting back to hitting the outside shot to break the zone, but the intensity this team has shown makes up for most shortcomings.

Posted by dkerr on January 19, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win team!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

alphafemale, with all due respect you're talking stupid---letting them play does not mean fouls will not be called at all--the team that gets fouled the most goes to the line the most, thats how it works---and all physical contact--even where blood---is not necessarily the result of a foul--sometimes fouls away from the ball are just missed---if you want to complain related to fouls complain that we didnt hit our foul shots, even CL is missing a lot

Posted by bugman on January 19, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did Tyler Smith lose any teeth?

Posted by chrisw2967 on January 19, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont see us moving up past North Carolina even though they lost , posters are way too high on them , I think UCLA falls past us. North Carolina is the Notre Dame of football , they can go 5-20 and they would find some way to rank them. We deserve to be ranked #3 after this weekend but wont be suprised if we are not.
I think also Ramar should be starting , Howell maybe be a better 3 point shooter than Ramar but hes not half as good as Ramar, he cant drive to the basket and kick it back out or draw the foul or score,the only thing Howell has going for him is hitting a 3 ever now and then and thats it.

Posted by pms151 on January 19, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tyler could lose all his teeth and still compete. He is a VOL.

Posted by SFOrange on January 19, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1. Memphis
2. Kansas
3. North Carolina
4. Tennessee
5. Duke (maybe)

Posted by BigOrange_supporter on January 19, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does it really matter where we are ranked now! I think it's a little early to worry about that. Good job coach P. I can't wait to see what kind of recruits we get for next year.

Posted by FatherVol on January 19, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dan the Man -- I'm watching Duke and Clemson right now. I don't see the Vols jumping anyone who winds this week, especially not Duke.

Kitch -- Yes, the game in in Memphis. Tickets in StubHub are going for upwards if $1500 for the nosebleed section. I had a text message from Cal about half an hour ago in which he's afraid Kansas will jump Memphis in the polls.

VolCR -- Where are your seats? I'll be three rows behind the Memphis bench. I'm thinking about wearing my Smokey hat from Cracker Barrel since I'll get some camera time being so close to the bench.

Volsux -- The Tigers may beat us in Memphis, but it will be a good game. Btw, it's sophomoric attitudes like yours that lead some people in to refferring to Memphis as Tiger High. You get what you dish.

Next week:
1. Memphis
2. Kansas
3. Duke (if they beat Clemson)
4. North Carolina
5. Tennessee

Posted by Alphafemale on January 19, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yabadabadoo...It just seems to me that OSU players made as much contact as we did. We were called for it a whole lot, and sometimes they were not. I don't feel like that is talking stupid. Thanks so much.

Posted by imwithphilly on January 19, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was at the game. When UT was up by 3 and turned the ball over with about 15 seconds left the officials let OSU huddle for about 10 seconds before they threw the ball in and OSU had no timeouts left. It made me furious because they had time to come up with a play. But anyway a good win. GO VOLS

Posted by Alphafemale on January 19, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our players noticed the huddle. Wayne Chism was over there trying to break it up.

Posted by vol4jesus on January 19, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One step over the line.......Cr___unvol sees hisself as smarter than paint. Dry or wet it don't matter no ways cause he hisself! He done talked to Elvis this week to probably. Man he be sharper than Jack cheese ya know. How many mirrors are in his doublewide where he can look at hisself all day long and be impressed? Ok, it ain't no dblwide or shack. Mirrors galore to view his wonderment. Ok he done got his post time so we move on to much better thangs ya'll. Go VOLS get ready to tame the kittens Tuesday!

Posted by stroker on January 19, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right the polls don't matter this is BB, and the regular season matters only for RPI this ain't MCFB where it makes all the difference. However both are exciting just the way they are.

Posted by tnvolfan30 on January 19, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This so-called "non-contact" theme doesn't seem to be as what it's cracked up to be. I was at the Ole Miss game, watched the Vandy game and now OSU, bad officiating...not sure if it's because we're at home and because of the home court advantage that we should overcome the bad fouls?? Anyway, at this rate, throw everything at us, cause the way UT is playing, there's not much that can stop us....except if we're at the FT line.

Posted by iowavol on January 19, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win. Great energy to start the game and the first run. Seemed like the two day rest caught up with them a little bit. Not the best night but still won. The bigs for OSU were certainly athletic and agressive. Kid from Yugo or wherever he's from and Hunter were dang good. Was it Chism or Williams that kept inbounding the ball to a man looking the other way? Good to see Chris be more agressive even though that confidence still isn't there - getting better, yes - but still not where it was the last three years. Those two missed frees were real shakey.

Posted by Ironcity on January 19, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting game. Ohio St exposed some of our weaknesses and Tyler didn't have a good game (though not a bad game). It amazes me that we seem to get outplayed for 30 minutes of a game but we just dominate a 10 minute stretch and win usually going away. Its a tribute to the style we play and the confidence the players have in coach Pearl. I would like to see us not make one or two bone head plays at the end of every game to make things interesting.

Posted by tnsportrac on January 19, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gr8 win, did anyone else notice late in game when we went for the home run ball, while the officials were sorting out the clock issues and OSU was huddled up at there bench, we had a couple players close to the huddle and i could have sworn i saw the OSU coach push one of our players away. Did anyone else see this?

Posted by King53 on January 19, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tnsportrac...i thought i saw that too! I yelled at my wife to come look but they never replayed it or even said anything about it. I think it was JuJaun that he pushed.
Anyway, i saw an interview with Peal after the game and he commented on the fact that his team was tired and it affected their play. But they were strong enough to play through and get the win.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok FatherVol, and I got a text message from Bruce just 15 minutes ago checking in with me as well

Posted by Hunter on January 19, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FatherVol,

Cal sent YOU a text? Oh, PLEASE tell me you are his priest and take his confessions!!! Can we get the details - any brown paper bags to local HS players???

Seriously, though, I will be looking for you at the game - I am looking forward to a #1 vs. #2 matchup.

Team looked GREAT at time and TERRIBLE at times. I suppose that comes with our style of play. This was the first time all year (that I remember) that we were losing late in the game (save "the other UT") and we responded very well IMO. Go Vols - beat the Cats!

Posted by ggriggs939 on January 19, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This looked like a 'home game' for Ohio State and the big 10. The officials protected the OSU team as they did last year when the VOLS won everything but the numbers. How many foul shots did the VOLS get? Half as many as the big 10 like last year? The only way it could have been worse would have been for Hammond to do the broadcast.

Posted by pdhuff on January 19, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat whomevers next.

Posted by King53 on January 19, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i just saw an awsome stat. UT is 5-1 against the top 50 in RPI. No one else in the nation has a record even close to that. Also, our strength of schedule was #5 and we are #1 in the RPI. Wow!! how far has this program really come in 3 short years. I would have never dreamed it watching the press conference when they announced Pearl. I was so jaded at that point with our b-ball program. I just had a kind of wait and see attitude. Pearl is the man!!!

Posted by tnsportrac on January 19, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i forgot i recorded the game because i was going to miss the first half, went back and watched the end of it again and yes the coach of OSU pushed one of our players and yes i do believe it was JuJaun

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ggrigg, why dont you look at the stats first--not that fouls called are supposed to be equal--they are based on actual fouls seen-- but they had 17 and we had 17-- can you be OK with it now? They went to line 22 times and us 17. Now if all this is supposed to be equal why dont you will us to make 77% like them instead of our 47%. All this whinning about refs is a constant here and then u want to suggest we even get screwed at home----paranoia at work here all the time---people cant even be happy with a win without complainin bout refs

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I initially brought up the polls, it wasn't because I think they mean much in NCAA basketball. It was because 1) I'd love to see a 1 vs 2 matchup with Memphis in February, and 2) because UT has never been ranked higher than 4 in the poll. Those two things make the polls relevant. Again, not relevant for seeding, or for March Madness, but for the two reasons cited above.

Posted by cdonsbach on January 19, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE MOST SILENT SELL-OUT CROWD EVER

Posted by FatherVol on January 19, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hunter: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am Coach Cal's pastor. As for the confessions, I';m not even permitted to tell you if he has been to confession. LOL It's all mine to know and yours to dream about.... I sent a text to Cal first congratulating him on Memphis' probable rise to #1. It was to that text that he responded.

Posted by SFOrange on January 19, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdonsbach: were you @ the game?
why is it "quiet"?
21K in the building for a top 10 team? For those of you that go to TBA, has the re-config made any difference? we've won 25 straight--without a home court advantage?

Posted by FatherVol on January 19, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yabadaba...If you are regular on these board you should already know that Coach Cal and I are good friends and have a church relationship with me as pastor. You can be cynical in your response if you want, but it is not something about which I would tell a lie. And, no, you can't have his cell number....

Posted by Sauderman on January 19, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would like to see Loften a little more involved in the offense. It seems like he just stands there on the left side waitng for a kickout. i know this opens allot up, but i would like to see him a little more mobile.

Posted by orangebass on January 19, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

crowd was still weak. Why go to the game if your not gonna make noise while the other team has the ball.

Posted by foreverorange on January 19, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it just me, or does childress never need to attempt a dunk again?

Posted by danthemanwells on January 19, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's not just you. he got swatted twice, and swatted bad too.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 19, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Loved JaJuan and Wayne getting into OSU huddle.

Did anyone else catch the temper tantrum by Matta? After he shook Pearl's hand, he appeared to storm off, blowing right past the rest of our coaches and team without shaking hands. You could see one of the asst coaches and Tabb looking at him like he was a lunatic.

Posted by tndrum on January 19, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did anyone catch Seth Davis's comments on the CBS post game show? He was talking about the importance of Duke Crews being cleared to play, and with kind of a smirk on his face, he said something about Duke's "mystery" heart problem; like there must be more to the story. What was up with that?

Posted by utchris2003 on January 19, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeah, a word of advice for those seeking tickets to the Memphis game.

The Memphis ticket office sent some of the season tickets out to wrong addresses before the season and did not recover the majority of them. Needless to say, a lot of the stolen tickets are being sold by scalpers for top dollar, but they are worthless.

A friend of mine was one of the season ticket holders this happened too. He shows up for the Georgetown game and there are people in his seats with real tickets. The poor sap sitting in the seats who had just shelled out a lot of cash to a scalper was made to leave the arena.

Would hate for any of the orange faithful to get the wool pulled over there eyes.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 19, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that was childress's only option with all that traffic around the hole--he was plenty high and i though jammed it good - it just didnt go---hes not the only one to miss a dunk so far but I liked his aggressiveness. I would like to see Wayne start finishing with jams rather that putting it on the glass so often as I think he may be leaving a few points on the table--Duke will finish with the D every chance

Posted by Diggs on January 19, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win. Now it's back to the SEC and kickin' some kitty kats around...

BTW, there is no Woooooo in Rocky Top.

Posted by waterskier3 on January 19, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin i moved to tyler, tx from nashville 2 years ago... i said the same about cbs today showing the ucla game.... what were they thinking???? we need to hook up and watch some vol games sometime!!!!!!!!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

See? I knew there were lots of Vol fans in this area... I know a dozen or more (the local Carrier plant has a lot of McMinnville transplants). No one, and I mean NO ONE in this area gave a rat's puh-too-tee about the USC/UCLA game.

FWIW, the CBS 19 station manager replied to an email that the decision to air the PAC-10 game came from the network, not the local affiliate.

And yeah, we should!

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PMS,Ithought UF beat OSU? I may be wrong,but Ithought Iheard that.

Posted by utmdm on January 19, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well... where's our "heel" poster tonight? Good fight thru win.

Posted by FatherVol on January 19, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jevolball7, Florida lost to Ohio State. I think the score was something like 49-62. Anyway, the Gaytors eeked one out against UK tonight in Gainesville. Ole Miss lost, too. Our RPI will take a hit this next week, but nothing like Memphis' has since they opened conference play. They've got Gonzaga at home this week, and that should be a good game.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jevol: OSU 62, UF 49.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heh. The Gaytors haven't eeked out one yet!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 19, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now they have... game, set, match.

The poor Kitties will probably be exhausted on Tuesday night.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux: What's wrong? Not a strong enuff dose last year? Open wide,and take one more down your neck...swallow it all,no spitting.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 19, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fathervol:is a wind kinda like a win? I forgot semenary school.

Posted by TurboFan on January 20, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yaba, I liked Childress' aggressiveness also, but he made a critical mistake on his first when he didn't take the ball straight up and allowed Hunter(?) to get around for the block. The second dunk surprised me that Ryan didn't break the blocker's hand over the basket. Simply, Ryan needs to go with more authority if he goes at all.

Posted by FatherVol on January 20, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeff: Did I make another typo? If I did, I apologize. I know how aggravating such little things are to you, but then I do enjoy your little criticisms; they keep me humble and appreciative of more perfect posters like yourself.

Posted by volmattna on January 20, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hey volssux, tic tic tic did you see what happend last year? while you play that tough conference u may think so..but you cannot beat us sorry

Posted by volmattna on January 20, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadaba.. childress got fouled

Posted by TommyJack on January 20, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FatherVol: Was "gaytors" a typo, too? Funny word from a man of the cloth....

Posted by Hacksaw57 on January 20, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Win on National TV!
The CBS broadcasters were just waiting for our Vols to fall flat on their face and succumb to a so called “Big Time” program – Ohio State – but, GUESS WHAT – they didn’t!
When we got behind in the second half of the game they were saying to themselves and insinuating to the audience that here goes the same “old Tennessee program”, wilting under pressure and laying down when things get hot, but to Mr.Kellog and Eagle’s surprise, our Vols fought back and showed that this is a New Age of Tennessee basketball.
Coach Pearl will NOT ALLOW such attitudes or actions to happen with this program ANY MORE as they have in the past. Will we loose some games? Probably, but hopefully not.
What we WON’T do is be intimidated by ANY TEAM ANY MORE and as soon as the biased announcers and networks realize that the better off THEY will be. Our Vols are here to stay and to be reckoned with!
BRING ON MEMPHIS for some BUTT WUPPIN! GO VOLS!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 20, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WD, I must have missed 1 of the failed jams if there were 2--prob saw the more acceptable one

Hacksaw, with all due respect you and some others probably miss a lot of the enjoyment of the games themselves focusing on and looking for "inner meanings" and critiquing everything annoucers say in your perceived media anti--tenn bias

Posted by volfan73120 on January 20, 2008 at 2:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kwitcherbellyachin and waterskier3. I am in Oklahoma City, but I have a cabin on Cedar Creek Lake at Gun Barrell City that I spend a lot of time at. I come down and take several vol fans from the Dallas alumni club to the lake and watch the football and basketball vols from time to time. You are welcome to join us when you can. We are not that far from Tyler. The Oklahoma City channel showed UCLA today, but I went to a sports bar here in the city and watched the Vols take down OSU. It was a lot closer than I thought it would be.

Posted by volfan73120 on January 20, 2008 at 2:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cedar Creek Lake is 65 miles southeast of Dallas.

Posted by hueypilot on January 20, 2008 at 5:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For as long as I've followed UT basketball, we have had a trouble finishing the game. Many wilts under Buzz and some others when Devoe, Green were coaching. But with the notable exceptions against Ohio State last year, Bruce seems to know how to play the end game. Look at wins vs Fla and So Carolina the previous two years and Texas last year, plus the Xavier, and Ohio State wins this year. Many times in the past we were competitive for 38 minutes and then fade. Even tho we don't do it in the conventional way (free throw parade). It is fun to watch and Pearl has them convinced they can do it, no matter who the foe. JMO.

Posted by mparker on January 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo1026

my point isn't about a bias against UT. however, in this game and against ole miss, our kids got hammered inside with few calls. I tend to think that refs favor the more physical team.

As for your argument about making them, that was not the issue in the first half at all.

Posted by cazfree58 on January 20, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was at the game and there was some negative energy in TBA yesterday. Our fans were terrible, It was like a library in there. I was up in 317A nose bleed section and most of the game there wasn't a peep...unless the boys made a big play. What's it going to take to get the UT fans to 'believe' and help the team by cheering them on? It was obvious that the team was tired from the emotional and physical win over the Dores, but do the fans need to contribute to the fatigue by sitting on their hands with tape over their mouths? I don't get it. I was yelling, clapping, cheering them on, but not too many around me were. The OSU fans were sometimes louder than the UT fans. I swear that the majority of the UT B-ball fans still don't think we can make it big. Frustrates the crap out of me.

Posted by rockytopron on January 20, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sign of a great team: Gut out a win against a good opponent 20 hours after beating a ranked rival. Great win, will add to the teams playoff resume!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 20, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan73120... funny that you mention a sports bar. They just opened a Buffalo Wild Wings up the highway from me. I totally forgot about it! I should have driven there to watch the game.

Posted by waterskier3 on January 20, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan73120 i'm up for that I'm a 92 alumn and have watched way to many games the last 2 years with just my family or with big 12 fans... its not the same as being with real UT fans!!!!!!! let me know and i can send you my email or something :)

kwitcherbellyachin I'm here working for trane but didn't think about the McMinn plant closing and some vol fans coming to east texas.... not a lot of vol fans at trane just big 12 and big 10 fans....

GO VOLS and there may be hope for east texas after all!!!

Posted by tripper on January 20, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

cazfree58 - I thought the crowd was GREAT and LOUD!!! Between OSU's zone defense which slowed the pace of the game down, our pathetic free throw shooting, their run between the 19:00 and 15:00 mark and TV timeouts, the fans where nothing short of terrific especially in the last five minutes. Compared to 4 years ago, it is nothing short of a miracle as demonstrated by the fact that you had to sit in 317A.

Posted by tripper on January 20, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker12 - I'm wondering if you still think Ramar is a 2 or 3 guard and not a point guard? Looked pretty good yesterday.

Posted by grvol on January 20, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just beat Kentucky's sorry ass.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 20, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

waterskier, as you might guess, I work for your competitor. heh... and we have a good contingent of Vol faithful here!

Posted by buckeyedoc on January 20, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My congratulations to the Vols on a great win and a great team. However, your players are about as "bush" as they come and their actions of the field and court make me wonder what their coaches are teaching them. From your bowl game where your players should have been flagged for about 10 personal fouls for purposefully trying to injure the Wisconsin qb to your players coming to the OSU bench to overhear the play call during a last minute huddle. About as low class as I've seen in ages. Its too bad, because your teams are good enough to win without that baloney. I am sure the Vol supporters don't see it that way, but I'm telling you the rest of the country does. So, play with some class...you'll look much better when you win.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 20, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buckeyedoc, if anything, those comments will certainly draw a few more posts to the site. LOL

Posted by TommyJack on January 20, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

buckeyedoc: Speaking of baloney...

Posted by Hunter on January 20, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, Buckeye, since OSU had no timeouts left AND huddled in the middle of the court, I'd say their play call was fair game. Also, every shot on the Wisconsin QB was legit and warranted.

Does it sound like a month of sour grapes stretching from New Orleans to Knoxville is catching up with our visitor?

Oh, FatherVol, I wouldn't ask you to compromise your relationship with Cal. But, could you try to tell him about Pearl's "Super-Secret Plays" to give him something else to occupy them in practice? Can't you at least do that???

Posted by Plasticman on January 20, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buckeye, you're just reinforcing what the rest of the SEC already knows, the Big 10 and the Buckeyes are SOFT. The SEC is where the champions are.

Posted by TommyJack on January 20, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buckeye: Since you brought it up...how do you KNOW what the "rest of the country" thinks?

Posted by cazfree58 on January 20, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripper - maybe I made the wrong point about the crowd. Yes, they were loud, when UT was making big plays, but sit in tenative silence when OSU was making points. I'm saying they seem to be supportive when we are winning and not so sure when the game looks like it's turning. THAT is when the team needs the most support. I guess it has to do with all the years of non-attendance and non-excitement for the mens games. The attendance was great...the noise, not so much. Then again, maybe it's just section 317A! :)

Posted by Ironcity on January 20, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

buckeye I would be ticked if our players didn't get into the huddle. As for OSU, I think I speak for ALL the Big Ten when I say your fans and players classless actions on and off the court are well known across the country!

Posted by Colliervol on January 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Since they play in the "Little Sisters of the Poor" Conference, Memphis has the luxury to look ahead to Feb. 23rd and still probably be undefeated. In the SEC, UT does not. Our players won't be able to think about that game until Feb. 22nd. My hope is that Memphis will be so bloated from feasting on turkeys that they won't remember what a real team looks like.

UT will be the first team that Memphis sees all year with the depth and athleticism to match up with them. The home court will be big for them. But what they have to worry about is if any combination of our outside shooters go crazy in that game. And with Lofton starting to show signs of coming out of his slump, anything can happen. Should be a fun game to watch.

Posted by murrayvol on January 20, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Collier: Your points are well taken but I won't be losing sleep wondering if Memphis will be ready and able to play. They looked sorry as hell against MTSU and went through Georgetown like crap through a goose.

They'll be fine and if the Vols are up to snuff this should be one of this season's best games.

Posted by VOLS85 on January 20, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of this complaining about the crowd being quiet and not constantly pushing the team...lets be honest about something real quickly here folks. I lived in UNC land for 5 years, and the constant knock is that their crowd is just never into it...the reality is that there is always going to be "wine and cheese" fans that have paid their dues and just want to sit back and watch a basketball game. There is nothing you or I can do about it, and if you think it is relegated solely to UT, then you're sadly mistaken.

The size of the stadium correlates with the problem just the same. We all want to be as into the game as the dukies...but the reality is that cameron indoor only holds 9,000 people, and the student section is the only group of people that you see when you watch a game there.

It is not going to change, and especially not when we play sloppy basketball at times. It's just the nature of an enormous arena...

GO VOLS!

Posted by TommyJack on January 20, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols05: Not only that, as far as I know, anyone can cheer (or not cheer) as much or as little as they want. The impact on the outcome of the game is negligible IMO.

Posted by cjraney on January 20, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

buckeyedoc-
I'm pretty sure that since OSU hadn't called a timeout and were simply gathered out on the court, they had no officially recognized expectation of privacy per the rules of the game.

However, nice to see your coach didn't let his 'OSU class' stand in the way of shoving a Vol player or refusing to shake hands with anyone but Coach Pearl.

But considering OSU's deification of Woody Hayes, it shouldn't be surprising when an OSU coach gets physical with the opposing players.

Posted by heathut15 on January 20, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ut will be ahead of unc. i am a unc fan as well as a ut fan in bball and that should be the right call. go vols!!!

Posted by Basketball_Jones on January 20, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game by Ramar, all of you on Chris's butt he hit a big shot when we needed it, just like he always does. His stroke is coming back, the problem I see is he isn't being set up that well. That's where he misses Dane, Dane would hit him in stride in the break for the spot up 3. Seems like these guys don't, but you know what WHO CARES? at 15-1 no one can complain.

As far as the polls go, fellas imagine if Tennessee, Duke and Carolina ll had one loss in football who would be ranked higher? This is a process we are going to have to deal with until we are consistently good year in and year out. Be patient, the way I see things shaping up. We'll be #2 by the time we meet Memphis. I don't forsee us losing again till then. That game will be a high scoring toss up with once again Ramar being the difference maker, Jordan is to slow to play with those guys...Great win, up Next is KY Jelly

Posted by utchris2003 on January 20, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Buckeye,

Classless? How about Matta refusing to shake everyone's but Pearl's hand when he stormed off the floor?

Also, the two UT players had every right to stand in that huddle given that OSU had no timeouts and their coach came on to the floor (where only the players belong).

Posted by asleep on January 20, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As far as the commentators being biased against UT, it isn't all their fault. I don't think the rest of the nation really believes that we are that good. Despite an #1 RPI against the toughest schedule of anyone in the Top 25 (RPI) and a 6-1 record against the RPI Top 50, the history (or lack thereof) of UT basketball just doesn't stir up any expectations of a long run through the NCAA tourney. More than anything else, BP has convinced these kids they can, and will, win a lot more games than they lose. He knows the X's and O's, certainly, but more importantly he knows 18-22 year old men and how to get the very best out of them that he can. After this year, I think you will see the national media begin to believe in BP the way that our players, fans, and the rest of the SEC already do. Let's hope they can stay fired up for a trip to Lexington on Tuesday. If we finish out the week with two more wins, we will be starting to make a pretty strong case for a number 1 seed come March. Go Vols!!!

Posted by pdhuff on January 20, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat Ky.

tngeoff, lost that link you (?) posted on the bathing beauty. Told ma about it and now can't show it to her. Little morsel entering the shower. Wonder if she could play DT. Any help, TJ.

Posted by TommyJack on January 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Missed that one, myself.
When will the Trade Winds blow in?

Posted by james on January 20, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win. Now let's skin the Cats. Two things I see that Tennessee needs to improve, free throw shooting which is obvious and interior defense. When someone comes flying down the middle, someone has to take a charge. Ohio State did this too many times. Chism is improved from a few games ago and Crews along with Chism and Williams may provide the answer. Bradley and Crawford will take it to the middle. We will see Tuesday if the improvment can continue.

Posted by creepykev on January 20, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is awfully tiresome to scream for 2 hours straight. Besides if we are yelling and showing our approval when we turn the ball over or make a horrible shot that would just strengthen that negative behaviour.

Posted by pdhuff on January 20, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, sails are in full slack. We won't leave these climes until about Augie 15th. Oh there'll be a little flicker over the last great recruiting push (we have to go up), but only NASCAR will break the doldrums.

Sure hope we beat the Cats. Might even venture onto forums.kentucky with a little Maker's Mark fortification. Not without a win, though, they would take a barrel from a naked man. Mention Tubby on there to get a rise! Whew.

Where is tngeoff when you need him? Off doing some push-ups probably, makes me tired thinking about it.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Murrayvol; we beat MTSU by 70. Your home court will have thousands of Vol fans. We are THE state school. You are a little,inner city,wannabe. Waaaaaa

Posted by marc_ash on January 20, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

buckeyedoc, are you kidding me?!?!? Did you see where Ohio State "huddled" for goodness sake!?! They were pretty much on the floor! Talk about classless, don't try to be "sneaky" when you don't have any time out's left.

Also, What about Matta stomping off like a child. Shake players hands, don't run off and be a jerk. You didn't see Bruce Pearl or ANY of the Vols refusing to shake Ohio State players and coaches hands last year in the 2 losses.

Also, don't tell us how "the rest of the country views the Vols". YOu have NO idea how "the rest of the country" views us unless you have a wire tap into every sports fan in the country.

As for the Bowl game against Wis, our players played hard and fair the entire game. If you want to talk about dirty, tell me how many over the backs the buckeyes got yesterday. It looked like a game in columbus.

Bottom line, get over it. Ohio State is 0-10 against the SEC in football in bowls and lost to the SEC in basketball last year (FL) and to the Vols this season.

Nobody gives you a hard time about being in a conference that A. Doesn't play a championship game in football and B. Plays against nobody (except a team that lost to App State..sorry).

Get over it. You lost. See you in the tourney (or not).

Posted by Volssux on January 20, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol- You are so far WRONG its not even funny. While Memphis plays in "Little Sisters of the Poor" Conference as you put it (which is true), if Memphis is only focusing on playing UT then they will lose a game before then. To me UT's schedule would be better because they have to play day in and day out where Memphis has to get themselves up for every game because they should not only beat but destroy every team on the schedule until the tourney. I'm sure that will be an issue as the season grind starts to get to them. So as you and the UT groupies beat up on the Memphis (and others) schedule remember its an advantage to play in the SEC, ACC, Pac 10 or other big 6 conferences over a 1 team tourney conference.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 20, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"To me UT's schedule would be better because they have to play day in and day out where Memphis has to get themselves up for every game because they should not only beat but destroy every team on the schedule until the tourney."

Now that is the most ridiculous argument I have read all day.

Posted by TurboFan on January 20, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If our advantage is playing in the SEC, then why does Cal refuse to schedule more SEC teams? As Spock would say "that is illogical"

I went to check what the Columbusonians are saying about the game. The Columbus Dispatch has a similar site to GVX called Buckeye Xtra. With ONE article about the game, and no place to post comments. Big headline was about whether Pryor will go to Meechigan. Was cold in Columbus today, but "fair weather" as usual.

Posted by Volssux on January 21, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by WD40plusVol on January 20, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If our advantage is playing in the SEC, then why does Cal refuse to schedule more SEC teams? As Spock would say "that is illogical"

The reason more SEC games are not scheduled is simple, MONEY!!! Basketball it the Tigers Cash Cow and since we all agree that the C-USA schedule will not bring them much national coverage(and little money) Cal has to schedule games to bring press and money. Where UT is a good game today was it that way before Pearl got there? On a national basis the answer was no. I do believe that UT and Memphis should play football and basketball every year but we will see it that could happen. I would also like to see a State Tourney, when you look at the quality in this state that would be a great event to see.

Posted by Volssux on January 21, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin, answer me 1 thing who would you rather play Florida, Ole Miss, or Miss State or Rice, Tulane, or Southern Miss? Why do you think Memphis scheduled Gonzaga and UT later in the year? SOmething to work for. When your 2nd string can win most conference games by at least 10 they have to find motivation from other sources, including being the state's ugly step child to the big bad UT!!!
:)

Posted by mike on January 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux...As a Tiger fan living in Knoxville, I have to take exception with all this schedule bashing you are dishing out at Memphis. Right now Memphis is 3-0 against the Big East (Georgetown, UConn, Cincinnati) 2-0 against the Pac-10 (Arizona, USC) and 1-0 against the Big-12 (Oklahoma) All of these wins were not even close games. Now I know that is not against the SEC but so what? The SEC is not the league it was last year either. Garner-Webb beating Kentucky at home, come on.

Memphis has played 3 games in New York City already. Yes, the schedule reflects NATIONAL EXPOSURE and several of the games were arranged for TV. With Gonzaga & UT to come, the #1 Tigers will be more than ready for the NCAA tournament with such a quality non-conf schedule. That is how you get beyond the "sweet 16", not loading up on cupcakes.

A lot is being said about the RPI ranking too. Memphis has been #1 in that poll most of this season. When it comes to the seeding, Memphis will be a #1 and that is all that matters now.

And by the way...Coach Cal is also the only coach in NCAA history that has taken two non-BCS universities to the #1 ranking. Now I know you are all proud of Bruce but Memphis has a pretty smart man too.

Good luck to you Vols, Feb 23rd will be a lot of fun.

Posted by buckeyedoc on January 23, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as i said...classless. It is great to see all the comments one can get on these blogs. you guys need to get a life...or is this what all the moonshine does to the two brain cells you have left.

When the referee apologizes to the Wisconsin coach about missed personal foul calls, I wonder about "legality" of hits.

Good luck to your team. Your fans suck. And eventually the pendulum will swing back and hit all of you right in your backsides. And the rest of us will laugh. Adios, MF.

Posted by Volssux on January 24, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mike- I am not schedule bashing, I was conference bashing. I totally agree with you on the Tigers non-conference schedule and actually went to the USC game when I was in NYC for business. My point was that it is going to be hard for the Tigers to stay up(see Tulsa last night) game in and out against C-USA.