Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To all VOL FANS!,
Right now Tennessee is losing by 7 to Dayton in the Tournament!

Huh!?. . . I guess some of you are asking yourselves , "What is this guy smoking?". We're not playing Dayton and the game hasn't started yet!

Let me explain. . . .

CBSportsline.com is sponsoring an Essay contest set up like the basketball tournament, pitting representatives from teams that made it into the NCAA Tourney. awVols1985 was chosen by the tournament admin. to write for the VOLS and is doing a great job of it. But. . ..

He needs your help! There is no cost . . . You don't have to register . . . You don't even have to vote for him if you don't think he deserves the vote. . . But you do have to find the sight and I'm providing a link to the official explanation of the contest and 1 directly to his essay page.

Let's help keep TENNESSEE in the national limelight by helping awVols1985 advance to the round of 16.

Vote NOW ! ! !
Vote AWVOLS1985 ! ! !
GO LADY VOLS ! ! !
GO VOLS ! ! !

The explanation : http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message....

awVols1985's sight: http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message....

Thanks for your time and vote!

Posted by TommyJack on March 23, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No sweat, I had this one all the way...

Posted by dopedawg on March 23, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols!!!!!!!!! Told ya to keep the faith!!! Dont give up on our guys!!!

Posted by slambob2 on March 23, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great finish. We could go all the way with contributions from Jujuan and Chris. Those guys are going to break out soon.

slambob

Posted by utchris2003 on March 23, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 and BarBQ....Duke - Yes, Georgetown - Yes, Butler - Yes, TENNESSEE - HELL NO.

We Survived, Now we Advance!

THANK YOU RAMAR FOR STEPPING UP. AS WELL AS JAJUAN. TYLER WITH YET ANOTHER MONUMENTAL BLOCK AT THE END. CHRIS HITS A THREE WHEN WE NEED ONE.

GO MISS ST

Gatornation: Have fun in the NIT

Posted by lewhs93 on March 23, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DON'T START YOUR CRYING.WE BEAT THE 41/2 POINT SPREAD.

Posted by williameagee on March 23, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gee, T thought the Vols played the winner of the Lousiville vs OU game!

Posted by EastTNVol on March 23, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Give the position to Ramar and let him alone, clutch basket in the end and decent ball handling I'd say

Posted by volguy on March 23, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We will play the winner of the Oklahoma-Louisville game, not the UNC-Arkansas winner. Tell the KN-S staffer to look at the bracket!

Posted by Ashley on March 23, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win guys!
Again the officiating seem to be much tighter on Tennessee. Way to stay away from the T Bruce.

Posted by volsfaninkpt on March 23, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

survive and advance.

Posted by LargeOrange on March 23, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YES!!!!

Posted by GerryOP on March 23, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In Bruce we trust! Amen!

Posted by TommyJack on March 23, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Officiating was decent IMO

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

December 3, 1985 the first day Orange blood pumped throughout my entire body. Every day I have walked this earth with one and only one song stuck in my head - Rocky Top. Whether it was watching Manning throwing Joey Kent a TD on the first play of the game against Alabama in 1995 or watching Lofton shoot 30 ft. jump shots with Durant-like defenders in his face, or Watching Georgia's P44 Haynes, short pass to the fullback to end the game or The Vols blowing a 20 pt lead against OSU in March last year, I've always uttered the phrase " I say it's Great To Be A Tennessee Vol"

Initial CBSportsLine Essay entry !

Posted by ghc_16 on March 23, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT GAME!!!! I think J.P. played very well ppl. should stop hating on him ...yes he was a little wild but better than howell but over all great game SWEET 16 HERE WE CCOME!!!

Posted by nastyman on March 23, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TYPO ... we actually play the winner of lousville and oklahoma.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My proudest moment as a Vol fan? When I took my first breath of Tennessee air three weeks before the 1986 Sugar Bowl! Lying in the floor watching “The Game” while my Dad whooped and hollered as Jeff Powell ran 60 yards for a TD! Watching the team run through the “T” for the first time at “Neyland Stadium“! Going to “TBA” for basketball games ! Getting Chamique Holdsclaw’s autograph before she came to UT. Having Craig Faulkner as my camp counselor at the Boys Club!

Seeing Peyton, Slay, Helton and all of the others “REPRESENT” for the Big Orange Nation!

They are why I’m PROUD TO BE A VOL

" Won the first round with this!

Posted by eduardo on March 23, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Graves should've fouled out in regulation. Nice left arm gravie. Get ready Charlotte here we come. Hopefully tiggger high will lose, since they are a bunch of losers and so are their pitiful fans, right markie?

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to let you know how passionate this kid is for TENNESEE !!!

He writes......

I’ve went 5 -25 on the men’s basketball team. ! I’ve thrown, caught and intercepted a touchdown pass in the first BCS Championship! I’ve hit a homerun in the Hall of Fame Stadium and turned double plays in the College World Series. I’ve coached alongside Pat Summit for 7 National Championships and went helmet to helmet with Heisman Trophy winners. I was “Christened” during the 85’ Sugar Bowl, and “Baptized” in the win over Memphis for #1. I’ve played every sport UT’s had to offer, and have given my “ALL” .

Who am I, you ask ? I am Every Vol Fan who ever lived !

I AM “TENNESSEE”

I am AWVOLS1985 !

Posted by FatherVol on March 23, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My bracket has the Vols making the Frinal Game against UCLA, but I'd rather be winning by more comfortable margins. On the other hand, playing close toughens up the team for the next round. What more can you say about Butler except that they played a great game. I was surprised by the number of TO's by the Vols; I hope that will correct itself by next weekend. Go Vols!

Posted by jimr07 on March 23, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

be on the lookout for gaytornation. he is on his hahahahaha kick making a fool of himself again. and again. and again. i wonder what he wants to be when he grows up. i call him gaytor in honor of his stud quarterback kissing his teammate on the sidelines. oh, well, what can you expect.

Posted by foreverorange on March 23, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought the officiating in the first 10 min were horrible, we couldn't fart without getting a foul called on us. Second half was pretty even. We survived another one without lofton playing like his usual self, if he gets his shot back it this could get serious. Someone tell Adams to stop reporting the bracketology!!!

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shirts off ! . . . I mean, hats off to Coach Bruce Pearl and his staff on transforming Tennessee's basketball team into legitimate contenders in this years NCAA Tournament. Experience mixed with a never give up attitude has become the recipe for success in puting the VOLS at 30 -4 with a shot at the National Championship ! Tennessee's senior leadership and poise has proved to be the deciding factor in big wins over 11 March Madness Members ( including American ), 6 of which are still in the field of 32.

Hungry VOLS ?. . . Why wait!

Grab a Butler Bulldog for win number 12 !

awVols1985's second round essay that is being voted on now !
Let's go VOL FANS, show a BIG ORANGE BROTHER some support!
http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message...

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 23, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a terrific game, and a great effort by both teams... even though I had to watch most of the game on MMOD (living in Texas means that I was stuck watching the Longhorns' game), but the last 4 minutes and the OT were on, in bright 1080p HD. What a finish!

And IMHO, Prince played very well, and more consistently than Ramar or Jordan have played in quite some time. Ramar looks more comfortable in a wing spot, taking it to the hole, and slashing to the basket. There weren't a lot of open looks for our wings from the perimeter, but they made up for it by feeding the post. Great effort by Wheezy and Tyler, and Brian Williams contributed too.

I believe that if we get the kind of effort we got today, we'll get that elite 8 berth. I think we'll have to hit more shots to win against NC.

So, even though the b*tching will inevitably begin, let's instead enjoy a second consecutive sweet 16, and let's pull like hell for this team next week... I hope to see a huge orange caravan in Charlotte!

One footnote - MSU 18, MEM 12, 8:29 remaining, 1st half. I hope that score holds up as well. Heh.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 23, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't know about you guys but today I got serious doubts on JP being our point guard next year.

Don't get me wrong -- he's a terrific player and we certainly wouldn't have won 30 games without him.

But a point guard leading his team does not throw the ball away three times in the last two minutes of an incredibly close NCAA tournament game.

Maybe BP can work with him in the off-season. If anybody can turn him into a PG, Bruce can.

Who will start/play at the one spot against OK/Louisville? Ramar or JP?

Posted by kceltic on March 23, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gutsy win for the Vols,but still way to sloppy at times.I have always been a HUGE Lofton fan but he seems a little distracted or something.He has to be more aware.He almost lost the ball at the end of the game because of his carelessness.Ramar MUST hit free throws for us to win more games.Don't let Prince handle the point at crucial times.Louisville or Oklahoma will be more our type of game.Go Vols!

Posted by rockytopron on March 23, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good game, not great, but Butler is no pushover at all. they were ranked #10 before the season ended and a 30 win team. This game was going to be close and it was.

Good win, next step, make the Elite 8!

Go Vols!

Posted by utchris2003 on March 23, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brian Williams played his best game in some time.

Posted by jr8657 on March 23, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW!Way to gut out a tough, close game! Tremendous effort by everyone! J.P. made some good plays...almost cost us at the end! Ramar played great in overtime despite having 4 fouls. Chris and JuJuan just need to keep playing, tough shooting day for JuJuan but made up for it at the end...4 huge free throws!!! Let's go to Charlotte and GET IT DONE!!! BIG ORANGE STYLE!!!!

Posted by FatherVol on March 23, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Arkysaw just might bring down the Tarheels. Wouldn't a rematch with Arkysaw to make teh Final Four be sweet, provided they get by West Va and we get by the Louisville-Oklahoma winner.

GO MSU! Bring down Thug n Mug U.

Posted by VOLSRGRT on March 23, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea Vols!! I have been one of the faithful for forty years and have never been more excited about this TEAM we have, and I mean team because they play, trust each other and work together as a team. I will be cheering them on in Charlotte and am looking forward to seeing the same attitide and intensity they played with today. Congratulations Tennessee!

Posted by splinterdand on March 23, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to say this, but we had so many turnovers because Jordan takes better care of the ball than the other point guards. I wish he wasn't in that crummy shooting funk.

Posted by splinterdand on March 23, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatornation, got your NIT t-shirt yet? Better hurry before they're out of print.

Posted by jhenson on March 23, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At this point foul shooting nor point guard play will likely improve. It is what it is.

As for things that can and must improve...

Perimeter close-outs on defense.
More skip passing to open shooters.
Tyler--love ya man, but when you're doubled, find the open man.
Lofton has got to get back into the offensive flow.
Big men-square up to basket, 2 hands on ball-FINISH.
If a player can clearly only go to one side(i.e. Graves to his right side), how freakin hard is it to overplay that side?

We do a lot of things well, and then negate them with breakdowns in fundamentals. I'll give Butler their due, they're a well coached team who plays well to its strengths, but we are way too talented to look as disjointed as we look at times.

Sweet 16 nonetheless! Go Vols!

Posted by mdvol on March 23, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have you ever seen a team GET a 10 point lead and LOSE a 10 point lead any quicker. Cardiac kids! Got to love 'em! Happy Easter, all!

Anyone know when the tip is in Charlotte for our bracket?

Posted by invisiblekid on March 23, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What can you say, survive and advance. I'll gladly take 4 more close wins.

Posted by VOLSRGRT on March 23, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Are all Florida fans bad sports like Gatornation??

Posted by rab63 on March 23, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brian Williams is going to be a monster next year. I've never seen a guy that never played high school ball do this good this early. Although he doesn't play much, when he does come in to give someone a break he shows flashes of being a very good player. Another year of learning and he's going to really show off!!!

Posted by Ironcity on March 23, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win! At this point its all gravy. I am one that thinks the Prince move failed. He almost single handily lost it for us in regulation. He had 5 unforced turnovers where by nothing Butler did caused him to turn the ball over. I am one that thinks Howell has been beyond horrible, however there could be a use for him after all. If UT wants to play Prince at the point they should do it in small doses maybe 5 minutes in a game. Let him bring it up and then let him post up. I wish I didn't believe it, but I find it hard to believe that UT can win anymore games in this tournmant unless I see something I havn't seen in the last two weeks.

I am still proud of the effort and the guts that this team has displayed in this tournament and this season.

Posted by TommyJack on March 23, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prince needs to play, no doubt. Point guard, not so sure.
Williams looks like he can play a little if he continues to work.

Posted by jhenson on March 23, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLSRGRT...They aren't all like gaytornation. With his incessant laughing, moronical comments, and inability to progress beyond a singular line of thought, I've concluded he must have been the inspiration for the Beavis and Butthead series. Everytime gaytor breaks out one of his "hahahahahahahahaha" rants, I can visual Beavis, index finger probing his nostril, with an empty caption box over his head.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jhenson...
that's a great visual. he he he!

Posted by kceltic on March 23, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rab63-Agree 100% with you.His size really makes a difference inside.He really leaned on no.54(the guy who played like Bill Lambeir),and changed his game.Got real soft hands and soft touch for "a big".Excited about his future.

Posted by billadcock on March 23, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatornation forgot to take his meds. hahahahahahaha.........maybe they are "coming to take him away ha ha"

Posted by hmhawk on March 23, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go VOLS!!It sure was edge of the chair entertaining.Not being a bball officianado I think Prince gave his all for 30 minutes and then started running out of gas.

Posted by splinterdand on March 23, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator fans may be irrelevant at this point in time, but they have reason to be happy. I hear they've got some blue chip bowlers coming in for next season, maybe even good enough to knock Vandy off the NCAA throne in that sport.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Overall I think JP did a great job at the point. Ok, a couple of bad decisions at the end, but still not bad for the kid's first college start.

Minutes: 31
Rebounds: 7 (5 offensive)
Assists: 5
Turnovers: 6 (ouch)
FG: 4-5
FT: 1-2

7 rebounds was second only to Tyler's 8. He brought more energy to the point guard position than we have seen in a long time. CBP did the right thing putting Ramar in for the OT, I suspect he will continue to work with JP at the point.

I like our chances against anyone left in our bracket.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by sidwalkvol on March 23, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

heh heh heh

he calls himself gay

heh heh heh

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 23, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we at least agree we don't see Prince running the point in the last 3 minutes of a close game?

Whew!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 23, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

with JP what you give up in one area you get back in another---he had 7 rebounds and a big block and we needed all that in addition to his points---even bruce said in the pressure situation at the end of the game it was maybe too much to expect right now for him to be a stablizer but BP seemed overall pleased with his play-----William played well too with 4 rebounds in 11 minutes--still like to see more of Tabb cause I think he has skills---can put it in with his left hand like JP

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 23, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Turnovers aside, Prince had a great line today - 9 PTS, 5 AST, 7 REB. Contrast with Tyler Smith - 15 PTS, 8 REB, and 7 TOs. Not his best game IMHO. Funny that he was selected POTG by the CBS crew though.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tigervol -

yeah, good point. I think someone else mentioned the pluses of having Ramar come in with fresh legs to run the point at the end of a game. Fresh legs = fresh mind. Ramar did a good job today ... but those damn free throws wear me out.

Go VOLS!!

Posted by VOLSRGRT on March 23, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A big difference in this game verses against American was the rebounding effort.. I agree Brian Williams made his presense known this game.

Note to Gaytornation- don't you Florida fans have a website of your own to post comments to?

Posted by General_Fritter on March 23, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad to come on here and say I was wrong. Whoo. What a game!

Posted by General_Fritter on March 23, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FatherVol - you guys who don't think UNC is NOT for real need to turn on the game. They are wearing out the Hogs.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It takes a big General to admit that ... well done sir!

VOLSRGRT -

They do, its studs&buds.com

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW ! ! !

What a game ! The Tennessee Vol Fans are the greatest 6th man ever. Way to come off the bench late in the game and help the Vols come back and close the gap between awVols1985 and Misteright1 in the CBSportsLine Essay contest!

Voting is still open and will be until the end of the last game of the night, so VOTE, VOTE, VOTE !

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message...

Posted by KingsportVol on March 23, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a game.The wife had to hit me twice with the defibrillator to get me out of the floor.
Gaytornation you are dumber than a bag of hammers.You have been talking the same garbage for 2 games now.

We are like that fly in your sisters panties.We are not going away.
Happy Easter Vol Nation.Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by jhenson on March 23, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin...totally agree with you on Tyler. He's my favorite VOL and is masterful using his pivot foot to create advantageous shooting angles. Today, though he forced too many contested and fall-away shots. They doubled him everytime he touched the ball and he never found the open man. I'm sure he will have it fixed for next game.

Oh, and a previous poster commented that they liked our chances against the rest of the bracket. Well o.k. but thank GOD we aren't playing UNC or Louisville today, because both look awesome!

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 23, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Junkie -

I will admit, JP proved me wrong for about the first 36 minutes. I thought he played a great game and if he can play like that we've got a good shot to win. Great passes, solid D, and being able to crash the boards with a tall point always helps.

He's just got too much of an attack instinct to run it the last few minutes when we're protecting a lead. Tries to make too much happen.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on March 23, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gatornation wrote:Hahahaha, Tennessee playing like this is gone for sure next game, no chance at all, hahahahha. Hillbillies get one game in Charlotte but they lose, hahahahaha Talk about luck, nothing but pure luck, Butler was by far the better team but Tennessee had two lucky breaks, hahahahahha

HMMMM, and just how have the gators faired? Where are they? Oh, that's right. They are no where to be seen. As far as I can tell, they only dream of what sweet 16 looks like.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 23, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't worry about NC right now. Louisville is wearing out Oklahoma defensively right now. This may be the best pressure defense I've seen since the Vol's early in the season. Go Vols!!!!

Posted by volfreak on March 23, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Tar Heels are layin' it to the Hogs, 38-18 in the 1st. What a great weekend for b-ball!

Way to go, Vols! Now, let's take it to the San Antonio!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 23, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For his first opportunity, I thought Prince did pretty well, but he has to have more awareness of the game situation in the final minutes. That walking call was just ridiculous on his part. He wasn't even being pressed hard. Also, he needs to get over that shocked expression on his face anytime he is called for a foul. J.P.: sometimes you actually do foul those guys!

Overall, it was a great win. Let's take it, don't look back, and move on to Charlotte.

Posted by kdt0725 on March 23, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatornation-

Butler had the lead one time. So I dont see how we were outplayed the entire game. So quit being a little bitch and stop posting on our forum. If anything Butler had the luck because we were close to breaking the game open many times.

On the flip side, is Butler not the ugliest looking team out there? A.J. Graves looks like a rat and the one guy Scheiter or something is the missing link.

Posted by SFOrange on March 23, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great win against a very tough team.
free throws? who would have guessed?
this takes the the pressure of a sloppy week away.
now, lets show some support for this team.
loud and orange in charlotte.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MSU/Memphis ... talk about a game played above the rim. Memphis not playing smart with the lead and MSU hanging around. ARK looks done.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by gillblog on March 23, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ironcity, I agree on all points. But don't forget, more than a few teams have gotten to the Final 4 mainly on guts and determination. And one very notably deficient team won a national championship on little more than that.

At least for today, the Vols showed they are serious about winning.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 23, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Real tight battle going on over here at CBSportsLine.com. Tennessee still trails Dayton by
1 percentage point in the tournament! C'mon VOL fans ! Let's get out and vote! Call your family, call your friends call any other SEC fans and tell'em to help! Let's take down the Flyers of Dayton. Surely there are more TENNESSEE fans out there than there are Dayton fans.

If you have already voted, THANKS, and check back for the next round Monday.

GO VOLS ! ! !
GO LADY VOLS ! ! !

Posted by nivatne on March 23, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey gatornation, your right, maybe it was luck, but guess what??? WE STILL WON!!! Don't tell me that you think the gators didn't have a little luck on their side when they won?? Oh well, I guess you will just watch a "lucky" team continue on to the Sweet 16 while you sit at home and root for your Baby Gators in the Not Important Tournament!!!

Posted by murrayvol on March 23, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They may not always be efficient and/or pretty. They may suffer the occasional mental lapse or bonehead play. But they're tougher than a box of rocks when it counts.

Hence: 31-4 and a second straight Sweet 16.

Posted by jandjhome on March 23, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prince made a mistake but I am not sure we would have won without him. Go VOLS.

Posted by murrayvol on March 23, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to send a shout out to the NCAA Selection Committee for finding a way to give Butler a 7 seed. Two 30 win teams in a 2nd Round game. Nice!

Posted by jimr07 on March 23, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gaytornation--in case you did not know, they a thing hanging in the arenas called a scoreboard. when the official declares the game over, the team with the most points win. thought i would pass that along your pea brain if you even have one. how does it feel to a complete jerk? i bet your mama doesn't even like you.

Posted by MillisaAnn on March 23, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to the Vols on making it to the Sweet 16, We need to play better and take care of the ball.

Posted by TommyJack on March 23, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seeding screwed both teams. Butler is a very good squad.

Posted by splinterdand on March 23, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's forget about North Carolina for the moment. Louisville is much better than some have given them credit for. On the other hand, with our conditioning and depth, we can run with anyone. Bring 'em on and get fired up Vol fans!

Posted by hosslarry on March 23, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prince did an ok job at the point for his first game. He'll get better. The "Gentleman Jack" at the end of the game never tasted better.

Posted by murrayvol on March 23, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MillisaAnn: "We need to play better and take care of the ball." That's some mighty sound advice. I hope CBP incorporates it into the Sweet 16 game plan.

Posted by 55Vol on March 23, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is PLEASEGETRIDOF, that negative nabob of nonsense?

GF... me thinks you call against the Vols to see if they might get fired up, or at least get some some posters on this site fired up. Loose by 10.... no sir, but I can understand why one could have realistically thought that 48 hours ago.

Go Vols....let's go swallow a cardinal.

Posted by stroker on March 23, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on Chris play like its Winthrop. Good win VOLS!

Posted by nivatne on March 23, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do agree...we need Lofton to step up if we are going to go deeper. He only took 8 shots in regulation??? We have got to get him more involved in the offense.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just ignore gaytornation, she has yet to post anything of value.

At least she wears the orange ... color of the weekend DUI jumpsuit.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by nivatne on March 23, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey gatornation, remember this...5 of the last 6 vs your team...oh, and for predictions, we will own you next year too. And the next year. And the next year...I think you get my point. Oh, and one more thing...if we have beaten your sorry-excuse-for-a-team so many times, how bad would yall lose to UNC or Loisville?? Hmmm...guess we'll never know, seeing as yall are playing other crappy teams in the NIT...so hahahahaha to you my friend...just for the record: Tennessee in the Sweet 16 & Gaytors in the NIT

Posted by imnotwithphil on March 23, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another win on our way to the Final Four... I think Bruce will have the guys focused and the point guard situation sorted by next week...

The only thing I'm concerned about this team is our free throw shooting... I can barely watch when we're at the line...

Go Vols!!!

Posted by dtaylor0730 on March 23, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting how GAYtornation chimes in like he has some bragging rights. So what if UT doesn's make it any further in the big dance. I'd rather get to the sweet 16 than go all the way in the National Idiots Tournament, which would be a miracle if the gaytors made it that far.

Posted by gator4life on March 23, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good win Vols. Looks like the only SEC team that will be left playing. I guess the pundits were right when they said the SEC was down this year. Good luck in Charlotte and try to carry the conference banner far.
IMO, anybody that wastes a second responding to gatornation is as "slow" as he is...

Posted by mtnvol on March 23, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gaytorcounty, how did the gaytors do in the NCAA tourney? NIT treating you guys well? Did you make the NIT? Next time you bring your weak crap, tell us all how well the thugs from Gaynsville did THIS YEAR! Don't brag about the "was", talk about the "is." As in "you IS watching UT go to the Sweet 16, baby!"

Posted by VolJunkie on March 23, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gator4life -

nice post ... don't know if this means the SEC is "down", besides Vandy, UT was the only team seeded #4 or better, I think the conference did what the selection committee expected.

Yeah, good point about gatornation, thanks for reminding us there is intelligent life in the Sunshine State.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by VolBall on March 23, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm tickled to death that we're in the sweet 16; BUT, IMO Butler was not a very good team. Butler has very limited athleticism, no length inside, no transition game. They do have senior players who play well together, but I'm a little concerned with our Vols. We just don't seem to have any flow to our game the last 4 or 5 games. We are turning it over far too much, we continue to struggle stopping dribble drives, leaving too many 3 point shooters open (a bit lucky Butler didn't shoot a higher percentage today) and our press is ineffective in turning teams over or in speeding up tempo to our liking.

Here's hoping we can get clicking. It's going to take a great, great effort to down Louisville.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 23, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The next "four game tournament" is UNC, WSU, L'Ville, and UT. Win the game if front of you, guys. Win the matchup against your man. Remember, David wasn't given much of a chance against Goliath, but we know how that turned out. Finally as Summitt preaches, "Offense sells tickets, defense wins games, and rebounds win championships." Shock the world! GO BIG ORANGE!!!

Posted by IPOrange on March 23, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank goodness Butler couldn't make a layup. I think the Prince move is the right move, but perhaps it should have happened sooner.

Posted by rockyknox on March 23, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice post gator4life.

Now gatornation, who will Fl be playing in the Sweet 16?

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 23, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"IMO Butler was not a very good team." I couldn't agree less with that statement. They are a very sound team, and I guarantee you they would have given Louisville a much better game than Oklahoma is today. Butler got screwed by being placed in a seven seed.

Posted by VOLSRGRT on March 23, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Butler looked pretty good to me!

Posted by VolBall on March 23, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I ain't bellyachin, just my opinion :) I think Butler is the product of a very weak conference. Again, not much that they put on the floor that will scare anybody. I think our stuggles were more our own doing.

I'd love to us get more good looks out of our half court sets. There's too much one-on-one stuff and "tough twos". But again, Survive and Advance is the name of the game. I'm thrilled and full of optimism that we will get better in the next round.

Posted by trip19 on March 23, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will never forget this very exciting team. Just keep doin' it.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 23, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Check this out! We have played 5 of the "Sweet 16" teams...and we're 4-1.
W KY (W)
Xavier (W)
Texas (L)
Memphis (W)
WVU (W)
Obviously, those games from the past will not win the next one. However, we've done our "homework" by playing "big time" games. Now, we may be getting ready to play one of "THE" games of the tournament. What a great day for UT basketball!

Posted by KHVOLFAN on March 23, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is the #1 STUPID ASS, AirForceOne? Ha!Ha!Ha!

Posted by DennisVols on March 23, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UF Gators= Not Impressive Team (NIT)

Posted by overatedvols on March 23, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis knocks out yet another SEC team. 6 went in and 5 gone. Overrated.
Truth is..SEC has had Kentucky in years past and Fla. in recent years. Those were the great teams
Now... 1 team out of 6 remains. Not a good showing..embarrassing.
Memphis beats mighty MS. St. Oh..wow. you can't insult that. If you say MS.St. wasn't good like you say about all the teams we beat then.. you are critizing that mighty conf. I read where they were second best in the SEC and giving it everything they had today. Oh well... 5 out of 6..all gone..
Memphis..on to the sweet 16, yet again..yawn.
I know it's rare territory for you guys so enjoy.
Next up Louisville = Tenn ..run ends at sweet 16 once again.
Next up for Memphis = Michigan St. Memphis advances to the elite 8 for the 3rd straight year.
Sorry for knocking out an SEC team. I only wish we had SEC teams in our path to the final 4 after all that conf was very overrated this year.

Posted by SCVolsFan on March 23, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whee... Vols WON!
Just hate they are in the same bracket as UNC
but...... they haven't played us yet.

Way to go Big Orange.
Bring on Louisville.

Posted by dopedawg on March 23, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok guys, think about those red birds from Ky. Lets get ready for them. Again--rebound, rebound, rebound, rebound, did well today, and we know you can do better!!! I still have great confidence that you can go all the way. Time to buckle down and play hard. In Bruce I trust. Go Vols!!!!!

Posted by chipper10 on March 23, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad for the victory, but the team looked tight. For better or for worse, Pearl needs to let them go, run the court, pressure, and deal with the mistakes. The more we slow down and try to take caution, the more mistakes we make and allow the other team to stay in the game.

We will not beat Louisville with this kind of outing. Turn 'em loose!

Posted by VolCane7979 on March 23, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Overrated,

66-62. Nice free throw shooting down the stretch today. Sparty is excited.

Posted by VolCane7979 on March 23, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ARE YOU ALL STUPID? I've said it a hundred $hitty times. QUIT. RESPONDING. TO. GATORNATION. It doesn't matter what you say. He/she/retard giggles and claps his/her/retard's hands when you type something in response. Get a clue!

Posted by grvol on March 23, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do these gator losers get on other teams' websites? Get on your own damn site and catch up on the NIT. Get a life and get lost.

Posted by nafslov on March 23, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope Tennessee doesn't have to play 5 against 8 ,as they did against Butler ( 5 players plus 3 officials) What a pathetic example of officiating !Go Vols !

Posted by Razzle on March 23, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can't spell gatornation without nit.

Posted by elmovol on March 23, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I told you we were going to kick their Butler.

Posted by Razzle on March 23, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i heard that gatornation and overtatedvols are siamise twins.

Posted by bmaples on March 23, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a very-long-time Vol fan, and a long-time Cards fan, I have to say first of all: What did I do to deserve this matchup?!?

:--)

On to the game -- for all of you who are not that familiar with the Cards, here's the short version:

- Rated #7 in preseason, behind UT's #6
- Started the year with injuries to two of five starters, Padgett and Palacios.
- As a result, lost some games early that they should have won.
- Got everyone healthy, won every game in February, tied Georgetown for Big East regular season, came to last game of season and lost at G-town.
- Lost in Big East tourney to Pitt, who went on to win it all
- Can play slow or fast. Have won in the 90s, and won in the 50s.
- Essentially use a "point center" - Padgett comes to the high post often, gets the entrance pass and makes the decisions
- Will shoot long-range if open. Guards struggling with their shots late in the season, but seem to have found them this weekend. At one point today, I think they were 50% from 3.
- Usually play exceptionally tight defense -- hold teams to under 60 points. Full-court press, man-to-man, and 2-3 zone.

Here is their home page on ESPN, with some good analysis of their strengths and weaknesses:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/clubhou...

Posted by bmaples on March 23, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now, for my take on the game, having watched both teams closely for years:

If Louisville plays at the top of their game (and Tennessee lets them), Louisville will win by 15 easy. They are playing the best they've played all year, and they look relaxed and ready.

If, OTOH, the Vols can shoot them out of their zone, it will open up some room for drives to the hole. I think that Tennessee's guards may be able to break down Louisville's guards, but only in the man-to-man -- in the zone, Louisville does a great job of help defense.

It should be a great, great game.

Posted by bleed_orange on March 23, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many cUSA teams made the NCAA Tourney? 1 That's what I thought. Sounds like Memphis plays in a Mid-Major Conference. I thought Memphis was going to kill Miss St? What happened Tigers? Well, I think Mi. St. will beat Memphis. It will be close, but it will come down to Dorsey at the Foul Line. GatorNation-I have you know, I was hoping Ole Miss and FL would go far in the NIT. SEC!SEC!SEC! GO VOLS! BEAT LOUISVILLE!

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 23, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to point out to overrated that the only team from their "killer" non conference schedule left dancing is UT. Remind me the result of that game again? Or the fact that is spite of all of their "history" Tiger High bosts a whopping 7-12 all time record against UT.

I wouldn't overlook Michigan State just yet. If you do win, have fun with Texas.

Of course, it's easy for Memphis to get a 1 seed, a cakewalk to the Sweet 16, and win 30 against that schedule. Crap, Buzz Peterson could coach a team to 25 wins for three years in a row against that.

Maybe if Tiger High wasn't a pathetic suitase college of a school, a real conference might want them to join. I hope to see them get down on their hands and knees and beg again for a major confernece to let them in like the did the Big East. I find it humorous. Until then, enjoy life in Conference USA.

Posted by PennVol on March 23, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go Vols! Onto the Sweet 16. Vitale just picked Mich St to spank Memphis next weekend.

Posted by FatherVol on March 23, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GeneralFrit: I never said UNC wasn't for real. I just said I had a feeling that the Razorbacks might take care of them. OK, so I forgot to take my Pepto and the feeling was something else. Go ahead crucify me. I enjoy pain.....not.

Posted by brvol on March 23, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How bout them gaytors.

Posted by jdcdjc on March 23, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love the Vols as much as anyone in here, and have been at it longer than probably any of you, but how far can we go without decent point guard play? Bruce please go out an get us a good point guard. One that when he makes a good play then turns around and makes two bad ones. In the bracket I filled out I have the Vols as national champion, but from here on out we have to play real smart.
Go Vols!!!

Posted by iowavol on March 23, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This may be sacriligous, but BP should consider benching Lofton and keeping Ramar and JP on the floor more. Chris is not only in a season long - yes season long - slump, he's not driving and finishing either like he did the previous three years. Bring him in off the bench and see if he can light it up then.

Posted by mbradshaw1 on March 23, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only Gators I will listen to is 99 gator and Gator4life. the rest are just wasting their time. I am for the SEC teams always, but Tennessee is always #1 in my book. And NIT GO GATORS. As always GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!

Posted by BigOrange_supporter on March 23, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ut I thought was a little off today, Butler was no slouch, one game at a time. If we win the next 4 games by 1 point each time, that is all it takes. Way to go Big Organge.

Posted by BigOrangeInCarolina on March 23, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am proud of our VOLS!!!! Way to step up, guys. Louisville won't be easy, but it's doable. A fair warning to everybody in the Vol Nation, including Coach Pearl and the players: I don't know who Dean Smith and the folks at UNC have naked pictures of over at the NCAA, but this whole tournament smells of Tarheel. I live in ACC country, and every time ANYBODY plays North Carolina, they put their 5 on the court with Carolina's 8 (5 players, 3 officials). They do it in subtle ways: calling one-sided on fouls, so your big men get in trouble early, cheap fouls on your key perimeter guys, just chipping away here and there until you're depleted and everybody's walking on eggshells. Hansbrough plays dirty, as is their method, and they rarely ever get called. This year sucks in particular, because the farthest Carolina has to go outside the Final Four is Charlotte. CHARLOTTE. The whole place will be blue. Roy Williams is a good coach, but I'm telling you, Dean Smith started it and it is alive and well today: when the Vols dispatch Louisville and wind up playing the Heels, we will all see home-cooking like we have never seen it before. Everybody from the announcers to the officials to the guy selling shaved ice will have the biggest hard-on for the Carolina Tarheels, and the Vols will have an uphill climb before the tip-off even happens.

Posted by trl_x on March 23, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That was rough. The "J.P. Experiment" nearly backfired down the stretch. Overall I thought he played pretty good. I still don't think we're playing really well as a team but we won. With the way Louisville is playing, we'll have to play as well as we can to win.

What was with CBS cutting away to the Georgetown game? The last time with less than 30 seconds left. If I lived in Montana or somewhere, I could understand. But living in the Tennessee market we should get Tennessee from start to finish.

That was annoying.

Posted by mun4life on March 23, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

razzle, they're siamese twins connected upside down to each other.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 23, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport, don't be too hard on Gator, he's only 10 and like Adams, was given potted meat and pickled eggs by the Easter bunny this mornin'.

Posted by UTByrd on March 23, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Louiville started out this season very badly, due to a lot of injuries. Once they got healthy, they really took off. There was talk of not making the NCAA. Let me tell you something. They are for real, a final four caliber team. Every time I saw them play, I was reminded of Nolan's 40 minutes of hell. I pray the VOL's PG situation improves greatly or we are sunk. Please, VOLS all, no lazy or street ball passes. Think CRISP.
Lets also hope that UL and NC blowing out their opponents leads to a negative impact on their next game. It's been known to happen.
Anyways, I'll be a happy camper as long as ya'll do your very best as a team. That is all we, as fans, ask of you. Even after a loss, as bad as it might hurt, I'm still proud to be a VOL devotee. We're all pulling hard for you to win the National Title. Just do it!

Posted by Razzle on March 23, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL!!! mun i was thinking that very thing.

Posted by FLAVOLS on March 23, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Jajuan's focus should be to scratch off that #1 on his sneakers and focus more on PLAYING like a #1 seed. We will need ALL our players to get thru this tourney. Now is the time to step up and play like that #1 he wishes we were.

Posted by FLAVOLS on March 23, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone needs to give Overrated a hug. He obviously was beaten down somewhere in his life, oh yeah, that's right, 66-62 February 23rd in Memphis!

Posted by Razzle on March 23, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tammy? wtf is "noone" ?

Posted by schymtz on March 23, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gator4life and airforceone are welcomed contributors who represent their teams well and add to the conversation and mutual respect, even with their occasional digs. There are others who provide some comic relief now and again in spite of themselves. I've wondered if these unhappy imps even represent the teams their screen names suggest. I doubt it.

UT played better defense in the half court and in the paint today than the pundits usually give them credit for playing. Lots of blocked shots. Butler intended to win this game. Played well. Louisville will bring their desire to win as well.

The reason for playing UT's schedule in the regular season was to be prepared for the postseason.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 23, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"This may be sacriligous, but BP should consider benching Lofton and keeping Ramar and JP on the floor more. Chris is not only in a season long - yes season long - slump, he's not driving and finishing either like he did the previous three years. Bring him in off the bench and see if he can light it up then."

Fortunately, our coaching staff isn't listening to that sort of bunk. As for his "slump", Lofton was 3-7 today from outside the arc. That's not what I would call a slump. I'd call that not taking enough shots.

Posted by volfan73120 on March 24, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been advised that gaytornation has been removed from this site. Does anyone know if that is rumor or fact?

Posted by john on March 24, 2008 at 4:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Observations:
The CBS coverage sucks, especially if you are outside of TN, hope it is better in state; wish ESPN had it.
The SEC has gotten no respect in this draw. Most new GA was a fluke and not going to keep up the "Atlanta windfall". KY deserved to be in the tourney but losing their best player late in the regular season doomed them in the tourney. Seeding screwed Ark and Miss. St. and while Ark. was outclassed, State almost took out a #1 seed.
Tenn. had by far the toughest draw of any of the top teams. So except for Vandy wetting the bed, the SEC's performance under the circumstances is about as expected. Hopefully what doesn't kill us will make us stronger!
This is why BP politics for UT & the SEC in his comments, hoping to avoid this kind of screwing; but in the end you just have to win to get the respect you deserve.
IMO UNC, Memphis, TX, and TN. are the best teams left in the tourney. Unfortunately only two will go to San Antone.
Good luck and GO VOLS, get to Charlotte and sprinkle some orange in amongst all the powder blue, I'm going to try to make it from VA.

Posted by Plasticman on March 24, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let Ramar handle the point vs. Lousiville and hopefully this will be an up and down game with lots of scoring. In the end, Vols need to rebound and hit their FT's to defeat Cards. Lofton must find his shot and come up big. He's definitely due.

Posted by volssam on March 24, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Lofton will turn it on, esp. since it's a KY team in L'Ville that didn't give him a shot coming out of High School as a Mr. Basketball.......
Back to the Butler game -- Butler is a good team, so just winning against them, no matter the way we had to do it, is good....
Duke has to play more like a man: none of this trying to float the ball in and getting it stuffed back in your face; take the ball up and jam it through....
Tyler is amazing, but I think he may have had more turnovers in this game than he had the whole season; hopefully it was just tournament jitters and they're out of his system now. That being said, we obviously would not have won without him.
Also, at one point in the game, our 3 best players (Lofton Jajuan and Tyler) were all out at the same time; didn't really understand that, but Pearl is awesome and I'm so glad he's here and I hope he never leaves......GO VOLS!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on March 24, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bflynn2, you're an idiot...or a UConn fan, which is often the same thing. I guess your definition of "sucks" is "wins SEVEN national championships and graduates all her players"--we should all "suck" like that, loser!
iowavol, I too wish Chris was shooting better and playing better. I am also a bit concerned about his turnovers--bad passes and loose on the dribble lately. That said, our opponents clearly still regard him as a major threat, deserving of special defensive attention that opens things up for other guys. However, I am puzzled by the lack of respect he seems to get from refs. Defenders are allowed to hold, grab, push, and shove him all over the court with few calls against them. He also gets knocked down on drives two or three times a game but rarely gets the call. He had at least two big defensive rebounds and at least one big steal late in the Butler game. Also, there is no one on this team I would rather have at the foul line late in a tight game.
I strongly agree with those who think JP should not play point in the last five minutes or so. He committed at least half of his turnovers in that part of the game. He just does not understand how to play in those tight late-game situations. I will give him props for getting better at the free-throw line lately and for adding energy most of the time he is in the game. He just needs to understand that sometimes the best thing to do is to just THROTTLE IT DOWN and do the simple--if boring--thing instead of hotdogging ALL the time.
Louisville is playing well now, but I like our chances against them. They will be willing to run with us, which is also what we do best. GO VOLS!!! PLUCK THE CARDINALS!!! ON TO SAN ANTONIO!!!

Posted by 55Vol on March 24, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bflynn2... you suck, UConn sucks, and it is ridiculous to think you know the first thing about basketball.

Posted by volunteerdee on March 24, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes physical and none of the 'showboating' antics. Good game. Not sure if it was a good idea to change the starting line up. J.P. was pretty good but not sure if he's starting lineup material, yet. GO VOLS!!

Posted by nastyman on March 24, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's an analysis that I did regarding TN and UL.

Below is a comparison of the overall rivals.com ranking of the seven players who play the most minutes on each team.

I also analyze the overall team ranking by adding the rankings of all the players.

I'm not stupid enough to think that this is a logical way of picking a game, but I thought some of you might find it interesting.

It's funny that Lofton and JuJuan are the best players on our team, yet were the lowest recruited out of high school (BTW, I assigned walk-ons an automatic score of 500; Luckily both teams only had an equal amount).

*LOWER IS BETTER*
TN
--------------------------------------------
W Chism recruited @ #34 **** Forward

T Smith recruited @ #43 **** Forward

C Lofton recruited @ #146 *** Guard

J Smith recruited @ #500??? 0* Guard

R. Smith recruited @ #20 ***** Guard

D. Crews recruited @ #26 ***** Forward

JP. Prince recruited @ #21 ***** Guard

TENNESSEE SCORES A 790

UL
----------------------------------------
T. Williams recruited @ #111 *** Forward

J. Smith recruited @ #82 **** Guard

J. Palacios recruited @ #30 ***** Forward

E. Clark recruited @ #22 ***** Forward

D. Padgett recruited @ #500 0* Center

E. Sosa recruited @ #74 **** Guard

A. Mcgee recruited @ #107 *** Guard

LOUISVILLE SCORES A 926

If we go by this, TN should win by approximately 13 points.

The only matchup that doesn't work in our favor is at Forward, where Louisville has two ***** players.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by PHIL on March 25, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

YAWN!!!