Strange: Stud-dee, stud-dee, ace that exam

That would be the day:

The sidewalks on Volunteer Boulevard are crammed with orange-clad fans, spilling into the street. Some have been here since dawn, holding down a prime spot.

Finally, the front door opens at Gibbs Hall. A line of football players in sweatpants and jackets emerges. A charge of excitement buzzes through the crowd.

The cheers begin. Someone cues up "Rocky Top" on a boom box. The players begin their walk, exchanging high fives with the fans.

They turn onto Volunteer Boulevard - headed west, away from Neyland Stadium.

The closer they get to the Thornton Center, the louder the cheers.

"Forget Tebow, ace that exam,'' comes a cry from the sidewalk.

The chant begins: "Stud-dee, stud-dee, stud-dee.''

The players file into the Thornton Center to a thunderous ovation. Rick Russo, microphone in hand, stares into a camera and says:

"It's Finals Week here on The Hill and Vol fans have really turned out to show their support. They know the next three hours in that study hall are as important as any three hours all season long.

"Back to you, Heather Nicole.''

If only:

It's unanimous. Rivals.com and Scout.com agree Tennessee has edged Michigan State for the top men's basketball signing class in the nation.

Coach Bruce Pearl signed four new players: three of them four-star recruits and one a five-star.

All four prospects earned three stars based on their basketball skills and a fourth star for membership in the National Honor Society.

The winning edge for UT over the Spartans was point guard Keyon Jordan of Baltimore earning a fifth star for being an Eagle Scout.

Sounds like fun:

The tailgating outside Neyland Stadium has gone on all day. The Florida fans are fewer in number than the Tennessee fans but plenty loud with their drums and singing.

Time for the Vol Walk. Coaches lead the way down the hill, followed by the 26 players.

A couple of them are from Bearden, a couple from Farragut. There's one from CAK, another from Catholic.

Two are from Denmark, two from Cameroon, one from Argentina.

A crowd of 40,000 is expected to see the first SEC men's soccer title decided.

A message board I'd like to read:

VOLGEEZER: Our cornerbacks are horrible. Alabama killed us on third-and-long all day. Kiffin ought to tar and feather every one of the defensive coaches and if he hasn't got the guts then he and Mike Hamilton can go to Millsaps and run that program into the ground.

NILOSILVANFAN: Steady there, Geez. Don't you think you're overreacting? The kids are trying as hard as they can. And the coaches work 100-hour weeks so they probably know more about it than we fans in the stands do.

BEARFOREVER: Patience, orange brother. The Vols played with a lot of heart today. Tennessee's a classy program. Good luck with your next recruiting class. The SEC is a better league when the Vols are strong.

VOLGEEZER: Thanks, guys. I realize now I was being a knucklehead. Heck, it's only a game and the sun will come up tomorrow. Congrats on the win, Bear. You're welcome to drop in on our board any time and provide a little perspective.

COACHCALRULES: Good stuff. Anybody want to do lunch at the SEC tournament?

Mike Strange may be reached at strangem@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6276.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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