You might as well have put a fork in this pork about halfway through the first half tonight. The Tennessee Volunteers chained the Hogs to the floor with six points barely two and a half minutes into the game and left them there while the good guys in hunter orange pretty much did whatever they pleased on their way to a 23-6 lead. Really, it was all over but the squealing at that point, and although Tennessee temporarily flirted with giving the game back in the second half, it closed out strong, winning 77-58 and capping off an extremely impressive two-game run of dominance that seems to be coming at just the right time.
Man, this game felt good. Admit it, you thought the Florida games were flukey, a bit more about Florida than Tennessee, or perhaps a bad matchup for the Gators, or karma confusing basketball for football or something, right? Well, maybe not. Because this team was primed for a letdown, but it didn't happen. Coming off a great win at Florida, with Arkansas not having won a road game, and with Kenny Hall going and getting himself suspended for "conduct (apparently not that) detrimental to the team," this game was dangerous. It seems that the closer we get to a legitimate discussion of bubbles, the more trouble we find.
But not tonight. Guess how many players were in double figures this evening? Six. Six players in double figures. In fact, you should double check the box score just to make sure you weren't in double figures, too. Jordan McRae had 14. Trae Golden had 13. Jeronne Maymon and Skylar McBee each had 12, and Cam Tatum and Jarnell Stokes had 11 and 10 respectively. Even after the Vols cooled off, they finished shooting 56% from the field and nearly 48% from behind the arc. They were hot, is what I'm saying.
The best part of the whole thing is that when the team did inevitably cool off, they not only had enough of a cushion to withstand Arkansas' run, they had the fortitude to regain the massive lead they'd won for themselves earlier. Really, it was an awesome performance, and on the heels of the big win at Florida, good luck trying to quell talk of postseason destinations now.
Tonight's win puts Tennessee tied at 5th 4th in the SEC with #23 Mississippi State and games against Alabama, Ole Miss, South Carolina, LSU, and Vandy remaining.
But what got the team here is a maturity and focus on the task at hand. Tonight, that task was beating the Razorbacks. Now it shifts to beating Alabama.
#beatbama
2 recs | 105 comments
tied at 4th, I believe
#beatbama
Incipient_Senescence - February 15, 2012
Yes
But also 5th, no? ;-)
Joel Hollingsworth - February 15, 2012
fair enough
Incipient_Senescence - February 15, 2012
Mmmm, bacon
Well done
Will Shelton - February 15, 2012
I don't care what the sport is
I thoroughly enjoy beating ‘Bama…so let’s do that. Plus, I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday and I don’t particularly want to be subjected to having to put up with a bunch of crap if we lose.
VolnVA - February 15, 2012
Was not expecting the win to be that much
But a win’s a win, and now the Vols gotta beat the elephants
falconnuke - February 15, 2012
What a huge win.
I’m not walking around with a smile on my face like beating Florida for the second time, but this one feels pretty good, too.
Now, #beatbama
TennesseeTyrants - February 15, 2012
And our friend, Obi
is posting on the Arkansas site about how terrible they are on the road. Is the guy a jerk, or just totally socially incompetent?
Caban - February 16, 2012
Jay Bilas...
is pushing for the elimination of automatic NCAA Tournament bids. What a jackass… part of the fun of March is actually watching mid-major tournaments because they matter.
He keeps going on about how his idea is somehow more fair than the current system. Seriously… does anyone actually believe that a 16-15 SEC team as a 14 seed is actually going to make a huge difference compared to the OVC champ?
Caban - February 16, 2012
sidenote...
I’ll never understand the obsession with naming a champion via a flawless system. College sports are in large part great because they aren’t anywhere near as soulless as pro sports, and I prefer to avoid imitating them if we can.
Caban - February 16, 2012
amen
I think you just summed up why I’m so passionate about college sports and so “meh” about pro sports… it’s about soul.
PdxVol - February 16, 2012
And it's not as if the pro leagues have the perfect system either...
The Giants happened to be the best team int he NFL for a four-game stretch when it mattered most. I don’t think anyone would argue with a straight face that they were the best team in the NFL over the course of the season.
There IS no “perfect” system for crowning champions. The NFL playoffs are fun, and so is the NCAA tournament. They both seem to accomplish their respective leagues’ goals to most people’s satisfaction.
birdjam - February 16, 2012
+1
I want a football playoff because it'd be stupid fun, but arguing about fairness in college football is like arguing about what kind of cats are the best at algebra._trey_ - February 16, 2012
It's the Siamese cat
In case anyone was wondering.
Ben Miller - February 16, 2012
house of lies
It’s clearly the Bombay
Caban - February 16, 2012
how can you deny this face?
Caban - February 16, 2012
Like this
bobothevol - February 16, 2012
I think you're all wrong...it's this cat
VolnVA - February 16, 2012
So many kitties....so little time.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
I'm excited to come back from class and find out I sparked this many cat images.
Ben Miller - February 16, 2012
especially when the OVC champ actually makes some noise
Morehead and Murray have given us two of the best first round games of the last two years (both times as 13 seeds)
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
Bilas is concerned about team #69 now.
While that makes sense, the odds that team #69 is worthy of being the national champion is much less than, say, the odds of team #3 being worthy of raising a banner. Leave the mids in; there’s nothing Cinderella about a 19-13 11-seed Big East also-ran making a deep run.
(Put your hand down, Ted Leonsis. I know you can raise a banner for just about anything.)
Chris Pendley - February 16, 2012
Actually...
As Bilas points out, the automatic bids make it so we’re not arguing about team #69, but rather team #38 or so.
I don’t necessarily agree with him, but he’s a bright guy and makes some good points.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog//name/bilasjay/id/7578744/murray-state-deserves-the-ncaa-tournament-regardless-automatic-bids-ncb
birdjam - February 16, 2012
Right, but my larger point stands.
That is, the merits of team #39 making the tourney is much less than team #3. (In reality, it’s probably not quite the last at-large – maybe in the 40s or so, and it’ll vary by year.)
Chris Pendley - February 17, 2012
Don't look now...
but Tennessee has already fallen from #106 to #107 in the RPI.
Can we please get a better system for the NCAA to use? Using the RPI to select NCAA Tournament teams in 2012 is like continuing to use an abacus to solve calculus problems.
Caban - February 16, 2012
Co-sign
kidbourbon - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Considering how well the Pomeroy selections have generally done...
in the NCAA Tournament pools, I’d think that it’s probably the best choice.
Caban - February 16, 2012
There is some very subtle humor here.
I approve, even if it is Trig.
bobothevol - February 16, 2012
great photo of McB
#beatbama
GiantCornelius - February 16, 2012
#beatbama
kidbourbon - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Thought the 3 pt by McBee at the 8:30 mark was the key to preserving the game
The lead had slipped to 10 and didn’t feel that good any more. That McThree started a mini run and put the game firmly out of reach (again).
Hey Coach Grant, I firmly support your disciplinary process. Keep those last two guys “indefinitely suspended” thru Saturday, please.
#beat Bama
memphispete - February 16, 2012
/sigh formatting. hashtag beat Ar-kansas... check
memphispete - February 16, 2012
Oh, and Cuonzo Martin - Coach of the Year in the SEC?
Has anyone beaten expectations by a greater margin than UT? Next to last vs. tied for 4th.
Everyone who comes in to do the games notes how well he runs his practices, how much his team loves him and how good the defense is.
I didn’t believe we would amount to much this year because of a new coach, not much game experience (role players, etc) and not as much talent (UT vs. UK, for example).
What other SEC coach deserves it more? (anyone who is tempted to type Calipari – please break your own fingers. Stop at any cost)
I have always liked Zo, from his opening presser, but I thought it would take more time. NCAA bid or not. NIT bid or not. He has done an amazing turnaround job from Nov/Dec to now.
Go Zo. Beat Bama
memphispete - February 16, 2012
I won't type the name
but it’s hard to avoid getting coach of the year when you go 16-0. But just looking at the in-season coaching job, it’s hard to argue against Cuonzo
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
(yet another reason I'd love to see UK go down in Gainesville)
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
I honestly believe an average coach could go 16-0 with that much talent at Kentucky..
Oh, wait….
memphispete - February 16, 2012
16-0 isn't an easy feat
if they pull it off, I have to give credit where credit is due
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
and I'd give credit to world wide wes
memphispete - February 16, 2012
We may be the 2nd best team in the SEC...
but I really think the SEC is very down this year.
16-0 is an impressive accomplishment in any year, and you are right that credit is due… but they aren’t exactly doing it versus great teams.
Didn’t a Tubby Smith team go undefeated once too?
Caban - February 16, 2012
good call
2002-03
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
If we're talking about great coaching efforts, that one certainly belongs on the list
that team had Keith Bogans, but after that they relied on guys like Gerald Fitch and Chuck Hayes. If you were to make a list of the ten most talented Kentucky teams of the last thirty years, I doubt they’re on it. We should’ve beat them in the conference opener in Knoxville, lost by three with half our team fouled out. But they didn’t play a closer game until the finale at Florida. And the SEC got six teams in the field that year, which should’ve been seven but we got screwed by Jon Higgins and Jim Harrick (this was my last year in the student section and I loved Ron Slay – I have a hard time letting it go). Lost in the Elite Eight because they ran into Dwyane Wade’s triple double.
Will Shelton - February 16, 2012
They aren't exactly...
what I consider a real college team.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
I would be interested...
in seeing how he would do if they got rid of the one-and-done rule
Caban - February 16, 2012
Glad you see my point, sddbaker
Cal deserves some credit for recruiting an amazing group of athletes every year. Five NBA first rounders last year and I’d be stunned if his top 6 or 7 don’t make an NBA roster this year. Recruiting is part of coaching. I get it.
But, he is not a good bench coach. Lost the National Championship game to Kansas. Got out coached by Pearl with much inferior talent on a regular basis.
Almost lost to the Vols this year – with a talent gap that is mind-blowing.
I don’t know how Cal does it, but the smoke is thick and it feels all warm (like there’s a fire real close by)…
memphispete - February 16, 2012
I disagree on Cal not being a good bench coach
The strongest statement that can be made is that his acumen as a bench coach is inconclusive. Please see previous thread (not sure which one, actually, but I think it might have been the Florida open-thread) where my arguments are laid out in full.
kidbourbon - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I will still disagree
having lived thru Memphis’ tournament performances, losses as the Tigers’ coach in which he had far more talent than his C-USA neighbors and still managed to lose due to some questionable in-game decisions, and his unbelievable losses to Tennessee during the stretch when he had Rose, etc talent and UT had just one NBA player (Watson).
Cal has made his reputation solely on recruiting unbelievable players and coaching them in an average way. There is no way he belongs in a conversation with Coach K, John Wooden or other greats.
Now, Tubby Smith and coach Cal….
memphispete - February 18, 2012
to add to this
on a whim, I just checked through some of the comments on the CCM hiring announcement thread (keep in mind, while we stil had Harris and Hopson) and found this gem
Any guesses as to what lineup Coach Martin used to beat Florida? Twice.
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
This is gold.
Just shows how great of a job CCM is doing.
TennesseeTyrants - February 16, 2012
Agreed.
GhostDance - February 16, 2012 via Android app
Vols are 107 in RPI
but 66 in KenPom – five spots higher than Mississippi State.
Will Shelton - February 16, 2012
why can't KenPom be the important thing?
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
Or even BPI from espn
…which is similar to kenpom, but with some bells and whistles.
Or even sagarin, which I would take over RPI any ole day of the week.
kidbourbon - February 16, 2012 via mobile
ugh...
The RPI currently has Kentucky #3, behind Syracuse and freaking Duke.
That is an absolute joke.
Caban - February 16, 2012
There are national media members saying that they believe
We are the second-best team in the SEC right now.
That’s according to Rucker.
Brad Shepard - February 16, 2012
I still think Vanderbilt is better than their record (three overtime losses)
but after them and UK, I’d take us over anybody right now. We’re clearly better than Florida.
Will Shelton - February 16, 2012
at this point, I'd tend to agree
strange coincidence, there are two teams I want on the other side of the SECT bracket. . .
would love to see the Vols and Florida at #2 and #3 with Vandy at #4 and Kentucky #1. Absolute dream scenario. Of course, it all starts with winning our games. #BeatBama
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
Speaking of Wes
He tweets that CCM isn’t sure if Kenny will return to the team this season.
VolnVA - February 16, 2012
well that'd suck, he was finally starting to give us some quality
Mr Woolridge, welcome back to the backup post spot
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
He would need to say that...
..even if he’s just planning on another game (not saying he should). A part of the punishment aspect of the suspension needs to be… well… the suspense.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
anybody know what comprises the detrimental conduct in Mr. Hall's case?
memphispete - February 16, 2012
Rucker is still trying to figure out
rumor is a drug test, but we have no idea whether there’s anything to that
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
thanks..
but coach it’s for medicinal purposes and it’s legal in CA.
memphispete - February 16, 2012
That would be my guess.
Strictly opinion, though, not informed at all. Wes or somebody also tweeted last night that CCM said he was “surprised” that whatever happened, happened. Sounds a lot like a drug test, and it seems to me that him being surprised by it is a positive thing.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
Like the Skylar picture....
It would be perfect with a little color added to the face.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
Skylar Mc(zom)Bee?
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
If there's a Hall of Fame section to this site, Skylar's picture goes into it. Awesome.
Bruce with the painted chest.
Pat Summit cheerleading.
Dooley with his Doolisms.
etc.
memphispete - February 16, 2012
Breadsticks.
Door.
This is a worthy list to create.
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
I like where this is going.
I envision a series of posts explaining each of these things to the uninformed masses as they are inducted into this “Hall of Fame” of sorts.
TennesseeTyrants - February 16, 2012
Sounds like a summertime project.
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
Check this out.
It’s a site glossary, revised numerous times since its development, but it expalins some lore of another site. I hesitate to share this as I know a few Titans fans may be offended by BRB’s nickname for Tennessee’s home pro team, but it is a good template for a glossary.
http://www.battleredblog.com/2011/6/16/2227466/glossary-of-battle-red-blog-terms-second-edition-now-with-a-hint-of
chuckiepoo - February 16, 2012
The
mule.
GhostDance - February 16, 2012 via Android app
JP Prince's huge alien head (and/or salute)
The Time Traveler’s Ole Miss Game
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
That Time Traveler needs to be canonized.
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
Bobostradamus
VolnVA - February 16, 2012
+1000
Caban - February 16, 2012
That was truly legendary.
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
Yes!
Huge Alien Head - February 16, 2012
I thought you'd approve of that one
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
/mumbleraycom
bobothevol - February 16, 2012
Tacos
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
With Emma
kidbourbon - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Or was somewhere else??
sddbaker - February 16, 2012
That was dawgsports.
Though we used it for a few games.
bobothevol - February 16, 2012
actually I believe it was Red Cup Rebellion
but tacos with Emma was all ours (2010 Vandy live game thread)
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
EMMA fo sho
RockyTopinKY - February 16, 2012
Breadsticks.
St. Pat.
Gunslinger.
RockyTopinKY - February 16, 2012
I'm partial to the State Farm game, but that was just me on tilt for two hours straight.
Chris Pendley - February 17, 2012
was that Arkansas in the SECT last year?
Incipient_Senescence - February 17, 2012
Something I just noticed...
We moved from #117 to #106 in the RPI, which required an increase of around .02 points in total rating. That’s an inordinately large gap for such a short distance.
If Tennessee were to move up another .02, they’d go all the way to #78. Of course a road win vs. Alabama would be worth a lot more than the home win vs. Arkansas(#37 vs. #72). Add their rankings to the fact that a home win is multiplied by .06 while a road win is multiplied by 1.4, and there is really no telling how much we could gain.
A .04 increase would move us to #51, .05 would go all the way to #39.
Caban - February 16, 2012
On the other hand...
…this paints a much more sobering picture. Basically says if we win out, our RPI only goes to 63 headed into the SEC Tournament.
nirwin - February 16, 2012
where potentially we could be hurt by early round victories.
chuckiepoo - February 16, 2012
Essentially...
…if you go look at the “with conference tournaments” section, to get an RPI that would likely assure us an NCAA spot, we would need to either win out all the way to the SEC final or only lose once between now and then, and it would probably need to be to Vanderbilt, at that.
nirwin - February 16, 2012
if we win out, we're not playing in the early rounds
I don’t even think it’s mathematically possible
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
It is possible...
but it would require Vanderbilt(road), Florida(home) and Mississippi State(home) to beat Kentucky. Vanderbilt would also have to win at Florida, and then Florida would have to win out.
Basically it would require a perfect results in 15 separate games outside of the ones we play in.
Caban - February 16, 2012
Does anyone have any idea what the tiebreakers are?
We’d lose to MSU and Vandy… and beat Florida if they are using the old H2H and divisional record system. And we’d win any three way tie involving Florida, but there is literally zero information on the tiebreakers for this year online.
Caban - February 16, 2012
I know the gals:
.1) H2H (wins/losses only – no scores)
.2) H2H against the #1 conference team, then in descending order until the tie is broken.
.3) Coin flip.
Don’t know if they guys are the same or not.
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
and for us to lose the tiebreakers
we’d be tied with Vandy and MSU for 3rd under that scenario
Incipient_Senescence - February 16, 2012
VU-UF part deux is in Nashville
Not that that really has any bearing on the overall ridiculousness of this scenario.
VolnVA - February 16, 2012
if they play like tonight, it won't matter where the game is
and I don’t imagine they’ll have much trouble in TBA either. That’s the Vandy I kinda expected to see all season
Incipient_Senescence - February 17, 2012
They were preseason #5ish, after all.
If Vandy ended up finishing 4th or lower in the conference, would Stallings be the Un-Coach of the Year?
David Hooper - February 17, 2012
Those projections are generally just within 10-15 spots either way...
As they assume that everything except our results would be exactly as forecasted.
Caban - February 16, 2012
Don't we have a much better shot at winning the NIT
Than making it to the second round of the NCAA? If we even get in by a frogs hair we will have a really crappy seed, right?
All the NCAA talk is exciting, and i believe this team deserves a shot. However, a NIT championship would be freaking amazing!
TMT-GBO - February 16, 2012
meh...
to me it’s all about the NCAA Tournament. The NIT is a nice consolation prize, but I don’t see anyone singing the praises of South Carolina or Penn State for winning the NIT.
Caban - February 16, 2012
In general, the NIT is a big deal to small schools.
The NCAA is a big deal to every school.
David Hooper - February 16, 2012
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