Posted by jevolball7 on December 29, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey,something good 4 us to banter about tonight! Lets rap!

Posted by Hunter on December 29, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Team looked great for most of the game. When this team clicks on all cylinders and hustles like it did for most of today, they will not be beaten. And Kentucky is AWFUL!!!!! Good times for the round-ball in Tennessee......

Posted by fundamentals83 on December 29, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interseting how well JaJuan, Chris, and Tyler rebound. Seems like they are perpetually around the ball. Looks like the team is jelling a bit over the last two games. Keep up the effort guys, that will win ball games.

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on December 29, 2007 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Back to back great road wins. The scattery D looked great. Rebounding a little suspect again, but better. Tyler Smith with 11 and 11, wow! Lots of FT for Prince too. JuJuan with a nice one.

Posted by creepykev on December 29, 2007 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great game

Posted by chrisw2967 on December 29, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just think how good there going to be if Lofton can ever get going , its going to happen but when, who knows.but when it does they are going to be awesome. Go Vols

Posted by pdhuff on December 29, 2007 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Could ease us back into Top Ten!!! Great job, Vols.

Posted by gillblog on December 29, 2007 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They did look good today and Pearl did his usual eccentric job of motivating his players ("Fish! Fresh Fish!!") but unless Lofton regains his shooting touch I'm afraid this is still not a final four team.

Posted by daddyaxe on December 29, 2007 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

total team effort we are coming together....win the east easily and SEC no.1 or 2 seed in tournament should be ours for the taking

Posted by DenverVol on December 29, 2007 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

man, they sure are fun to watch!! relentless! although, i wouldn't mind seeing them box out a little more on the defensive boards. GO VOLS!

Posted by jevolball7 on December 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I pitty the teams that catch us when CLO & JuJuan go off from 3 land,with Tyler and JP slashing to the hole. There are worse NBA teams.

Posted by bmaples on December 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Solid, solid win in another hostile environment. None of these by themselves is a "BIG WIN," but put them all together and it's a quality "pre-season" record. Wonder what kind of SEC record they can put with it?

Here's a comment from one of the TV announcers that should warm every Vol fan's heart: "Tennessee never takes a possession off." Absolutely true. Great hustle, great pressure, and just a fun game to watch. Now for some SEC wins to go with it! Go Vols!

Posted by GerryOP on December 29, 2007 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A great win on national TV! And to think that ESPN said two weeks ago that there was a reasonable chance that we could lose three of the last four!! LOL!!!

Posted by tapeworm on December 29, 2007 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The mark of a great team is how they refuse to fold on the road when the other team makes a big run. The Vols kept bringing it time after time when the Zags made a run. They look alot like North Carolina with their frenzied pace - both offensively and defensively. Another "quality" win.

Posted by inquiry on December 29, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WEBEBAD. . Go Vols

Posted by THE_VOL on December 29, 2007 at 7:59 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by eduardo on December 29, 2007 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team has turned the corner on playing real hard for 40 minutes. What a great coach we have in Pearl and his staff. He gets his guys to buy into his scheme and give incredible effort. How refreshing is that vol fans! I agree with the comment that Kentucky is awfullllllllllll! Chalk up 2 wins against those guys. I hope they don't find a fax somewhere to get a former player or players back. Ha Ha If everyone wants a good laugh go to message boards on Lexington Herald.com I don't think Billy Clyde's going to make it through the season!

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on December 29, 2007 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

QUALITY WIN -- man, it looks like we are finally finding our GROOVE...

Posted by tshipley7963 on December 29, 2007 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People I have seen Tenn. play several times and for the life of me I have never seen Lofton do anything. I cannot understand what all the hipe is over somebody that is not consistent (except being mediorer )Hopefully I will see him see do something and then I can change my mind.

Posted by jeremyholloway82 on December 29, 2007 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Win!!! Congratulations to the VOL NATION!!!

Posted by creepykev on December 29, 2007 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris has hit many big buckets for TN, and hit some timely threes today. He is getting less playing time this year and he is no longer the most talented player on the team which has relegated him to more of a role player. But to say he isn't contributing is an absurd statement. He played good D and got some boards as well. I think that when we truly need him he will come through.

Posted by martinvolfan on December 29, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go VOLS! Quality win to close out 2007 and the March to San Antonio in 08! "It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!"

Posted by fjm777 on December 29, 2007 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the road woes from last year are gone! Can't wait for SEC play.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on December 29, 2007 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So with the SEC slate ready to begin, who would you LEAST like to lose for any reason? Is it still Lofton? For me I think it is. My list in order:

Lofton
T.Smith
Prince
J.Smith
R.Smith
Chism
Howell
Williams
Childress

The difference in the first four is a lot closer than I ever thought it would have been.

Posted by THE_VOL on December 29, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TSHIPLEY - as they say, YOU SIR ARE A FREAKING IDIOT! Chris Lofton has only carried this entire program for the last 3 years. Perhaps you should just stop watching since you obviously have no clue what it is you're seeing. Back to the crayons moron!

CREEPYKEV - Lofton has NEVER been the most talented player on the team, only the most clutch, most consistent, and most dedicated to a team effort.

Posted by nickperkinsalc on December 29, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand what you are saying creepykev, but it is hard for me to consider #5 a role player. Did any of you guys see that ugly suit Coach Jones wa wearing? :)

Posted by jevolball7 on December 29, 2007 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TheVol,perhaps I was a tad excited.I really meant it to say,if our talent played up to potential at the same time...etc. And I've seen some pretty bad NBA teams. T.Shipley,you are either an idiot or have never seen a basketball....or possibly both!

Posted by yeavols on December 29, 2007 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO VOLS! coach Pearl is the BOMB..totally into the game coaching, motivating, encouraging, persuading, and achieving. He is great to watch even if you arn't a VOL fan. Great players coming together and I hope Chris Lofton gets into the groove. GO VOLS and ready for MARCH MADNESS...

Posted by gillblog on December 29, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry to divert this high level basketball conversation but....IS anybody watching the Pats v. the Giants????/ Our brother-under-the-skin Eli is looking PRETTY good!!!

Posted by TurboFan on December 29, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting that no one on this board is complaining about the officiating this time.

Posted by KingsportVol on December 29, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quality win.We are lucky to have Pearl Jam!!!I have to Tivo most games because of my work schedule.Toyota won't let you off because my Vols are playing.I get fired up every time I see Coach Pearl.It's going to be a great ride!!!We are not just a Football program anymore.Ooooops

Posted by crmcm44 on December 29, 2007 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tshipley7963 you should watch somtehing other than baketball. You don't seem to understand the game and my guess is you haven't watched much basketball nevermind not having watched the vols many games.

Posted by creepykev on December 29, 2007 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had issue with our guys a couple of times grabbing the arm of a zag player and pulling them down to the ground. I just want to beat them not injure them. I also would argue that everyone on this TN team is a role player. There is almost never the same player leading the Vols in scoring two games in a row. We are just trying to exploit matchups more this year instead of relying on one guy to carry us.

Posted by jevolball7 on December 29, 2007 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Creepy Kev.,You are correct,you do have issues! WUS

Posted by grvol on December 29, 2007 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome.

Posted by why36knot on December 29, 2007 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Five players in double figures and STILL some people here want to call out Lofton for his point production. The past 3 years have been scary when at times he was the only player that produced consistently. Now we have some depth
and some players have developed to where they are all playing as a team and winning ball games that 2 years ago we would have lost.
What do you guys want?

Posted by orangebass on December 29, 2007 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

any word on when duke might be able to return? is it possible this season ??

Posted by Titan on December 29, 2007 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jw - why do you have to twist and turn every story into an anti-Fulmer show? Why? Why? Why? It's getting awfully old.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on December 30, 2007 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In Chattanooga, ESPN2 pre-empted the first few minutes of UT to show the end of San Diego defeating Kentucky. Speaking as someone who used to pull for the Soviet Union during the Cold War when the USSR played Kentucky in pre-season games, I must say that it was worth missing the first few minutes of Tennessee.

Please, please, get Chism to quit gunning three pointers. This appears to be the most talented Tennessee team ever, but I'm afraid when the going gets tough in the post-season, two or three lost possessions as a result of low percentage decisions might be the difference in a good season and a spectacular season.

Posted by newtonrail on December 30, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

creepy, I have to agree with most of what you've posted for a change. Don't know about flagrant fouls. Didn't notice that. I go to the home games, and watch road games on TV, and I have a little different perspective on Lofton. I believe because we have so much more talent this year, he and J. Smith have both backed off some. Although Chris has really turned up his defensive pressure. I do feel like Lofton can still get those KEY baskets if we need them at this point in the season. I just think he's being very unselfish with the ball, which is Pearl's call whether that's good, bad, or somewhere in the middle.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on December 30, 2007 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefrommemphis, I'm slamming my hand down on my desk saying, "YES! YES! YES!"

Chism's continuing unwillingness to stay around the paint and crash the boards -- often choosing instead to drift outside and launch 3s -- is driving me crazy.

This guy is normally playing the 5 spot (if I'm correct). He is 6'9" and 242 lbs. He had five rebounds tonight, 4 against Xavier, and 3 against UNC Asheville for a three-game total of 12 boards.

Tyler Smith is 6'7" and 215 lbs. He plays the 4 spot. He had 11 rebounds tonight, 3 vs. Xavier, and 6 against UNC Asheville for a three-game total of 20 boards.

I cannot understand this. If he is playing the post, he should be bringing down at least 10 boards per game, as I see it.

The good news: he only tried one 3 tonight after throwing up 4 vs. Xavier and 3 against UNC Asheville.

Maybe he's been getting an earful of Pearl. I hope so because we need him desperately to pound the glass like a 2008 version of Moses Malone.

Anybody else seeing this?

Posted by madisonvillevol on December 30, 2007 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

still need to find the killer instinct. when you get somebody down by 15 or 16 they need to go for the juglar. scary, when we are at the foul line, with the game still undecided. team is starting to gel. awesome depth!

Posted by wewhite on December 30, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In watching the game, I realized that if I didn't pay too much attention to an individual player, all I could see on any one play was this writhing sea of orange with white specks caught up in it. I can't imagine having to play against that wildly shifting offense or defense for forty minutes. It was wearing me out just watching it. Heck, BRUCE wears me out just watching him. I didn't look at the game on ESPN360, but I think it would be almost as entertaining to just watch Bruce the entire game.

The biggest thing that I'm seeing with the Vols is that they are playing as a TEAM, not as individual superstar wannabes. That's not been the case previously. Bruce was able to squash that mentality that had become all too prevalent in the program. And seeing players like Prince stepping up when they're needed is a hoot.

Posted by flyinpro on December 30, 2007 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally UT is in position, given a few breaks can make a serious run at a title. They got all the tools and a coach that clearly knows what he is doing. During the end of this game UT allowed the Gonzos to come back but after a timly timeout the Vols never looked out of control. Great job. My prayers are for Duke Crews, I hope this kid makes it back and is healthly. Great job Bruce and team! This should keep us warm during what could happen to us during Phils annual fishing trip to Tampa.

Posted by ATLVOLFAN on December 30, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Job!!!! The Vols are looking wonderful; I believe once Chris gets his shot back they will make a big run come March. The have very good team chemistry. Go Vols!!!

Posted by Singlewingleftguard on December 30, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing original to add.

Posted by vol52 on December 30, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel Lofton will find his shot at some point during the season. He is a purer shooter and I believe he has tried to improve his point guard abilities at the expense of his shooting abilities. He need to settle down and just let them fly and do some dribble penetration.

Posted by heathut15 on December 30, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ut should be atleast #5 look at everyone that has got beat ut is the real deal and look at the road wins these guys have they are looking good i cant wait until they play memphis that will be a hell of a ballgame

Posted by Plasticman on December 30, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This team will be scary when they are hitting on all cyinders. Getting Duke back would really be the missing piece since he is strong in the post. I saw where one of Texas' players had a heart condition and is now cleared to play. Does anyone know if Duke is undergoing further tests and is there a chance he might be back?

Posted by Vol_In_Ohio on December 30, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Predicted point spread vs. Ole Miss?

Posted by fundamentals83 on December 30, 2007 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

20 vs Ole Miss. I would like to see Lofton go to the basketball more. He was excelent at it last year and seems hesitant this year. To score 80 last year, Lofton would have needed 20-30. To score 80 this year, Lofton could have 0.

Posted by fundamentals83 on December 30, 2007 at noon (Suggest removal)

oops , I would like to see Lofton go to the basket more.

Posted by vol52 on December 30, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plasticman , I would think that Duke has cardiomyopathy. If he does then there are several types. They said that they would try some treatments and possibly return, which would probably lead me to believe that he has hypertrophic and not dialated. Most of the people who drop dead have dialated. None are good to have. I am not an expert in cardiology.

Posted by TNPilgrim on December 30, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No doubt about it - we're a Basketball school now. Before long, football will be right in there with baseball, track and golf - just something to pass the time until Bruce's guys hit the court.

Posted by VolnDothan on December 30, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! What an agressive performance. I've never seen anything like this from a Tennessee basketball team before...other than the Lady Vols of course....

Posted by dave_olympia on December 30, 2007 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a UT grad living in Olympia, WA and had the great pleasure of attending the battle in Seattle. I'm also a big fan of the Zags and root for them against anyone except UT, so you can imagine how much of a thrill it was to see this game. In the warm-ups, Wayne Chism spent almost all of his time practicing 3-point shots from one spot on the court. Like most, I wish he would concentrate more on rebounds and garbage buckets in the post area. He did play great defense though. I've seen a few of the games on tv - it was more apparent in person that Tyler Smith is clearly the leader of this team and is Pearl's coach on the floor. He has adopted the Dane Bradshaw role at this point. He was absolutely awesome in yesterday's game.

Posted by murrayvol on December 30, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also expect the Memphis game to be a "helluva ballgame" heathut15.

When I saw Memphis play MTSU in Nashville, I wasn't impressed. Wrong! These guys are good. I don't see anyone else on the Memphis schedule that can beat them so they could be #1 by then. If the Vols play to form in the SEC, that game should be for a 1 seed.

Posted by volsfan327 on December 30, 2007 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are back from the Battle in Seattle and had a great time. One can NEVER have a bad time when Tennessee wins but regardless of the win, it was a fun time.

Decked out in our finest Orange, we flew over with a plane load of Gonzaga fans who wanted to give us crap the entire flight but they were actually pretty tame. We could take alot more than they dished out!

Attendence was 15,150.00 of which 150 were Vol Fans and 15,000 were Gonzaga fans. I am sure we met all of the 150 Vol Fans and each one was so nice and gracious and All Vol!

As an avid football fan, I wanted to say, I was so impressed by our basketball team. When the National Anthem was play, each one stood with their hands over their hearts. Some of the Gonzaga fans had seen some of the players the night before downtown and made a point to tell us, how impressed they were with the players and how nice and polite each one was.

Bruce Pearl has done a fantastic job and deserves our support. He has put together a fine team and a great group to represent UT and Vol Fans.

As we peppered the arena in orange, we tried several times to get our voices out "It's great to be a Tennessee Vol" and I want you to know, never have I been prouder to be a Tennessee Vol!

P.S. The plane ride home was very quiet!

Posted by lnbadger320 on December 30, 2007 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great game, zag's center seemed like a wannabe with all his yelling.. guess he should have yelled louder, maybe they would have won the game. govols, that crowd was pretty rowdy. hopefully this will get us used to playing sec away games.

Posted by Plasticman on December 30, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are truly blessed to have Coach Pearl as our Coach. He is worth every dime times 2 that we are paying him. He is the most charismatic coach we have ever had and he always does and says the right "things". I hope we are able to keep him for 15 years or longer if he wishes to coach that long.I don't think there is another coach in the country that could be as valuable to UT BBall as he is. THank God for Bruce Pearl!!

Posted by Ironcity on December 30, 2007 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game. Glad we brought the SEC refs. They helped! This team reminds me so much of the Arkansas teams in their prime. They give up a lot of easy shots take a lot of bad shots, create relentless pressure and win going away. Fun to watch!

Posted by jevolball7 on December 30, 2007 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We will beat Ole Mess about 20-30. If we ever lost Pearl,I would be first in line at the Gay St.bridge.I can see it now,Pearl gone,Foolmer still here!! You talk about a slow death. Think I'll ride out on the needle.

Posted by rockyknox on December 30, 2007 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone checked out the latest RPI? The Vols are now #6 right behind North Carolina. Vandybilt is just ahead of them at #4. Can't wait to get hold of them. If you look and look and look and look and look and look and look, you will finally find the Kentucky Mildcats rated somewhere in the 220's. They have not beat a team rated higher than 230. What does that really mean? It means we will take an RPI hit when we meet in January. Can't Mike do a better job scheduling? :-)
realtimerpi.com/

Posted by jevolball7 on December 30, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vanderbilt? Who have the mighty doors played? I think they might be pretty good,but #4 RPI? Get real.

Posted by peerlessvolfan on December 30, 2007 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I'm so happy for J.P. Prince being SEC player of the week so soon after he's been playing! I'm also a Detroit Pistons fan (live in Metro Detroit) and his cousin, Tayshaun Prince, is an excellent starter for the Pistons so I'm doubly happy for the Vols--great genes run in the family!

Posted by rockyknox on December 30, 2007 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It will be nice to bounce a #11 Mississippi and a #4 Vandybilt in our next 3 games. That ought to slide us up to #3 or #4.