Posted by 99gator on March 16, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gonna have to beat butler and louisville, just to play carolina in charlotte.

this is why you wait for the bracket.

this is not a favorable draw.

Posted by nh680 on March 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

crap, in the same bracket as UNC. shouldn't have missed that dunk Chism

Posted by volfaninchattanooga on March 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

very disappointing.

Posted by VolCane7979 on March 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we got screwed over terribly. that is awful.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I said previously...

Preliminary thoughts... 1) the "committee" does not value the team's body of work as much as they say they do, and 2) if someone can wrap up Billy Packer and Dick Vitale and send them to Vanuatu for the rest of their lives, I would be much obliged.

Whoa... in NC's region? Wow. I didn't see that coming... and Butler/S Alabama winner? I could see a loss in that second round game. Yikes. That Arkansas loss turns out to be a biggie.

This matchup makes us the fourth best 2 seed, with the #1 RPI. Shows you how much those ratings really matter, huh.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 16, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee wasn't even the #1 2 seed in the tournament. How ridiculous is that.

Posted by nafslov on March 16, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NO PROBLEM ! Coach Pearl ( the 1st "real coach at UT basketball) will take us to the Final Four ! Go Vols !

Posted by trl_x on March 16, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I say we play South Alabama...in Birmingham! A home game for S Ala. And then UNC...Not good.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with most posters thus far... this is the most disappointed I have ever been with a bracket, even more than the royal screw the Lady Vols got a few years back when they were seeded 2 with the Tarheels.

Posted by hbdinwid on March 16, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Basically seen as the number 8 team. This sucks

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

Were getting screwed, by getting the 2 seed in the East the selection commitee feels we are the weakest 2 seed. After finishing the year with the RPI ranking we had. This is bullsh*t.

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

Not to belabor the point, but seriously... how does a one point loss in a conference semifinal game drop a team FIVE spots in the seeding?

Posted by LargeOrange on March 16, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope not a great draw at all. Getting the 2 is not surprising, but to get the bracket opposite the #1 team who basically gets to play at home, that is surprising to me. I think we would rather have swapped with Georgetown or either of the other two 2s. Not whining, we had our shot at a 1 seed and can't blame anyone else for not taking it this weekend.

Posted by threehundredbowler on March 16, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

East Region as a 2 seed.North Carolina a 1 seed.We will now find out how good we really are.We play American University in the first game.The going will be tough but not imposible.Look for 2 and done.

Posted by brundlefly on March 16, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with gator - a tough draw. The NCAA rewarded the #1 seeds for winning their respective tournaments. I'm a bit surprised we're seen as the 4th best #2 seed. It's put up or shut up time, guys - ALL THE WAY TO SAN ANTONIO!!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly, Large... it's not whining to express outright disappointment when looking at the draw. I just don't get it. Apparently, the conference RPI matters a lot, with the SEC being designated as a weak conference.

Posted by daddyaxe on March 16, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you bounce bubble teams because of the RPI....then what does the RPI do for the top seeds......JUst don't see UT as the number four 2 seed....we are going to have to get on a roll now for sure....now someone tell me that the conference tournament doesn't mean anything

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kwitcherbellyachin, you are are just assuming we would have been the highest #2 team had we not lost---we dont know that

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

To be put in Carolina's region is really a disadvantage. Somebody is really disrespecting Tennessee. That means they believe we are the worst #2 seed. Playing Butler and Louisville to get to Carolina is tough. We better get our minds right. I don't see how this can be justified by the committee.

Posted by Titan on March 16, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a pathetic joke by the committee! Recipe for next year - schedule cream puffs and save all you've got so you can win the SEC tournament. I'd say BP is already starting to work the "no respect" angle.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another year in UT Basketball, with only a slightly better season record we flop in the SEC Championship (again). I'm not sure why all of the UT Fans are upset with this draw. I'm not sure UT is playing at a top 10 level. Get ready to go home after the Butler game.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, I am assuming that we would have been the last #1 had we won the conference tournament. I think that's a reasonable assumption.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on March 16, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

closed door "committee" = bullS*&t

Posted by hmhawk on March 16, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Was gonna ask how this looks on us.After reading the posts even I can figure it ain't good.All I ask is that we all get behind the team.They're playing and we aren't.Let's be Big Orange fans and say GO VOLS!!!!We shall overcome.

Posted by Retiredvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand how UT gets screwed in the hardest region in the country. Wow what a draw, the number 4 2 seed. Absolutely ridiculous and the way we are playing we might get beat by Butler in the final 32. Screwed again!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcher--my mistake, agree with u on that

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now, let's look at this another way... Pearl's boys seem to play best when they're "slighted", "disrespected", or "against the wall". Well, here's their chance then to prove people wrong.

Posted by elmovol on March 16, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess beating Memphis in Memphis didn't count for squat.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only team that was screwed as much as UT was Memphis, who, if the seeds go as planned, will have to play Texas in Houston for a Final Four berth.

Posted by DCSOvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but CBP is not exactly loved outside of TN. Might have a little to do with it.

Posted by hbdinwid on March 16, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we join the Sun Belt conference next year to get a Number 1 seed?

Posted by Retiredvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Texas #2 seed has the easiest schedule go figure. Kentucky got in what a JOKE.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oregon at a 9 seed, at 18-13. Looks like there was plenty of love going around for the PAC-10.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone posting has a short term memory loss. We barely beat SC and then played zero defense and lost in the Semifinals of the SEC Tournament. Plus, close games at the end of the season hurt too. UT could have easily lost 4-5 additional games.

Posted by chrisw2967 on March 16, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is why you play 40 minutes and when your able to put a team away then you put them away.
you dont play thinking a team is just going to go away. they went from a #1 seed to the bottom of the #2 seed , sucks but they didnt go to the SEC and play ball. Now we will see what they are made of.

Posted by volfaninchattanooga on March 16, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would never schedule a Gonzaga or Xavier or Memphis game again. How could our out of conference road schedule not count? I don't understand.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Even today the talking heads were debating UT being a #1 seed ... very disappointed to see how this turned out. Still have to win 6 to cut down the nets in SA.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bubba... perhaps you missed all of the close games for the other seeds too (except for Memphis, that is, who played no one toward the end). The point is that if the committee bases their selections on resumes, and quality wins, and road wins, then they screwed up this time. We should have been a 2 seed... just not the LAST 2 seed.

Posted by Titan on March 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just saw Jim Nance say "there are no issues"!!! What rock has he been hiding under? You take the team with the #1 RPI most of the year, an outstanding SOS, much better record against 1-50 RPI teams than Kansas, beat the overall #2 on their home court for their only loss of the season, and you seed them as the #8 team in the tournament. I just wish they could figure out how to shut up Packer, Vitale, and all the other talking heads so that their biases don't affect the seeding. Please have someone on the committee how we dropped from a possible #1 (and a #4 overall) to this.

Posted by trl_x on March 16, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Notice how low the seeding of the SEC teams. The weakness of the conference had to play a role in our lower seeding.

Posted by mdvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. What a terrible seed. You could say we got screwed but you could also say North Carolina got screwed having to play us!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfaninchattanooga, how can u say our out of conference didnt count??, had we not had those o-of c wins we obviously would have been seeded lower

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tlr_x... that is exactly true. The perceived weakness of the SEC had to have been a factor.

Posted by UT_Fan on March 16, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It could be that the committee, let Tenn. play in Birmingham to be close to home. Perhaps being across from NC is not good but we don't play them until the final 8, and in the final 8 all the teams will be good. Go Vols

Posted by hmhawk on March 16, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I'm reading posts I don't get a continuous stream.I have to go back to home and then return to posts to get the new ones.If you understand what I'm saying do you know what I need to do to keep it going steady.I'm not computer literate-strictly self taught.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trl_x: agreed, the SEC is definitely not feeling the love today ... except maybe KY, they are lucky to get a bid.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's funny we have this same debate every year in Football. All of the UT Fans talk about how the VOLS are finishing the season strong and deserve the best. Well, we didn't do that in Basketball and got what we deserve. Historically the teams that are playing well at the end of the season get the best seeds.

Posted by tngeoff on March 16, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks. Just a quick couple of comments. No matter what happens from here on out this year...this team is now the best team in Tennessee basketball history and has accomplished some incredible firsts. That is fantastic and what a tribute to Coach Pearl and these players. Shoulda', woulda' coulda'means absolutely nothing at this point. With all the gloom and doom on here, I'm glad that Coach Pearl and the players are the ones who have ante up. They have shown all year long that they can...and they have delivered the goods. Is it a poor seed? It doesn't matter now because it's set. Now it's time to bring it on! It's showtime! Go Vols!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk, hit your refresh icon at top---to the left of the house

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When was the last time the SECT champion was a 14 seed in the NCAA? Ever?

Posted by Retiredvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wish We could have gone WEST!!!

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin, sure Memphis had some close calls this year. But was it at the end of the season? They, unlike us, took care of business in the Tournament.

Posted by voljkelley on March 16, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well reaility sets in- Shows you how important to win your conference tourney. Everything tenn has accomplished this season means nothing!!!! Should have beat Ark, what a disgrace Tenn.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seth Davis: "The committee obviously valued the out of conference strength of schedule."

Two words to respond to that - Bee. Ess. As evidenced by the seeding of Tennessee.

Posted by jcvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat Arkansas and all this is a non-issue.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bubba... why play a tough schedule at the beginning of the season if it means nothing? All I am saying is that a one point loss to a tournament team should NOT drop the Vols from a one seed to the LAST TWO seed. That's ridiculous.

Posted by hmhawk on March 16, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo,thanks Hit the only refresh button that I know of and it worked.Again--THANKS.

Posted by trl_x on March 16, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin 6:41: That's a good point. From 1 to 8 effectively.

Posted by justisiscumin on March 16, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you want to be the man you have to beat the man, plain and simple, there are no free tickets to the top, if we want in the final four we will have to beat these folks in the way.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 16, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All you swine out there moaning, whining and feeling sorry for us ("We was robbed!") need to look at a team that WANTED it. And that's Georgia.

Not too long ago, we would have wanted it like GA. Not too long ago, our only shot at being invited to the dance was to win the SEC tourney, just liked GA did today.

These guys went 4-12 in conference play. Think they were moaning and whining yesterday, when they were forced to play two games? They played three games in two days -- and they are champions. Think they're complaining now? They just went out a played.

If we are the best, if we are as good as we think we are, I personally WANT to play UNC in Charlotte. Look what we did in Memphis. I WANT the road to be hard.

We can play with anybody in the countrry. And now we're six games away from being crowned the best in the land.

Play ball.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 16, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to bring the pain on defense again and the draw won't matter. If the Vols are clicking on defense, forcing turnovers and scoring off them, then they can hang with anyone in this tournament. No point complaining about the loss to the Hogs now, get ready for the tournament that really matters.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin, I think it was a combination of the loss with the close call in the first game (last second shot). Again, all eyes were on UT to have a strong showing in that Tournament and UT knew that to be the case. They lost their #1 seed on the court. It was in their hands as there was no doubt if they won the SEC they would have been a #1 seed or if they lost the Championship Game they could have been the #1 - #2 seed. They did neither!

Posted by volinky on March 16, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Honestly - the way we play defense, I think the committee made the right call. I don't like it, but I don't like our defence, free-throw shooting or decision-making!!

Posted by imw8n4u on March 16, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk - you can also press F5

Posted by LargeOrange on March 16, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mdvol at 6:31 p.m "you could also say North Carolina got screwed having to play us!"

Good point mdvol, If I were a Carolina fan, I would ask why the number 1 overall seed has to play such a tough #2. Let's make it happen Vols! One game at a time. Play D, rebound, hit the frees, take care of the ball, and we can still go all the way.

Posted by richvol on March 16, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is there a website to post your picks on a bracket? It would be interesting to compete with other posters to govolsxtra.

Posted by maples on March 16, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we screwed ourselves. Georgia winning the SEC makes me wonder just how overranked this conference is. If we make it to the Final Four, we are gonna have to earn it big time, and I just don't think we have the players to do it. prove me wrong boys!!!!

Posted by chkrbrd on March 16, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Y'know if we are really good enough to be in the final four, we will be. If we aren't, why would you want to be? Jeez, Charlotte aint that dang far to drive, assuming we make it. Vol fans have taken over many a stadium. Let's do the same thing here that we did to Miami in N.O. in '85 and make Charlotte A SEA OF ORANGE.

Time for Vols and Vol fans to stop whining. Man up. Play ball.

Posted by illorangevol on March 16, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

None of this makes any difference now. We are in the tournament with chance to win it all. Nothing else matters. Weare your heart on your sleave and be determined to be the best team in the country every game, every play - offense and defense. Sweet sixteen, final four - nothing matters unless you beet everyone you play all the way to the championship. All the games will be tough. Just approach every play as if you have something to prove and the mature determination to do it. Just win it all.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you volinky. At least there is someone else with a realistic view of the situation. I bet if you asked Bruce he would tell you the same. They had it in their grasp but gave it away in the SEC Tournament. As a coach he did all that he could to help the team achieve their goals...but they had to make it a reality on the court.

Posted by pdhuff on March 16, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, lets see what happens. Let the ride begin. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if we would hold a 12 point lead till the end of some game.

Lace 'em Vols. Here we go.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right now the UNC fans are worried about how they are going to stop UT. VaTech almost beat them and Clemson showed that UNC is vulnerable. Not trying to look that far ahead, we have tough games to play before getting to UNC, I just don't think we should trivialize the great job UT has done this year. The selection committee may have done that, we shouldn't. This is a very good team with an excellent coaching staff, I can definitely see orange in San Antonio!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by tloutn on March 16, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When it's all said and done, they have to win six games to be champs.

The selection committee felt like Duke and Georgetown were better than the boys. I can't agree with that. Texas, okay I'll buy that, but not G'Town and Duke.

They also didn't do Carolina any favors. All though they're in North Carolina the first four games, after round one they'll be playing their butts off, while UCLA may as well take a nap until the Final Four.

Posted by VolFan4Life on March 16, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee did not deserve a number 1 seed. But they didn't deserve to be the 4th number 2 seed either; even a couple of the idiot talking heads on CBS commented on that.

Hopefully, this will inspire the team to play every game like they did against Memphis. If they do that, they can see the Final Four and win it all. But if they don't play better than they did in the conference tournament, they won't make it past next Sunday.

Posted by hmhawk on March 16, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

imw8n4u.Thanks.I'll try that also but please don't strain an old man's brain LOL.Still my sincere thanks.

Posted by straightshooter on March 16, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep, UT got a poor seating considering they were the 4th ranked team going into their conference tournament.That selection committee apparently has no respect for what UT accomplished this season, disregarding the RPI ratings. But with corruption as it is in sports these days who knows whatthe driving force was in decision making of the bracket pairings. Still if they win all their games going into the Carolina game (Carolina is the favorite to win the tournament), they will be in the "elite eight" which would be further than they have ever advanced before. And if they loose to Carolina, at least they will have given it their best shot against the likely eventual national champion.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seth Davis, my bud... picks Tennessee to win the East Region. Heh. Go figure.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the fact of the matter is if the objective is to go all the way rather than just lay a claim to the final 4 then the seeding doesnt matter much--regardless u have to win 6 games and likely go thru NC at some point--tough draw for sure but we have plenty to concern us early before thinking NC--didnt Butler beat us last year or year before and Louisville is good and could be a real tourney sleeper----this tough draw will be a good measuring stick of what we have for sure

Posted by Hunter on March 16, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remove my comment -whatever.

THIS IS A DAMN SHAME. A DAMN SHAME.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The silver lining in all of this is Charlotte is nice and close and the Volunteers travel well. I look for UT to take care of business and get tremendous support when the games move to Charlotte.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT will not win the east region. They will be lucky to get by Butler. Butler will actually play defense. UT's best defense is offense or at least the players think so. I get this feeling they think the game is theirs without playing. All of the "cute passing" and flagrant fouls will send them packing early.

Posted by GatorhatinUTfan on March 16, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chip on the shoulder can't get much bigger! We play better that way now lets get it done!!!

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UNC is the best team in the country, end of story.

UT was placed were it was because of all the close games.

the only real joke is Memphtis. They played in a bullshlt conference, and if they would've been itn the big 12 or SEC would have had 2 or 3 more losses.

Ah, hell, I kind of had that feeling. Lat year was our year, and this year, IMHO, is going to end pretty quickly.

Sorry vol fans, it's just not in the cards.

Posted by wesw33z on March 16, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

seth greenberg (on cbs) just picked UT to make the final 4. linda (box cars) cohn picked ut to take it all. :)

Posted by invisiblekid on March 16, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before we get too carried away with the UNC-TN matchup, the Vols need to take care of business against American and get ready for a nasty 2nd round game against Butler if the seeding holds. They beat MI, VATech, Texas Tech, and Ohio ST this year and have a great backcourt. South AL would be tough too but Butler should win IMO.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've posted my views thus far, and I've seen others calling people "swine" for dissenting, and saying that objectors are not being realistic. That's fine, although I could do without the pejoratives. I agree with the seeding, per se. I do NOT agree with dropping from a one to the LAST TWO seed. That's just wrong.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, another thing that makes me sick about this team is they never foul anyone. I wish they would learn to raise their hand when they hack someone instead of acting like nothing was wrong. Refs pickup on that type of reaction to calls.

Posted by IPOrange on March 16, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No matter where we start, we still have to win 6 games, and face the better teams at some point down the road. An early tough schedule could work to our advantage. Can't do anything about our designated region - let's just light 'em up and go. Make believers out of the bracket-heads... go Big Orange!

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 16, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point 1: Obiously, the NCAA selection committee did not reward us for the non-coference schedule at all. They are looking for match-ups that put people in seats.
Point 2: It's not all bad. We are within a 1/2 day drive of Birmingham and Charlotte. Our fans(who can) need to make the trip and make some NOISE.
Point 3: S. Alabama in Birmingham is not inviting. NCAA should not reward a 10 seed w/ a "home court" advantage. What's up with that?!
Point 4: You gotta' beat the best to be the best. If we can make a run, it'll be great exposure.
Point 5: It is what it is, the tourney that is. TN just needs to focus on who is in front of them. The tourney does funny things to those who look ahead. Those brackets may not look anything like what is predicted after the first day or two of play.
Point 6: Play like David and not Goliath. Go watch the movie, Hoosiers, for motivation!
Point 7: This is what we've looked forward to all season long. We have a team needing to earn some respect and I think they'll do it. GOOOO BIG ORANGE!!!

Posted by chipper10 on March 16, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we were NC and had the #1 RPI, we would be a #1 seed. Perception is reality. Only way to change perception, is to go out and win.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

guys, get real. We don't have the guard play, the inside play, the FT shooting, or the disciepline to make the final 4.

Last year, our draw was great; every team we played orf would have played we in our 'range'.

This year, we are looking at Butler (who kicked our butts last year), Louisville (considered to be the best darkhorse team in the country), and UNC (8,252 parade all-americans, a coach with 2 million tournament games, and one of the best college players in Hansbrough).

THere is just no way in hell.

Man, I hate to say it, but with our play over the last month, we'll be lucky to get out of the second round.

Posted by mdvol on March 16, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I-Kid 6:46 - Absolutely right about bringing the pain on defense. Where has that tenacity gone? Where is the full court trap/40 minutes of Hell? Against Arky, we would softly trap the corner on the press but the inbound guy was wide open every time. No problem. Not to be negative but I'm worried about Butler OR S. Alabama.

I wonder if Fulmer will be behind the bench in Birmingham? Probably will need about 5 troopers around him at all times!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, thats only speculation what Memphis would have done in a strong conference---given the conference they are in they did all they could do ie win them all---that doesnt necessarily validate how good they really are but it sure does invalidate how good they are either if you are honest about it

Posted by VolFan4Life on March 16, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two years ago, folks were looking forward to a matchup between #2 seed Tennessee and #3 seed North Carolina in the region semifinals. Instead, they got Wichita State against George Mason.

The Vols must play every game with intensity that they haven't shown much since beating Memphis to avoid that type of scenario again.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bottom Line, we can debate the seeds all day long but UT is in the Tourney and like every team in it, they control their own destiny. Unlike Football, we do have a chance to be number 1!

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, sorry my friend, you are wrong about this team. I agree the second game against either Butler or S. Alabama is tough, but UT will get by either. UT is one of the best road teams in the tourney, with the exception of the Texas game early in the season we have either won or been in every game we've played. Assuming the seedings hold, Louisville will be a tough match-up but again, I think these teams are looking at the bracket and going "HOLY $HIT, we have to play Tennessee". Do not give up on this team!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bubba, if we play Butler, I guarantee you we will not be taking that game for granted.

Posted by LiveFaith on March 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#1 Being #2 in the UNC bracket, does not necessarily mean a #8 rankiing. Geography is considered as well. We can easily travel to NC if we get there.

#2 Outside of American, the Vols had better not take a night off or it's over. Play the "A" game and we'll be OK, then it's roll the dice if we get UL or UNC.

#3 Butler spanked us like a red headed step child last year.

#4 This seed was not nearly as outrageous as the #2 seed that we got two years ago. So, it shows we still have to play the games, even if handed the bracket on a silver platter. Anyone remember that gift and corresponding flop?

#5 Bottom line. Must take care of lesser teams like ARK, or pay the price. Do it again and we go home real sad.

#6 Sweet 16 or less and Vols will have a depressing offseason. Boy how times have changed.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolFan (7:09) great point, as a GMU alum I was thrilled with the match-up but was looking forward to a UT-GMU game. Remember the teams GMU beat that year: Michigan State, UNC, Wichita State, UConn ... even the toughest road can be overcome. The SECT experience should show us that we need to take it one game at a time and not look past anyone.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by SFOrange on March 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why does this "suck"? its the NCAA--its got tough match ups throughout. who on here (prior to the SEC tourney debacle) thought UT would reach the Final Four? could we make the Sweet 16? yes. could be make the Elite 8? yes. are we likely to go to the Final Four? no. lets hope the defensive/board issues we saw in ATL get addressed this week.
Let go Vols.

Posted by wallincr on March 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would love to see Charlotte turn orange but if UNC is there then you can forget it. Bobcats arena was about 90% Blue today. These people will pay double whatever we think would be the highest price we would pay. We did get screwed as a 2 seed. You can say the same about Wisconsin. Duke was the joke as a 2 seed.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabba,
true enough. I DON'T think we were a 1 seed, especially not after the tourney. Memphis did indeed do what it could with what it had in terms of schedule. They have Rose, and he is a difference-maker in a guard-dominated tournament.

We've had a season that the kids earned, but we just have some real weaknesses that are killing us.

At least I'm going in with very muted expectations. Last year, I thought we had a pretty dang good chance. We knew we could play OSU, and then when we got up....but that lack of discipline got us again.

Posted by thecleanmachine2000 on March 16, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why complain. You're going to have to beat UNC sometime. Might as well be sooner than later.

Posted by dburgin0114 on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, what disrespect from those damn Yankees!!
Hey, Vols, play defense because you have one game left, lose and come home. I think the Vols can make the final Four!!

Posted by splinterdand on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that UT deserved a better fate than the lowest 2 seed. But, VolJunkie is right. This is still tha same team that won at Memphis and Xavier. What's the goal here? A national title, of course. You've got to beat the best to be the best. Does it really matter if we get UNC in the Elite Eight of the Final Four? I don't think so. I'll bet that UNC and Louisville aren't happy about being bracketed with the Vols.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Losing to two SEC teams (vandy and Arkansas) in the past couple of weeks did us in. You now have to play with the cards you are dealt. There is no easy road to the Final Four. Win and move on is what they have to do for the next three weeks.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cleanmachine, youre right but we have a lot of work to do way before we can even get to that point

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:18 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by CatScratchFever on March 16, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to all the SEC teams that are going to the dance. I especially want to shut the ACC and their 4 teams up.

I will be pulling for the Vols in their games and hope you and the other SEC teams all do well. I am sick of being trashed by those ACC talking heads at ESPN and CBS....lets take em down.

Posted by orangeinmississippi on March 16, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is everybody freaking out over the draw? Carolina and Louisville are very beatable! We just need to stay focused and play hard until we get to those games! Butler is the one im worried about! If we bring our "A" game,we'll be ok! Don't sweat it!!!!! Those sorry @$$ tigers got what they deserved with their draw! ( Texas and Stanford )!

Posted by splinterdand on March 16, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right AF1, it's time to quit whining and get fired up. I think the SEC will do well in the tourney.

Posted by BubbaTN on March 16, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD wins championships. Unfortunately, we have none.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

would actually love to see the pac-10 flame out, after all the hepe they've gotten.

BTW, watch out for Wisconsin. No one is respecting them, but they don't make many mistakes and are VERY physical. With the right refs, they can be dangerous.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 16, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's get ready to RUUUUUUUUUUUUMBLE! Let's win our bracket one game at a time and TAKE our number one seed back!

Posted by ikemae on March 16, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Orange Fans, You seem to be missing the point. It's not about the selection process, it's about having the teams selected the way that ESPN would like for them to be selected. Eight schools out of the Big East Conference for a conference that is the fifth rated conference. Tennessee is not only not a number one seed, but the fourth rated number two seed. Georgetown and Duke both moved ahead of Tennessee having also lost in the conference play offs.
I predict that UConn men's team (just a couple of years out of division two)will be playing a BCS, if not, for the national championship. ESPN is the biggest draw for UConn and the Big East. As you are aware, ESPN and UConn violated NCAA recruiting practices with the recruiting of Maya Moore. This is probably only the tip of the iceberg and is true in all UConn sports. It's much easier to make All American if your face is plastered on all ESPN networks. It's also easier to get votes for these UConn athletes to be selected if the airing of your college games are controlled by ESPN. Remember Fans, ESPN does not like Tennessee.
OrangeSarge

Posted by vol52 on March 16, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets start focusing on American. What is the low down on them?

Posted by splinterdand on March 16, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The low on American is that we SHOULD kick their tails.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if Chism has another 2 rebound game like last nite it could be a short ride---its no secret to anyone what needs to happen to slow us down---the big guys have to step up

Posted by rpoll1095 on March 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a tough draw and a very tough bracket, no doubt about it. But, this team really needed to look much better in the SEC tournament than it did if it was to avoid being moved down the overall seeding rank in the NCAA's. Losses to Vandy, Arkansas, and almost SC, plus a close call with Kentucky took a lot of the gloss off our apple for tournament seeding officials. And the constant ESPN din only added to the problem. So then....it is what it is.....BUT, the fact is, Tennessee is actually capable of beating any of these teams if they uncork their A+ game. It is not impossible to be in the championship game for this bracket. As the saying goes, the ball is back in our court. Let's see how we come out. GO VOLS!

Posted by UTByrd on March 16, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every one is talking about the bad #2 seed. Heck, by all intents and purposes, UT should have had a #1 seed instead of KU. Nuff said!
GO VOLS!!!!!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's very hard to win any game when you give up 92 points. Our defense has to get much better. Still seeing too much hot-dogging on offensive plays that should be easier. Also, Prince needs to quit looking like he has just been unjustly charged with murder every time he is called for a foul. Refs notice those things and and he won't get the benefit of the doubt the next time.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabba, Chism was such a stud against USC, you knew he couldn't bring it 2 nights in a row....

the one good thing about NCAA play is that there is a day to rest.

Wayne has GOT to be good, and Tyler CAN'T disappear.

We all love Chris and Jajuan, but to count on them to win tournament games is adking to go home early.

I gotta say this: Wayne is capable of playing most any big man in the country. He has played some of the best, and done well. On the flip side, he's been known to foul badly and lose his focus.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I honestly feel like we got screwed. However, this may turn out to be the best thing that has happened to the Vols all year. I hope the guy's take this and use is to their advantage. Play with a chip on our shoulder, and show all these a**holes just how good we are. OFFENSE BRINGS FANS TO THE ARENAS, BUT DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. PLAY DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by vol88 on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not seeing a lot of quality wins by American.

http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/ncb/club...

Posted by cdldoc on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am disappointed, but not surprised. We get poor media coverage, our basketball history is weak and we had too many close games when they were important. I thought we might get a second seed but not this one. They made it really hard on our boys. Now on ESPN "bracketology" they are badmouthing our boys.

If our guards shoot well we will be in the Final Four. GoVols!! Rocky Top!!!

Posted by jcvet on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Tn and Pearl will now realize how important it is to show up for your conf. tournament. Playing a tough schedule and having the #1 RPI turned out to mean nothing. Same seed as we got last yr. with 10 losses. TN please show up for the SEC tournament at least one time before I die. I just don't understand what's going on up there with the continued mindset that the SEC touney means nothing.

Posted by schymtz on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have nailed it, VolFan4Life: "Vols must play every game with intensity that they haven't shown much since beating Memphis." As for the seeds, Just who out there, including North Carolina, looks forward to playing against us? Tradition and the past plays a tremendous role, especially for the ESPN experts. They are a hard bunch to convince. Pearl has two #2 seeds in three years. We are the new kids on the block. Many will say of the East Bracket, "Gee, the committee really loaded up against NC this year." One place they are right to critize Tennessee is DEFENCE! The Vols are not playing as hard as the first of the year.
Finally, I find it humerous that the supposedly weak SEC got SIX bids.Time to do some damage! Fla. was a #3 seed the first year they won the NC.

Posted by TurboFan on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anybody know if tickets really are available for Birmingham? I tried to get tickets in Columbus last year after Tennesse was lined up for the Sweet 16 there, but all tickets were already gone. Is it tickets only available to those special people that could get into the Ga Tech Coliseum yesterday?

Congrats to AF1 for his wildcats getting in. Haven't looked at their draw yet but wouldn't be surprised to see them still there next week.

Posted by GatorhatinUTfan on March 16, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you look at it, we are in the only bracket that gives us the games against teams we haven't seen before. BECAUSE WE'VE PLAYED THE MOST TOURNEY TEAMS OF ANYONE ALREADY!! Let somebody else beat them again and we'll take care of our own business!

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on March 16, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Were 29-4 with barely top 15 talent.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for UK, Patterson should put a dang boot on the foot and play!! YOu never know when that could be your last game...

okay, maybe not, but I think I would if I could.

Unfortunately, my vertical leap equals my IQ, somewhere around 10. On a good day. And that is jumping DOWN from 10-inches.

Posted by GlennMaxwell on March 16, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I tried to tell you guys that a narrow victory over Memphis (even though you try to pretend it was a rout) was pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Looks like the committee agreed. I look forward to a Tennessee-Louisville matchup; that way, one of the two teams I most want to go down will be assured of losing. Whichever is left, we'll dispatch ourselves when the time comes.

Go No. 1 seed (and No. 2 overall) Tigers!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker. I'll agree Wayne played great against SC but hes up and down----Georgia guys brought it for 3 games in 2 days so we cant let Wayne off the hook for not having it on back to back games---2 rebounds last nite is just unacceptable under any circumstances---the D will be playing to shut down Jajuan and Chris for sure---we have to own the paint

Posted by EastTNVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AD Mike Hamilton said on WATE TV that tickets are still available in Birmingham. Wish I could be there. Paint the town Orange VOL'S FANS

Posted by tenndave on March 16, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know what everyone is thinking. I like our seeding and postion. I called it this morning on another post. We match up very well with everyone in our side of the bracket. Folks this the big show not a christmas tourney.

Everyone knows the route to the championship goes through NC so let' get it on.

Posted by chrisw2967 on March 16, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you see all these posts on here talking about us maybe not getting by Butler and we may not , heck we may not make it past American but who is to say North Car. wont slip up and get upset ? they are beatable just like every team in the tourney. NC has struggled in alot of their games so we may be in Charlotte and NC may not be , thats why you play the game , if Tenn can play D and stop fouling every trip down the court we can play with anyone in this tourney. Just dont put NC as a sure in cause there is a word called upsets and we might be one that gets upset but NC has the same chance as we do.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 16, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rpoll1095, You got that right! Let's quit whining about the selection committee licking all the candy off our apple and go out and knock of some heads! Borrowing quotes from "Rick Flair" - To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man" and "and whether you like it or not, learn to love it, ‘cause it’s the best thing going today!”

GO VOLS ! ! ! !

Posted by Retiredvol on March 16, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I kinda figured we would be a #2 seed since we lost the SEC tournament. The biggest slap in the face was being dealt in the most difficult region IMO. The NCAA is all about peaking at the right time and unless UT turns the corner I am afraid this could be a very short run. These kids need to get hungry!

Posted by GlennMaxwell on March 16, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW,

In case you're interested, the folks over on the Louisville boards don't see Tennessee as much of an obstacle. Just "another overrated SEC team."

Posted by 212032093 on March 16, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Really disappointing draw. This will at least give us a possible chance to play the overall number 1 seed. Now we could really stick it back to them coming out as the East Region Winner! Not a far fetched possibility. We've seen that ball bounce crazy all season. Let's focus on one thing right now.....AMERICAN!!!!!!

Posted by mcbrim1998 on March 16, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on guys. Respect is EARNED, it is not handed out to everybody. Had the Vols won the SEC, I am sure you would have been a number one seed. Last year, UF would not have been a number one seed had they not won the conference championship game, so the Vols have not been treated any differently than anyone else.

Now, as the HIGHEST SEED from the SEC in the tournament, DO US PROUD!

Posted by dvol on March 16, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everybody take a deep breath. Vols got what they asked for. S.C. should have beaten them. How does a team let S.C and Ark. stay with them and expect a No.1 Seed. I guess Football is not the only thing we don't play well in Atlanta.

Posted by PennVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Butler and UNC spanked us in NYC last year. Add this to the #2 seed and that should be all the motivation we need. We need to run these teams ragged with our depth so that we don't have to rely on free throwing shooting in a close game at the end. We've got all week to learn how to play defense again, so git 'r done Vols!

Posted by bshone on March 16, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One game at a time... I saw American beat Maryland on the Terps' home court in December. Although I know the Vols should destroy American, we still need to take it one game at a time. GO VOLS!

Does anyone know what time the game is scheduled for on Friday? (not like the time will determine whether I watch or not)

Posted by mtnvol on March 16, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares where we are seeded? Once the ball goes up, the BS stops. Style points don't count, RPI doesn't count, rankings don't count, W/L doesn't count: Just survive and advance!

As Rik Flair used to say "to be the man, you gotta beat the man! WOOOOOOO!" Time to go on a 6 game winning streak!!!!

Posted by DSmooth1977 on March 16, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MParker........"no way in hell" I am upset with the past weekend too, but you must be Student Body President at Doug Gotlieb University. This is March, anything is possible and we got the seed we deserved, but the road is the road and NOTHING is impossible. You either smoke or you get smoke and you sir are a smoker!!!!!!!! GO VOLS!!!

Posted by Einstein on March 16, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The NCAA Tournament Seeding Committee really only cares about your basketball reputation after you had a good year. This is why they screwed us.

Posted by bshone on March 16, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dvol, good point - thank goodness none of our games are in Atlanta this year! I'm glad the final four is in San Antonio simply because we seem to fold in Atlanta!

pennvol, not only last year did UNC spank us, but we also lost to them in the Maui a few years back... good call with the list of reasons to get up for this tournament, i agree completely.

Posted by vol88 on March 16, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshone, time is still TBA, according to the sports sites.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW Maxwell, how does it feel to be the #3 seed overall and have to go to Houston to face TEXAS!!!. Texas beat us on a neutral floor by 19, we beat u at Memphis by 4. How bad are they gonna spank you when it is a home game for them. Good luck in your draw!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by texan on March 16, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that BP stating over and over that a #1 seed was the top goal for his team backfired on him. Players weren't focused on the game at hand and the committee didn't like the overly aggressive lobbying by BP. The Arky game cost the #1 seed. The lobbying cost us the top #2 seeds.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

einstein, we werent screwed--all 64 teams have the same opportunity to win it all---no matter your seeding u have to win 6 games

Posted by bshone on March 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks vol88, i figured the article would have said what time if it were available but i thought i'd ask anyway

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Posted by LiveFaith on March 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#1 Being #2 in the UNC bracket, does not necessarily mean a #8 rankiing. Geography is considered as well."

Not according to the S-curve they "supposedly" use in seeding teams. If your thesis is true, Duke wouldn't have been sent out west.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ARE WE A THURSDAY GAME OR A FRIDAY GAME, DIDN'T NOTICE WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED!

Posted by calvolfromkingsport on March 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It comes as no surprise that Vitale and pecker continue their acc love fest. It's a shame that the Vols again get the shaft in the draw. Oh well, to win you've got to beat the best. At least Seth Green and B Knight won't hate on the Vols! Mem st with their coach calamari always seems to get the best of the draw with the msu underachievers.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

glennmaxwell;
yeah, things have worked out for you very well. The No. 2 in your bracket, Texas, matches up nicely for you.

That being said, you have NO excuse for not making the final 4. You had NO excuse for losing to us earlier. None. Not a one.

So, hey, good luck, enjoy your gloating and all, but in my world, gloating virtually ALWAYS leads to a fall.

And by the way, I don't give a rat's-ass about some vol fans who go over to the Mem boards and rattle on. Many of us thought we were fortunate to beat UMem because we really didn't play all that well. We still aren't.

The inability to stop rose turned into the same thing against Gaines (UGA), Foster(vandy), Bradley (UK), the USC gurard, the ARK guards....

so at least I recongnize my team's problems. Have you recognized yours?? Have you come to grips that your inside players are pansies???

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Posted by jcvet on March 16, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Tn and Pearl will now realize how important it is to show up for your conf. tournament. Playing a tough schedule and having the #1 RPI turned out to mean nothing. Same seed as we got last yr. with 10 losses."

Actually, we were a 5 seed last year with 10 losses.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on March 16, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CBS takes a look at when they want to see teams play and has them play whenever the hell they want. They release the times MONDAY AM.

Expect our game to tipoff at 11am Friday morning.

Posted by Bigger_Al on March 16, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our team plays its best when they feel their backs are against the wall, and people don't give them their due.

We play better as the "Hunter", rather than the "Hunted".

A call out for our fans to get out their wallets and make that short drive to Charlotte and compete with the Carolina fans for tickets!

Losing to Butler in 1996 pre-season NIT was a good thing, as we won't lose to them again.

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 16, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Points -

Memphis loses to State. That was my initial reaction as my major upset.

I think it's a slap in the face draw wise. I don't mind being a 2....but a 2 with UNC? Ouch. I don't even like the possibility of Butler or Louisville on the way either.

Thanks for taking care of us Slive. We really appreciate it.

Posted by BleedsOrangeinMO on March 16, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know everyone will think that I'm crazy but I believe Arkansas will take care of business and beat North Carolina. If everything falls into place we could have an all SEC Final in the East. I would love it if all Carolina could see was the Orange and Red of two SEC teams in their home state.
Yes, we should have beaten Arkansas but right now they may become our "best friends" and then it will be play back time - - when it really counts!!
We know how to beat Arkansas and we can again. But we must take it one game at a time and play our defense and play our game. We are capable of winning this thing. As Pat Summit said before her ten loss team won the National Championship - - we don't have to be the best team in the country - - just the best team for the nest six games!! Kick some A$$; Vols and let's build a tradition like N.C., UCLA, Duke, and KY so we will "get the breaks" during the selection in the future.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dsmooth, whatever;
I'm a realist, and maybe you are a rah-rah koolaid guy???

We are NOT playing well. Get it? Obviously there is a 'chance', but then Coppin State has that as well.

CBP got us to play hard every game, so we won more often than others. Now, EVERY team plays hard. ALL the games will be like UK, or Mem, or VAndy...

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 16, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From Gary Parrish's blog on CBS:

"Some initial (and quick) thoughts ...

Tennessee shouldn't be the fourth No. 2 seed. It still has the No. 1 RPI and No. 1 strength of schedule."

I've heard the same thing on a couple of sports shows already tonight. Look, I'm not whining about the seed. It's just that there is no way in hell the Vols should have dropped all the way to the lowest #2 seed. No way.

Posted by mparker on March 16, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (