Gameday

It all began after the final buzzer on Saturday night in Memphis when the Vols knocked Memphis off their perch at #1 and ended any chance for an undefeated season for the Tigers. The announcement yesterday that UT was the new #1 in both polls was a mere formality as everyone who has turned on ESPN in the last 48 hours was more than aware that UT would claim the top spot. Tonight's matchup was already huge in the SEC, and now it's even bigger as the Vols bring their fresh new ranking into Memorial Gym, a place where #1 rankings have historically been the kiss of death. Whether or not that will hold true remains to be seen, but I think both teams will give the fans a treat in what will hopefully become a classic matchup between these two interstate rivals.

It's been really interesting to see the rivalry between these two schools blossom. While Vandy has always considered UT its main competition, UT has been looking down its nose at Vandy for darn near forever. While the 'Dores have managed to have periods of limited success against the Vols, UT has more or less dominated the series for most of my lifetime, that is, until now.

I'm not saying these two teams are on equal footing. UT is exactly where many analysts predicted them to be. This team was stacked before the season started, and they have done an excellent job of realizing their potential.

This group of overachievers from Vandy is the real surprise. Losing SEC POY Derrick Byars and clutch 3-point man Dan Cage left the 'Dores without an identity, and they were projected to finish 5th in the SEC east. A.J. Ogilvy has been a huge lift to a team that hasn't had a legitimate post presence since Will Perdue. A.J. was absolutely killing it through Vandy's admittedly soft non-conference schedule, but hit a wall at the beginning of SEC play. The stronger, more physical post play in the league took A.J. by surprise and he struggled. However, it was A.J. who got the last laugh as road losses to UK and Florida were avenged at Memorial due in large part to vastly improved play by the Aussie freshman. Will the current trend continue tonight? A.J. played lousy in Knoxville and it showed as the 'Dores took their second whooping in as many years at Thompson-Boling (I guess it wasn't the hideous orange seats). Will he be able to assert himself down low? Rebounding will be the key to this game, and A.J. along with Ross Neltner and Darshawn McClellan must rebound defensively to limit the number of put backs and second chance points the Vols have. If the 'Dores can limit UT's offensive possessions and show patience on offense they will be able to take UT out of their comfort zone.

The scary thing about UT is that there are about 3-4 guys that can take the game over and win it for the Vols. Chris Lofton who has been giving Vandy (and everyone else for that matter) fans fits for the last couple years certainly possess the ability, but so do players like JaJuan Smith, J.P. Prince and the always dangerous Tyler Smith. If any of these guys get hot watch out, it could get ugly. Vandy has been playing much improved defense since the game in January and I will be interested to see what UT does on offense.

All things considered, I gotta pick my 'Dores in this one. Logic might suggest that UT should win in a walk, and they certainly do look like the better team on paper. However, Memorial Gym is a spooky place and there's really no telling how UT will handle the pressure of the #1 ranking.

FYI:

This will be the first time playing in Memorial for both Tyler Smith and J.P. Prince. Keep that in mind.

Yes, the powers that be have declared tonight a "white-out". Conventional wisdom might suggest that this is the stupidest idea in history as it will make the orange of the UT fans show up even more. The 'Dores will be wearing white (not gold) at home and the last white out did result in a 13-point victory over the #1 ranked and eventual national champion Florida Gators.

The SEC has threatened to move Vandy's student section away from the floor in the event of a third infraction of the league's policy concerning fans entering the playing surface.

Here's hoping for a well-played hard fought fairly officiated and injury free game for both teams.

I'm so excited! I'm so scared!