Izzo is a nightmare

[Shaun1985]

I think I'd rather see the beloved Vols face any team in the country than have to deal with Tom Izzo in the month of March. State has no John Walls or Evan Turners but Izzo is pretty intimidating IMO. I don't think any coach in the country can match his in game coaching. One thing that really bothers me about this matchup is the experience factor. Izzo and his team have been here before and I'm just hoping the Vols don't get the "deer caught in the headlights" look. Either way, here's to a good game and for high hopes that Chism and Co. can pound it inside and hammer the Spartans!!

[VolsFan4Ever-11]

Has to be the best coach in the country.

[Bassmanbruno]

really wish we had gotten Northern Iowa - getting sick just thinking about this game - especially knowing how perfect this is setup for a good chance at a birth in the championship game that won't be against the most talented team in the country.

2pm needs to get here now.

[UT4LIFE86]

come on fellows bruce pearl aint no billy gillespie now!!!!! he ll have em rede

[EBerryIsYourDad]

Izzo is a mastermind. 5 final fours in 11 years is unreal.

[NickZ4UT]

It's an odd thing, MSU on paper isn't that scary to me but just the fact that that man is on the sideline calling the shots is more terrifying than 100 Evan Turners.

[Shaun1985]

I love me some Bruce Ball but Izzo would eat Bruce's lunch if it came down to a coaching decision. When you look at Izzo's teams in the later rounds of the tourney and realize that probably 80% of the time his team did not have the most talent and still won tells you that he's an awesome coach. Ehh something about Izzo..I know he can't shoot for his teams and it does come down to the players but guys buy into his system almost like he completely brainwashes them to do exactly what he wants. I'd probably still be nervous if he had a middle school team tomorrow.

[VolsFan4Ever-11]

Originally Posted by UT4LIFE86

come on fellows bruce pearl aint no billy gillespie now!!!!! he ll have em rede

This is true, but you can not discredit the job Izzo has done of getting his team to the final 4.

[EasyVolunteer]

Bruce will have us ready!!!

[Shaun1985]

I think it would be smart to attack Tennessee like WVU attacked Kentucky tonight. I don't think we score much posting up in the paint against Sparty's defense. I like our chances slashes to the rim, which we do pretty well. Controlling the glass will be difficult but it again depends on Wayne.

[EBerryIsYourDad]

Originally Posted by Shaun1985

I think it would be smart to attack Tennessee like WVU attacked Kentucky tonight. I don't think we score much posting up in the paint against Sparty's defense. I like our chances slashes to the rim, which we do pretty well. Controlling the glass will be difficult but it again depends on Wayne.

...and Williams. I'm not convinced that MSU will dominate the boards on us.

[jackaro]

Being a game away from the Final 4 is more than I ever hoped for this season. Unfortunately an Izzo coached team is standing between Tennessee and that goal. He is a great coach with a great tournament record, IF Tennessee wins and goes to the Final 4, I don't think anyone can say that it was because of a broken bracket. Tennessee will have earned it.

[VolsFan4Ever-11]

Originally Posted by EBerryIsYourDad

...and Williams. I'm not convinced that MSU will dominate the boards on us.

I agree, Big Brian is becoming a beast in there rebounding, (if he can hold onto the ball that is).

[VolFromNashville]

Has MSU faced a team with our size/ length before this season?

[Shaun1985]

I don't think MSU dominates but I don't think we will either. I was just saying it will be a lot toughter to dominate the boards against MSU than OSU. OSU almost put shots up and was getting set on defense before it even came close to the rim. MSU will look for a lot of those 2nd chance points more. Obviously thats the nature of the beast playing 4 guards but MSU is a lot more well rounded when looking at positions and matchups.