The depth, smarts, teamwork, and offensive options make these guys formidable. I've recently watch some of the best Pearl team games. Bruce used controlled chaos and unbelievable motivation to create a few amazing teams too. Those can't be overlooked. 77' Vols may be up here, but BK's injury helped us out of the tourney too fast. 2000 Vols were elite and should have made the FF too, except for some pitfalls.
I believe that fundamentally this is the best UT team I've ever seen. What I noticed first last season was the take no prisoners mindset and focus against scrub teams. There is no letdown with this team. 2 seconds left last night up 23, and Barnes was using the last play to teach. They just keep working and getting better. The "one & done" teams certainly will. Hopefully we're better by March. But, keep in mind, TX fans knock on Barnes is that he fails in the big dance. Unless he breaks into the FF this season, then this will be a disappointment IMO. If we only make a S16 or EE, then that label will still be there IMO. CRB has built that level of success.