Opponent for 16

[goldvol]

First answer is Illinois as the lower seed and non-rival. However, I prefer Kentucky in this scenario.

Illinois is a slight favorite against the Cats. That Illinois game on the road was one of the toughest of the year. And I feel like Barnes versus Pope would be a big Tennessee advantage given his experience.

What do you say?

 

[joevols89]

Illinois can go ice cold from 3 so I’m going with them.

 

[VolArmy74]

Illinois. I'd say Florida if they were playing Kentucky to play us. I never ever want Kentucky to win a basketball game.

 

[driscokid]

If you can’t beat UK 1 out of three you ain’t gonna win it anyway. Bring em

 

[Oldblood]

Either could be tough. We’ve had two tourney games in hand by mid to late second half so far. That’s over. Part of me wants Kentucky just so we can beat them when it matters most.

 

[FranklinVFL]

If you can’t beat UK 1 out of three you ain’t gonna win it anyway. Bring em

I agree with this sentiment. If we cannot beat UK one time out of three with a trip to the E8 on the line……

 

[Creeker]

I like the Illinois match up better than UK but we’ve shown we can play with them even when they can’t miss, the odds would say out of 3 games we are taking at least 1 against them. Both are good teams whichever we end up with.

 

[VolsSportsFan]

My head says Illinois; we just match up terribly with this UK team.

But my goodness it would be sweet to beat them in the S16.

 

[rocketskates]

Would love to get sweet revenge and knock Kentucky out of the tournament.

At the same time, the thought of losing to them three times in one season and getting knocked out by them makes me want to stick my finger down my throat.

 

[wrharvey21]

Either could be tough. We’ve had two tourney games in hand by mid to late second half so far. That’s over. Part of me wants Kentucky just so we can beat them when it matters most.

This is the whole reason i voted kentucky lol

 

[BallsVolls1]

It’s “NO WAY” Rick Barnes lose 3 times to Kentucky…

3rd times a Charm, I’m hoping to see Kentucky next round and got confidence that our guys will pull it off!

 

[Vols till I fall]

I remember when we played Illinois back in December and they were legit really good. Maybe they won't be as good on a netruel court?

We were 0-2 against UK this season, so idk how good of a match up that would be for our guys.

The selfish part of me wants Kentucky so if we win, the gaslighting would be so surreal on twitter. I'd live nothing more than to be the team to end UK's season.

The rational part of me says Illinois

 

[The Dog]

For some reason, Kentucky is a bad match-up for the Vols. But, I still think they win, Illinois has peaked, imo. Vols get 'em the third time, anyway.

Edit: I prefer Illinois. But, I screwed it all up

 

[BallerVolFan]

Barnes and these players will not lose to Kentucky 3 times in one year. I would feel confident if that’s who we face. I don’t care about the past 2 games, they’ll have 4-5 days to prepare for this one and they’ll go out there and beat Kentucky. Give me the Cats.

 

[All Vol!]

Kentucky would be the better feeling win imho. All this talk from their end of the Cats owning Tennessee again after the regular season sweep would go away like an ice cube in late July if we cut their legs out from under them in the tourney. Trust me, they'd never breathe another word about it. Also do you think one ounce of one player on this team would feel like we don't owe those f*ckers something??!! If you think we fought to get that win over Bama or that payback win over the Gators in Knoxville, there is no doubt in my mind those efforts would pale compared to another shot at KY. Our boys would be foaming at the mouth. I say bring on big blue and make them prove they can beat us again.

 

[Shrimp&Grits&Vols]

Side question…what times are games typically for sweet 16? IIRC it’s typically like 6:30 and 9pm? I feel like if we play KY that would be the early game but if it’s Illinois it could be a coin flip. Or would they just put Hou/Purdue as the early game? Personally I really don’t want the late game…

 

[wtmvol]

Side question…what times are games typically for sweet 16? IIRC it’s typically like 6:30 and 9pm? I feel like if we play KY that would be the early game but if it’s Illinois it could be a coin flip. Or would they just put Hou/Purdue as the early game? Personally I really don’t want the late game…

You’re right on the general timeframe. If it’s us vs Kentucky, I think that would be the late one. But it will be 2 good games so tough call.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

More nervous about KY than Illinois but either way KY would be out of the tourney which is good. Would enjoy Vols eliminating them more.

 

[mscc1998]

Would Tennessee be able to watch (scout) the KY/Illinois today, even on TV?
I would think THAT would give them an advantage over either one.Plus, we will have almost an extra days rest before next Friday's game.

 

[Sarms58]

I’d rather beat Kentucky than any other team when we’re playing basketball…it’s not that it’s just so satisfying for us but also knowing the agony it causes the Kentucky fans when they lose to us…

 

[VolFreakJosh]

You take Illinois all day & every day if you can.

Sure, we won a close game against them but we match up better with them in every other way.

Kentucky just has too many shooters that can get hot from three.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Wondering if that half court press Barnes used last night would work against KY. Sure caused UCLA trouble.

 

[YankeeVol]

Illinois.

I feel like teams usually don’t lose a third matchup (after losing the first two) though.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Kentucky will handle Illinois today. Bet all you want on UK. Get ready for Uk III..

 

[vols 30]

You take Illinois all day & every day if you can.

Sure, we won a close game against them but we match up better with them in every other way.

Kentucky just has too many shooters that can get hot from three.

This! Especially your last sentence. That alone makes me want Illinois.