Vols Look Sluggish, But Still Avenge Buckeye Loss

The new #1 team in the RPI is the Tennessee Vols and I'm not talking about women's basketball. The Vols have vaulted to the top of the country on the computer's with recent wins over Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and most recently Ohio State.

The Vols fought off a game Ohio State team that actually led by seven points in the second half before a patented Vol surge moved Tennessee back ahead and eventually to another victory.

To revisit a recent column, the Vols' flaws were once again evident on Saturday. Chris Lofton just doesn't look like Chris Lofton. He missed open shots, including an airball from the wing, and failed to convert back-to-back free throws. Jay Bilas talked about Lofton on Saturday morning, pointing out that he is doing everything well except for his shooting. It is true - his defense is solid, he takes care of the ball and makes good passes. His shot, however, seems like a lost cause.

The Vols' shot selection is what it is. Pearl has given his guys the green light, which means he is willing to live with some ill-advised launches to get the streaks of lights-out shooting. I still think he might reel in the Vols a bit as the conference season progresses, calling a few more sets throughout the action, but for now Tennessee is going to let 'er fly for 40 minutes.

The Tennessee big men were once again exposed on Saturday. Wayne Chism picked up early fouls and Ryan Childress was worked over by Ohio State's post players. Brian Williams played huge for the Vols as he got extended minutes and was on the floor for long periods of time. Here is hoping the return of Duke Crews will help the struggling defensive frontcourt.

If there is one more trouble spot to watch, it is the poor free throw shooting from the Vols. The Buckeyes would have long been defeated if only Tennessee could make its freebies. It often looks like the Vols lack concentration from the line, especially JuJuan Smith who should not be missing his free throws. Everyone still talks about Ramar's 0-12 shooting from the line against Prarie View A&M, but watch his focus now when he approaches the stripe. It is different from several other Vols who ought to be converting more often.

Nit-picking aside, the Vols picked up another impressive win over a quality opponent on Saturday. The tests keep coming, however, as Billy Gillespie and Kentucky await the Vols tomorrow night.