NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
The Tennessee Volunteers came into the 2015-16 season with low expectations due to the departure of their best player, Josh Richardson, and the arrival of a new head coach, Rick Barnes. The Vols, however, have surpassed expectations, even if their 4-3 record doesn’t quite show it. Kevin Punter and Armani Moore have been electric offensively, so their losses have come by a combined 16 points, with 11 of those points coming in a road loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Tennessee definitely has an opportunity to compete for a berth in the NIT, so a resume boosting win over a top 25 opponents is a necessity in non-conference play. Next up for the Vols is just that chance with a trip to Indianapolis to face off with the No. 18 Butler Bulldogs.
At 8-1, Butler has not lost a game since Nov. 22, including a huge road win over the then No. 17 Cincinnati Bearcats. Kellen Dunham has been shooting lights out for the Bulldogs, averaging 20 points per game. The most promising statistic for Butler’s chances at winning the Big East, however, is that they have six solid players averaging over 22 minutes and at least nine points per game. Depth will be a huge issue for many teams throughout the season, but not for the Bulldogs.
With Robert Hubbs out due to injury, I doubt the Vols stand much of a chance against this far more talented Butler squad. The Bulldogs will likely challenge for the Big East regular season title, whereas Tennessee is a bottom half of the SEC team. Punter and Moore should have great games, as always, but Dunham and Co. will get the better of the Volunteers in the end.
As we get closer to March, watch for Butler to be a dark horse Final Four team, as well.
Prediction: Butler 85, Tennessee 75
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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