Today On Rocky Top: How Much Did The Vols Upgrade Their Talent?

Nov 23, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

From Rocky Top Talk

"The 2014 recruiting class is signed, sealed, and at least partially delivered. After a few lean recruiting years, a huge class with some star power is a welcome sight in Big Orange Country. But how much did it really upgrade the talent? It’s hard to tell right now, of course, because we haven’t seen a single college snap–even a practice snap–from any of the 2014 guys. But we can compare their recruiting rankings to those of last year’s key contributors. And so we will do."

From The Leaf Chronicle (AP)

"Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin says Florida plays the best defense he has seen since he started coaching the Volunteers.Martin got a close look at that defense Jan. 25 when Florida buried Tennessee 67-41 to hand the Vols their most lopsided loss in his three-year tenure. Tennessee (15-8, 6-4 SEC) gets another shot at the third-ranked Gators (21-2, 10-0) on Tuesday at Thompson-Boling Arena."

From ABC News (AP)

"Meighan Simmons scored 22 points to help No. 8 Tennessee rout No. 16 Vanderbilt 81-53 on Monday night and win its sixth consecutive game, continuing the Commodores’ history of road futility in this series.Vanderbilt (17-6, 6-4 SEC) has never beaten the Lady Vols (20-4, 9-2) at Knoxville in 29 attempts.Tennessee had lost 74-63 at Vanderbilt on Jan. 12, but the Lady Vols never trailed in the rematch. The Lady Vols shot 58.2 percent (32 of 55) and held Vanderbilt without a basket for the first 9 minutes, 25 seconds of the second half.Isabelle Harrison scored 18 points and shot 8 of 10 for Tennessee, which clinched its 38th consecutive 20-win season. Andraya Carter added 11 points and seven assists."