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Tennessee basketball: Vols chances to win a National Title lower than Kentucky

By Billy Williford

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Members of the Tennessee Volunteers team huddle before the game against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Members of the Tennessee Volunteers team huddle before the game against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Kentucky Wildcats have better odds to win a National Championship than Tennessee basketball. And, we keep asking ourselves why.

Every season there are high hopes and expectations for the Kentucky basketball team. Not often can the same be said about Tennessee basketball. However, the 2019 season will have extremely high expectations for Rick Barnes and crew.

Even though expectations are high, are some people still sleeping on the Vols? Maybe not, but the people that set the odds at Bovada are.

As it currently stands, the Duke Blue Devils have the best odds of winning the 2019 National Championship at +500. The Blue Devils are coming off the number one recruiting class signing four 5-stars. Those players include the first, second, and fifth-ranked players in the nation.

Kentucky comes in at second on the betting odds at +700. And, again I know all about the impressive recruiting class. However, what I don’t understand is why people continue to pump up Kentucky when it never pays off.

Here is a look at the past six recruiting class for the Kentucky Wildcats.

2018 – 2nd

2017 – 2nd

2016 – 2nd

2015 – 1st

2014 – 2nd

2013 – 1st

Can you guess how many Championships the Wildcats have during that time span? That’s right the same amount as Tennessee. Zero. That’s not to mention Tennessee got the best of Kentucky last season sweeping the season series.

Yes, the Wildcats won the SEC Championship Game at a neutral site. Well, Rupp Arena Jr.

Tennessee currently sits at +3300 on Bovada. I’m not suggesting anyone should bet, but the smart money is on the Vols. Everyone but James Daniel III is returning, and the team is hungry after the disappointing showing in the NCAA Tournament.

But, maybe Vegas is smart by getting suckers to place money on Kentucky knowing they are going to underachieve just like they always do under John Calipari. Having lower odds should be just another reason for the Vols to play hard and like underdogs.

Next: 5 bold predictions for the Vols 2018-19 season

Hopefully, once the season gets started, maybe people will begin to realize just how good the Vols will be. Or perhaps it’s better for Tennessee to keep sliding under the radar. They are good enough to slide all the way to the Championship Game next season.

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