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March Madness: Five keys for Tennessee Vols’ Round of 32 matchup vs. Michigan

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee forward John Fulkerson (10), Tennessee forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (2), and Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) react on the bench during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Tennessee defeated Longwood.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp
Tennessee forward John Fulkerson (10), Tennessee forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (2), and Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) react on the bench during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Tennessee defeated Longwood.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp /
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Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) gets the crowd to continue cheering during the NCAA college basketball game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.Px Uthoops Kentucky
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) gets the crowd to continue cheering during the NCAA college basketball game between the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.Px Uthoops Kentucky /

3. Up the tempo to force as many turnovers as possible

Size and dominance in the paint can be turned on its head by tempo and turnovers. The Vols are capable of using those factors to their advantage given their multiple elite athletic guards, Josiah-Jordan James’ speciality in playing defense and Rick Barnes’ speciality in coaching it.

For the year, UT forces just under 16 turnovers a game. They are in the top 10 with nearly nine and a half steals a game, and they are in the top 60 with nearly four and a half blocks a game. Although contesting shots and forcing misses from outside is a hallmark of this defense, it’s clear that forcing turnovers is too.

Against Colorado State, Michigan was extremely sloppy, committing 15 turnovers. This is a matchup the Vols can exploit to no end. They should play a bit more fast-paced than they usually have and force Michigan to play their brand of chaos.

Barnes was an assistant to Gary Williams in the 1980s, so he’s familiar with the press defense that Tom Davis disciples have run, most notably Williams and Bruce Pearl. It might be time for him to employ that strategy in this game, as it could lead to a dominating victory that puts them in the Sweet 16 in a thrilling way.

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