Tennessee basketball: Early date set vs. Colorado benefits Vols heavily

The schedule isn’t fully set yet, and Tennessee basketball has a ton of difficult non-conference opponents this year. However, one Power Five matchup for the Vols has been set at a time that should benefit Rick Barnes’ team in a huge way.

UT’s date with the Colorado Buffaloes has been set for Sunday, Nov. 13, according to UTSports. That will be less than a week into the start of the regular season, and the two will face off in Nashville, Tenn., at Bridgestone Arena.

This will be the third straight year these two have faced off, with Tennessee basketball winning 69-54 last year in Boulder, Colo., and winning 56-47 the year before in Knoxville. Given the nature of what both teams will be like, they should secure a sweep this year.

On top of the fact that the Vols added and kept more talent than Colorado, they were better last year and they play this game in Nashville, the chemistry factor should favor them when they face off. The Vols not only have more talent, but they have more experience playing together.

Colorado only lost three players in its rotation from last year, but it just happened to be the three players who led the team in scoring. Sure, the Vols lost Kennedy Chandler, but they return their other two primary scorers, Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi.

As a result, while the Buffaloes have some experienced players who can step up and become new leading scorers, Tad Boyle needs time to figure out who those guys are. It’s not as obvious as it is with Barnes and Rocky Top heading into the year.

Heck, even with the newcomers, it’s much more clear who Tennessee basketball will rely on. The Vols have five-star wing Julian Phillips coming in, and he’s expected to join Vescovi and James as a primary scorer. Olivier Nkamhoua returns from injury and is expected to man the post.

Add in Indiana State Sycamores transfer Tyreke Key, who is expected to be another elite scoring guard, and despite losing key talent from last year, the Vols don’t have too many questions as to who will lead them this year. James and Vescovi being there are still the biggest factors, though.

If this game were being played in December, Colorado might have a bit more chemistry, enough to pull off an upset maybe. However, this game being played in early November works against them much more than it works against the Vols.

Taking all of this into account, the date perfectly positions Tennessee basketball for a blowout win. If the Vols don’t win running away, there will be immediate concerns about what’s facing them as the rest of the season approaches.