You know things are pretty darn sweet when even someone donning Alabama gear not only has to give the Tennessee Vols some credit, but also provide a wake-up call for the rest of the country. Such was the case with Crimson Tide baseball coach Rob Vaughn.
On Wednesday, the Vols sent the Tide home early from the SEC Tournament, posting an unforgettable 15-10 win. Now, Tennessee is all set to take on top-seeded Texas in the quarterfinals. Regardless of what happens, Vaughn knows the Vols are built to make noise the rest of the season. His message to everyone? It's pretty much to not let Tennessee get hot:
Alabama coach Rob Vaughn admits the Tennessee offense is 'scary' when it gets hot
"Tennessee, you kind of saw what they were," Vaughn said. "I know they scuffled for a little bit down the stretch and haven't played their best baseball, but that offense is scary. When it gets rolling, it's scary and they were rolling (on Wednesday) from the rip. I think they were on time, they were taking stuff away. They just got into a groove there."
It's hard to argue with what Vaughn had to say there and it's something that should surely bring a smile to the face of head man Tony Vitello. His players are probably loving seeing this clip from Vaughn too, with Tennessee's dominance over Alabama in several sports continuing this year.
In the win over Alabama, Reese Chapman led the way with his four RBI, of course highlighted by his two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to extend Tennessee's lead to 13-6. Gavin Kilen added three RBI to help lead the way for the UT offense.
As the reigning national champs, there's always going to be a target on your back. This is something Tennessee knows all too well. The Vols were able to send a bit of a statement against Alabama and if they can take down Texas in the quarterfinals, perhaps people will start giving them the respect they deserve. The Vols have what it takes to turn heads this postseason. Vaughn and Alabama learned this the hard way in the SEC Tourney.