With wins over Miami (OH) and Virginia in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, the Tennessee Vols have made history under Rick Barnes.
Bishop Boswell’s breakout changes everything for Tennessee’s March run
Yes, that’s right. Tennessee is the first team to beat two 30-win teams in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament since the field has expanded. What an accomplishment for Barnes, especially when he is known as a guy by the national media as someone who can’t win the big one. Well, how about that?
Battle tested 💪 @Vol_Hoops is the first team to beat multiple 30+ win teams in its first two NCAA tournament games since field expanded to 64 teams. pic.twitter.com/REr5G3fqZu
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 23, 2026
Put some respect on Rick Barnes' name
Tennessee is also just one of three teams, along with Houston and Alabama, to make the Sweet 16 each of the last four years. Rick Barnes has completely flipped the script on this program and what they are about. It’s about time people put some respect on his name. Tennessee has gone from being happy to make the tournament to expecting big runs. With these two wins, Tennessee is now one weekend away from its first Final Four.
I think the most impressive part about the stat is that Tennessee was still favored in both games. Despite having an average regular season, the analytics show that when they are at their best, Tennessee can compete with anybody. I didn't love the matchup versus Virginia, and I thought the game versus Miami would be closer, but they dominated and prevailed nonetheless.
This team has really come together and has shown that they can do the unthinkable. The Sweet 16 against Iowa State on Friday night will not be an easy game, and if they win, it’ll likely be one that they grind out in an ugly fashion, which is ok.
With that said, Vegas is expecting this game to be a low-scoring, low-possession, defensive battle. Tennessee is currently a +4.5 point underdog, and the over/under is only at 138.5 points. In a game like this, Tennessee’s ability to offensive rebound and take advantage of their second-chance points opportunities will be huge.
It won't be comfortable, but this Tennessee team has a special energy about it, and I have full trust in Rick Barnes to adopt a game plan that can make the Vols flourish.