Hot Tickets For Vols

Saturday at Nationwide Arena. Not much stirring, except a few hundred media hounds, some anxious coaches, a few stern looking NCAA officials, and players that generally look loose and relaxed.

The Vols got in a 90-minute closed practice session, and sources tell me their game plan for Virginia looks solid. Pearl's staff has these guys scouted, there is no doubt about it. But games are all about execution. The Vols need to stiffen-up on defense.

Don't overlook 6'10" Virginia forward Jason Cain. He can leap. The Vols inside defense has been suspect at times. Possible key: Getting Virginia guards into foul trouble.

The Vols spent about thirty-minutes before practice watching Xavier-Ohio State from inside their cramped locker room. The players denied interest in the outcome, but cheers went up when Xavier made big plays. Ohio State won, which means the Vols will get a rematch of the Buckeyes, if they beat Virginia here Sunday.

Don't be surprised to see Ohio State coach Thad Matta at Vols-Virginia game. No confirmation he will be here-- but the Buckeyes flew home after their win Saturday, and it's just a hunch that Matta might be here in person.

UT says Wayne Chism was examined again on Saturday and given the ok to practice, and he did. Looks like he'll play Sunday.

The Vols have given new meaning to the term Hot Ticket. The Vols ticket allotment (550) for Sunday's game were stolen. The NCAA traced the ticket numbers, voided them, and reissued new ones. If the old tickets are purchased on the street-- they won't be good for admission.