The CheckerBoard

I'll admit that although I'll always pull for all Vols teams, I was having a hard time watching them earlier in the season because they seemed so deeply challenged (to put it kindly) on the offensive end. Loved their defense, but although I agree that defense wins when offense doesn't, I'd say that anyone who says he turns the game on to watch the d is lying.

Then when THIS game started, I 'bout got sick. Decided to stay with it, and what a mess, but what will and effort the Vols showed!

I also didn't set my DVR to long enough, and it went out as Trae was going to the FT line with 3 seconds left. Went to VolsXtra with dread in my heart.

To read the recaps, it sounds like they continued their toughness, found enough offense, and did the job. Didn't know anything about A&M, but they were tough, tough, tough.

And speaking of tough, you don't win that game, especially given that horrendous start unless your team has developed the toughness that Coach Martin wants them to have, and unless your strength and training coach has really gotten you in some shape. I remember from thirty years ago that young bodies bounce back quickly, especially when you're happy about your play, so I'm pretty psyched for playing those Lizards. Playing at home may make the final difference.

And I'll set the DVR better this time.