Rick Barnes analyzes Tennessee's readiness for SEC play

Tennessee closed out its nonconference schedule in fashion, drubbing Austin Peay by over 40 points. Head coach Rick Barnes will now send his squad off into the Christmas Break with an impressive win and when the players return, it will be time to go up against a brutal SEC schedule.

Barnes was asked how ready he thinks the Volunteers are to get going against the conference, he said the Austin Peay game was a great test. He thinks they defended similarly to how some SEC teams will against Tennessee. Responding well, they were able to score 86 points on Wednesday night.

“I thought tonight might have been as complete — we were good offensively,” Barnes said. “We will play teams that defend just like Austin Peay guarded us. We’ve had those opportunities and have not necessarily shot the ball well. Both inside and out.”

Tennessee has not been known for its offense this season, with 86 being the second-highest point total early in the 2022-2023 season. It’s been more about the defensive end, where Barnes has the Volunteers only giving up 52.8 points per game. That’s good enough for fifth best in the country.

Barnes recognizes how well Tennessee can defend and knows it’s a strong suit. If they can find a way to get points on the board, not many teams in the SEC will be able to match up well against them.

“Defensively, we can lock in and guard,” Barnes said. “We’ll find a way to manufacture some points… I’ve said it before, when you’re making shots, there are a lot of teams that can win.”

SEC play will get underway on Wednesday, with a road down to Oxford first on the schedule against Ole Miss. Things will really kick off once the calendar turns to 2023, with some high-level games, both home and away, presenting themselves as challenges for the Vols.

Barnes knows he has something special here with his team, especially on the defensive end. If Tennessee can find a way to see some shots go through the hoop, they can compete with anyone in the conference.