The stage was set for a day of celebration in Knoxville. The Vols were hosting rival Kentucky at a time when Kentucky had fallen to new lows following back-to-back league losses at Alabama and against South Carolina in Rupp Arena. In the desert, Tennessee was a heavy betting favorite, laying 11 points in the rivalry game at tipoff. Kentucky hadn’t been that big of an underdog in any game since Billy Gillispie was the head coach. With six losses already, the Wildcats were wounded and the Vols smelled blood.
Around campus, there was a buzz up and down Phillip Fulmer Way as armies of Tennessee fans marched toward Thompson-Boling Arena for the inevitable beatdown of Kentucky.