I agree 100% with the original poster. I can't believe all of the hate I am seeing aimed at Bruce Pearl. The guys has done MORE than a phenomenal job this season! In fact, its down right amazing when you think about it. Not only did he lose his best player in Tyler Smith mid-season, but he also kept the program clean by kicking off guys like Duke Crews and Ramar Smith that would have been huge contributors to this team this year. In addition, he also lost Josh Tabb to start the season who was probably the best defender on the team. Then, he loses Emmanuelle Negedu to health conditions. Then, his top PG coming out of high school Daniel West is ruled inelligible and kicked off the team.
This also goes hand in hand with all the critics out there that don't like "thugs" on the team. Bruce Pearl is running a VERY clean program. And to have to go through what he has this season and still have 20 wins and ranked in the top 20 this late in the season is nothing short of A MIRACLE. If you think any other coach in the country could have accomplished this feat, please send me their resume!
This has been a rough season, but it has not been for lack of heart or effort. I love this team and will support them until the end of the season. At which point, I will turn my interest into the awesome recruiting class we have coming in and the potential for this team next year. GO VOLS!! It's GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!