Three Things that stood out from Tennessee’s loss to Georgia

Tennessee fell to Georgia tonight, suffering their second loss in the last three games. Here are three things that stood out in the loss.

Where was Grant?

Tennessee’s catalyst and best player went just 1-8 from the field tonight in 25 minutes of play. Williams scored just five points and pulled down only four rebounds against Georgia. The Volunteers just aren’t going to win many games when Grant contributes this little.

The two fouls on Williams in the same possession in the middle of the second half were questionable, at best. I thought Tennessee did a good job of playing through others during his absence, but they’re a different team when Williams is himself. That wasn’t the case tonight. Credit Kyle Alexander for stepping up down low and pulling down 13 rebounds. It just wasn’t enough in the end.

Tennessee has to get more out of Jordan Bone and James Daniel

The lack of consistent point guard play is something that has plagued the Vols for the entire season. This was supposed to be Bone’s role to step into, but he’s been really struggling from the field as of late. He’s scored double digit points just once in the last ten games. Bone had a few great mid-range looks at the basket tonight, but nothing fell for the frustrating sophomore.

James Daniel hasn’t been any better than Bone over the last two weeks. After a big time performance against LSU, Daniel has scored just 3, 0, 3, 5 and 3 in his last five efforts. The shots haven’t been falling for Daniel or Bone, which has really crippled the offense over the past five games.

The two combined to go 2-10 from the field tonight. Bone at least came through with seven assists.

Fulkerson isn’t ready to play

I don’t have any numbers to support this, but things seem to fall apart on the defensive end when John Fulkerson enters the game. Tennessee has to have a third big man off the bench, but I’m curious as to why Fulkerson is getting those minutes — at times over Derrick Walker now. Fulkerson just doesn’t appear to be right, coming off of his elbow injury last season. More than that, he appears lost on defense. I’ve watch many defensive possessions fall apart down low due to Fulkerson losing track of his man.

Tennessee has given up entirely too many easy looks at the rim over the last week. It’s far from being all on role player like Fulky, but he sure isn’t helping things.

Tennessee will be back in action on Wednesday night at 8 PM against Florida in Knoxville.