They're tournament-tested and play at the highest level. They're ready.

You only go to Tennessee if you're a great player and want to compete at the highest level and want to get pushed. There's a certain kind of mentality that's there. This is a different kind of mindset that's been really important at the championship level.

You work hard to get this far and now we're here. . . . And [we're] getting ready to play the mighty Tennessee. You know they are steeped in tradition.

For them to get up in the morning, come over here and get beat up and play, to do that they've demonstrated a tremendous amount of respect for our players. I would like to pass legislation even if it meant reducing a scholarship. ... I think we need to reward them.

And I think based upon their play today and based upon their discussion yesterday, I think that the conversation would probably indicate that you know what, this might be the best thing that happened. Because we're dealing with some realities and some truths about ourselves that is necessary in order to win at a championship level.

I know they were embarrassed and they all came out to play and put it together today. So I'm happy for them because I know they were hurt.