Get Up, It's Gameday! Tennessee Volunteers Face Purdue In Elite 8

On the second day of Elite 8 action, the Tennessee Volunteers will face the No. 1-seeded Purdue Boilermakers from Detroit, Michigan.

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) celebrates a three point basket against Creighton during the / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

On the second day of Elite 8 action, the Tennessee Volunteers will face the No. 1-seeded Purdue Boilermakers from Detroit, Michigan.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and company have continually redefined program highs during a sparkling season. They won the SEC regular season title for the second time in his tenure and are in the Elite 8 for the second time in program history, the first since 2010. They have as complete of a team as any that have walked on Rocky Top over the past few decades.

However, a giant task stands in their way, both figuratively and literally. The No. 1-seeded Purdue Boilermakers have won three tournament games by an average of 26.3 points per game. Forward Zach Edey is one of college basketball's top players, posting averages of 24.6 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Tennessee has a star of its own, guard Dalton Knecht, who had an uber-important second half against Creighton.

All that stands between Tennessee and its first Final 4 in program history is Purdue. It's a tall task, but many have been mentally preparing for this matchup throughout the tournament. The two squads met earlier in the year, and the Boilermakers came away with the win. However, both teams carry different stories since that early meeting, and it could be anyone's game. We're a few hours away from tipoff and sending one side onto Phoenix, Arizona.

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