X-Factor in UT-Memphis game? Might surprise you

We all know the big names playing in Saturday's matchup of intrastate Tennessee "Titans." 

If Derrick Rose is playing in Memphis next year, it will probably be for the Grizzlies. 

Chris Lofton and Jajuan Smith are a sharpshooting duo that ranks with the best in college basketball. 

Tyler Smith and Chris Douglas-Roberts are two versatile do-it-all players. Just as, JP Prince could explode at anytime and have a huge night for Tennessee.

All of these guys will be crucial for their teams on Saturday night.  But someone is being overlooked. 

Junior Ryan Childress, recently recovered from the flu and a chronically bad ankle, returned to duty for the Vols this week against Auburn. For someone averaging 2.9 points per game in the games he has played, he sure brought a lot of energy into the gym in a game that had already been decided. 

After a few minutes he had already picked up a flagrant foul and made his presence known. His tenacity and style of play are exactly what the Vols need to really push them into championship territory.

I'm not suggesting that Childress will be playing in the NBA one day, or even that he is all-conference material.  However, he bring an intensity and passion to the team that no one else seems to rival. 

The leader on the team, Chris Lofton, is the classic quiet lead by example type of guy.  He isn't the type of guy to bring tons of energy to his teammates. Childress was key to the Vols run in the NCAA tournament last season. In the tournament he averaged close to 10 points a game and provided an important spark.

OK, so he's energetic, whats the big deal? 

It's well known that Memphis is among the worst free-throw shooting teams in the country, ranking 337th out of 341 teams in Division I. Childress is not just good at drawing charges and making hustle plays, but he also has five fouls to give. He isn't the type of guy to just foul,however, when he fouls, he sets a tone. 

That is exactly what he needs to do in Memphis. Foul people and play physical, confident basketball.

Ryan Childress is not a bully who is going to come in and try to hurt people or play dirty. He plays with intensity and he plays extremely physical.  Against a guy like Joey Dorsey, who could lose his cool very easily, setting that kind of tone could behoove the Vols. 

Childress gives them a swagger, and that "us against the world" mentality could prove to be the difference on Saturday night.