That's smart. They are terrible defensively, but they are the highest rated offense Tennessee has faced so far according to kenpom. The best teams know not to overlook their opponents.
Their defense has to be a bit exaggerated if they've build a schedule of it going against offensive rated opponents in the 200's. I get it's a blend from old and new data, but still. I'm not saying it's not good though, just putting things in perspective because media always overblows things.
I'm surprised Bilas didn't opt to do this game like he normally would since he seems to have the pull. That's unless there is some rule I'm unaware of where you can't do two games in the same week that features the same team.