Stanford a near-unanimous favorite to win Tuesday

Updated: April 7, 2008, 6:50 PM ET

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ESPN.com

TAMPA, Fla. -- Tennessee takes aim at its second consecutive and eighth overall NCAA title Tuesday, while Stanford seeks its third overall crown (and first since 1992). A look at what might be the difference when the Lady Vols and Cardinal clash in the national championship game (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET).

What will help decide Tuesday's NCAA title game?
Expert	The X factor is …	Who wins?
Kara Lawson	This game will be decided by Tennessee's ability to disrupt Stanford's offensive rhythm. The Cardinal rely heavily on each other to create opportunities and rely heavily on the defensive player guarding them to make a mistake. That's really the essence of team basketball. But outside of Candice Wiggins -- and the Stanford players will tell you this, too -- they aren't the type of players who are going to break you down and go get theirs. They play within the system and execute to get good looks. So you can't allow them to get comfortable offensively. Just ask Maryland or Connecticut what a challenge it is to slow down Stanford when it gets into that rhythm. Tennessee has to give Stanford different looks defensively. At times on Sunday, that worked for Connecticut, and the Lady Vols should be encouraged by that. When Connecticut first went to a zone defense early in the second half, it worked -- but the Huskies stayed in it too long (remember when Wiggins hit those two 3-pointers?). Then when Connecticut extended to full-court pressure, the Huskies were able to turn Stanford over 10 times in the second half. Stanford has scored 180 points in two games. I like the Cardinal's vibe and the way they're playing.	Stanford
Doris Burke	Tennessee and LSU on Sunday were so one-dimensional and relied so heavily on their superstars that at times they looked inept on the offensive end of the floor. But on Tuesday, the players around Candace Parker must have the mind-set to score from the tip. From the fans to her teammates, we all get caught up watching Parker, and that's a mistake that Pat Summitt has preached about all season long. The Lady Vols must get their supporting cast involved; otherwise, they just aren't hard to guard. Right now, Stanford is playing the best basketball and has proven through two games to be the best team, the most versatile team in the Final Four. In addition to Candice Wiggins, I couldn't be more impressed with Jayne Appel because of her body type and passing ability. How many true centers in the country, men and women, have triple-digit assists (she has 105 entering Tuesday's game)? The mature pulse to freshman Kayla Pedersen's game is also impressive. I was there at her second game of the season, against Rutgers, and the kid never blinked. She did the same thing Sunday against Connecticut, making key shots. JJ Hones also has played smart.	Stanford
Mechelle Voepel	Nicky Anosike had a rough game against Stanford in the teams' matchup in December, with five points and four rebounds. Against the Cardinals' inside duo of Jayne Appel and Kayla Pedersen, Anosike needs to avoid foul trouble, look for some offense and try to disrupt the fluidity of Stanford's ball movement. In last season's title game, Anosike had 16 rebounds against Rutgers, and her work inside really helped give Candace Parker some freedom. Anosike traditionally has been a big-game player, and Tennessee will need that from her again Tuesday night.	Tennessee
Graham Hays	Among a whole host of variables, Tuesday's title game could turn on how well Stanford deals with Tennessee's pressure in the backcourt. Stanford has proven throughout the tournament, especially in its past two games, that no team in the country is as polished in half-court offensive sets. The Cardinal make the extra pass, work the ball inside-out and have shooters knocking down shots from the perimeter better than at any time all year. So if Tennessee isn't going to shut down the half-court sets, Pat Summitt's team has to prevent them in the first place. Stanford's only real moments of trouble Sunday night came when Connecticut turned its guards loose in full-court pressure in the final 10 minutes. As good as JJ Hones is as a shooter, defender and offensive facilitator, it was still left to Candice Wiggins to break the press off the dribble on a number of occasions. Wiggins is certainly capable of that, but any energy she's forced to expend getting the ball to the offensive zone is energy that could otherwise go toward finishing plays. On the flip side, Hones, Wiggins and Rosalyn Gold-Onwude certainly have the handles to deal with pressure, and if they do, they have two big targets with great hands and great passing skills in Jayne Appel and Kayla Pedersen waiting to set up transition points. Whoever gets the best of the pressure will probably end up cutting down the nets.	Stanford
Charlie Creme	Alexis Hornbuckle. As good as Tennessee has been on defense, the Lady Vols aren't going to hold this Stanford team to fewer than 50 points like they have with their past two opponents. The bottom line is that Tennessee needs to score more. That means it can't afford another two-point outing from Hornbuckle, who also is likely going to draw the assignment of trying to slow down Candice Wiggins. If Hornbuckle can't do at least one of these two things, Tennessee will be hard-pressed to win a second consecutive national title. Fatigue is another factor to observe. We saw Stanford get tired Sunday, while Candace Parker was certainly on the brink of mental exhaustion. If one of them goes over the edge Tuesday, it might be too much to overcome.	Stanford
Beth Mowins	Tennessee has to find a way to disrupt Stanford's offensive efficiency. One way to accomplish that might be to take away the back door, which Connecticut didn't do Sunday. Even though Candice Wiggins didn't score on it all the time, it was open and Stanford could utilize it to open the floor for everybody else. Stanford is just so good at moving the basketball. On Sunday, the Cardinal had numerous possessions in which all five players touched the ball. To interrupt that flow, Tennessee needs to get more on-ball pressure and perhaps get a little size on the smaller ball handlers. Tennessee also can't get caught up shooting quick shots. The Lady Vols need to make Stanford, which could have two or three players on the court for close to the full 40 minutes, work hard on defense. Connecticut was able to tire out Jayne Appel a little bit. And if it comes down to having to outscore Stanford, Tennessee must control the glass to be able to get out and run with the Cardinal.	Stanford