Posted by hdhurst on February 21, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go to the game or wipe the dust from your TiVo boys, cause this one's going to be a barn burner.

GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by hcjournals on February 21, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go......Big.......Orange!

For those of you going to Memphis, try to go early to the Rendezvous before the game. It's right across the street from the Peabody in an alley off of Union. The best barbeque on the face of the earth. Just because the ribs are dry, put the sauce on anyway. It's on the left and you go downstairs. If you get there early enough.....4 or 5, ask to sit in Jack's section. Tell him Tim in Dallas sent you. He is the best of the waiters. That's saying a lot. Also, the Peabody ducks ceremony is at 5:00, when they leave the lobby fountain and go back via a red carpet to the elevator and 2-300 people watching. Beale Street after the game where the blues began. Saturday will be as close as it gets (so far) to a Florida game. Remember that we have a lot of fans in Memphis, so you'll be in good stead. Also remember that the Tiger fans are all about beating us. Trust me. They know their basketball, but they hate us for football. They're nice though. If you still want BBQ on Sunday, ask around. You may get 10 different suggestions.......They're all good. You'll love Memphis.

Posted by schymtz on February 21, 2008 at 1:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Series History with Memphis:
12/28/69 - - W, 72-51 Oklahoma City
12/29/88 - - W, 76-74 Knoxville
11/25/89 - - L, 72-91 Memphis
03/14/90 - - W, 73-71 Memphis
11/27/90 - - L, 72-74 Knoxville
12/14/91 - - W, 65-64 Memphis
12/06/92 - - W, 70-59 Knoxville
12/02/93 - - L, 64-83 Memphis
12/17/94 - - L, 46-50 Knoxville
12/16/95 - - L, 55-57 Memphis
12/15/96 - - W, 57-47 Knoxville
12/20/97 - - W, 68-66 Memphis
12/02/98 - - W, 68-67 Knoxville
12/18/99 - - W, 74-69 Memphis
12/05/00 - - W, 86-76 Knoxville
12/15/01 - - L, 69-71 Memphis
01/18/06 - - L, 79-88 Memphis
12/06/06 - - W, 76-58 Knoxville

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 21, 2008 at 1:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jordan Howell on the Jumbotron? Come on, how would this be for the entertainment at Memphis Saturday night:
Pregame: Memphis' own Three 6 Mafia sings the National Anthem, followed by their 2005 Academy award winning song: "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp."
Halftime: In a nostalgic look back at the greatest event in Memphis athletic history prior to Saturday's basketball game, Jerry Lawler recreates the April 1982 wrestling match vs. the late Andy Kaufman.
Just an idea - don't want to start rumors!

Posted by Hunter on February 21, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Memphis," said Smith, "is a big challenge but it's not going to make us or break us because it's not in our conference."

Uh huh......and if you believe that I have some very fine, flood-resistant swampland down here in Louisiana for you.....

Posted by utchris2003 on February 21, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve,

this is close as I could get for you man...

National ..cough cough Memphis Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck8qP7...

Halftime Entertainment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcU-E1...

Posted by pdhuff on February 21, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat THE Tigers. The real Tigers - the rapping street thug Tigers. The home boyz of Beale. Go Vols.

Posted by mparker on February 21, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hunter, are you nut???
smith is correct. their goals, in order:
sec east
sec reg season title
sec tournament
ncaa

winning memphis would be nice, but would almost be an albatross.

it's a game for fun and fans, but won't make or break the season. those type games come in march for a team like UT. Same goes for Memphis

Posted by hiresanders on February 21, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee has lost to the only really good team it has played all year in Texas. A weak schedule in a weak conference is to thank for this year's run. Not quite ready for prime time so don't get your hopes up.

Posted by vinnievol on February 21, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lol, hiresanders. A weak schedule? Is that why our strenght of schedule is #2 in the country, and we've been a solid #1 in the RPI for weeks? Study the facts before you post, man.

Posted by bigbluevol on February 21, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders isn't known for his quality contributions. He simply railes about nothing. His name indicates everything you need to know about him. And, I'm sure that Conference USA's status as a weak conference has nothing to do with Memphis' success.

Posted by bigbluevol on February 21, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders isn't known for his quality contributions. He simply railes about nothing. His name indicates everything you need to know about him. And, I'm sure that Conference USA's status as a weak conference has nothing to do with Memphis' success.

Posted by bigbluevol on February 21, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry about the double post.

Posted by volroadwarrior on February 21, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lo real loud. The negative nagging nellies even creep in when we are playing for NUMBER 1. I guess hiresanders will blame the "weak" #1RPI schedule on Fulmer.

Posted by mdvolmom on February 21, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are psyched here in Maryland! A few families who have children at TN will be partying Saturday night! The flags and banners are out! GO VOLS!!

Posted by RockyTop1 on February 21, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders = loser

GO VOLS!! Here Kitty....

Posted by johnlg00 on February 21, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with what JaJuan said, but there is no way this game isn't HUGE for the team and all the fans. I know I will have a much happier Sunday if we win than I would otherwise! I just hope the game, win or lose, doesn't take so much out the team that they can't get back up for the trip to Vandy next Tuesday. The 'Dores would like nothing better than to make our hoped-for stay at #1 a short one, and they could do it, too.

Posted by THE_VOL on February 21, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vandy, Kentucky and Florida games that follow are MUCH more important than this game against Memphis. What good is a win over Memphis if we turn around and drop 2 of the following 3?? Or even 1 of them? Give me 4 more SEC wins plus a tourney title and I don't care who wins Saturday - we'll still have a #1 seed PLUS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

Posted by dirtdobber1 on February 21, 2008 at 10:17 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by rabidvol1998 on February 21, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said THE_VOL.But let's whoop their butts anyway.

Posted by dirtdobber1 on February 21, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HIRESANDERs- you must have crap for brains! There is formula that calculates a teams strenght of schedule...Its called THE RPI...the last time I checked the Vols were #1.

You obviously dont know JACK SHI_! about anything. I bet you have a Hillary bumper sticker on your car.

Posted by KENVOL on February 21, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To all the Memphis fans who always say that they are a basketball school... The Big Orange seems to beat ya'll a lot.(In Basketball) Memphis could (and Should) beat us Sat. But If we win and we could wouldn't that be so embarrassing. If we were playing a neutral site we would win by 15. Being that you are at home (with that looooong winning streak ya'll really should win. But do not slip up because the ORANGE will be there to wipe the floor with ya if you do. GOOOOOOOOOOO VOLS!!!!!!!!!

Posted by dirtdobber1 on February 21, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KENVOL- good point. Houston played at Memphis a few weeks ago. Memphis shot 32 foul shot, Houston shot 2.

Lets hope Teddie Valentine is not calling the game...bring back john clogerty!

Posted by mparker on February 21, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

will this be Bruce's last year as Vol coach???

that thought hit me when I realized he will be losing Chris, JaJuan, Jordan, and most likely Tyler.

UTK is SUCH a fishbowl. I think he loves coaching there, but really have to wonder if he may look to a plce where recruiting is easier.

I hope not, he's done a great job so far.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 21, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who can say what tomorrow might bring, mparker? We will indeed have some devastating losses next year, but the talent we have coming back and coming in is a lot better overall than what CBP started with here. If he leaves after this year, there will be suggestions that he did it mostly with talent Buzz brought in. I think he will want to prove that he can win with talent HE brought in; otherwise, other schools will still wonder what kind of recruiter he is. I suppose some school could always "make him an offer he can't refuse", but I think he would give us a chance to match it. Also, I could be wrong, but I would be ASTOUNDED if he were offered, and accepted, a head coach job in the NBA with no longer track record at the DI level than he has, and no NBA experience at all.

Posted by QCVol on February 21, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol fans don't worry....Vols win this game by double digits. Why? Memphis has all the pressure. Vols have the best coach in the nation, yep, thats right, in the nation. Vols have the better shooting percentage and have played a much more difficult schedule. The only thing that I am hoping that won't happen is them letting nerves get in the way OR lord forbid the damn refs get too involved. Vols probably will not get many calls as has been the status quo all season, but I am not worried one bit. Bruce and the team have learned from the losses and you and I both know that BP is gonna be damn near suited up himself and have the boys ready to play. Come Monday, the Vols will be #1 in country and if Bruce Pearl does not get coach of the year, something is wrong!

Posted by marc_ash on February 21, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rumor has it that Pearl is going to be pursued by Indiana very hard. Seems like the obvious next step for Pearl, to take a school with long standing tradition.

Hope they don't court him...should be a scary thing for Vol fans as Indiana has a huge interest from recruits.

Posted by marc_ash on February 21, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stupid things hiresanders has said this year:

KY will have more wins than than Tennessee this year in basketball.

KY will have a better record than TN in football.

KY will make it to the SECCG in football before TN.

Randy Sanders will be dancing at mid field after KY beats TN in Lexington.

Think overall you show how much of a boob you are....nobody cares what you think with your 10 loss basketball team. Shhh.

Posted by 55Vol on February 21, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Indiana wants me....Lord can I go back there...

the rumors are ramping up that Pearl may be considered for the Indiana job.

Go Vols...beat Memphis State....and keep Bruce Pearl

Posted by pms151 on February 21, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Calipari dies and goes to heaven. God walks him to the new neighborhood where he will live eternally. It's a beautiful tree lined neighborhood with beautiful homes decorated with college team flags. When they arrive at Cal's new home it already has a Tiger flag flying above the door. Directly across the street is an identical home with a Kentucky flag flying over its door. Down the street on both sides are identical houses with team flags flying high. There's UCLA next door, Florida, Bama, North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina further down the road. At the end of the road though, perched on an enormous mountain sits a beautiful orange mansion with an orange and white checkerboard yard that dwarfs the entire neighborhood. Standing out front is a huge flagpole flying a huge orange and white UT flag.

Calipari says to God, "First of all Sir, I am grateful to you for putting me in such a nice house in such a wonderful neighborhood. I am honored to be just across the street from a legend like Coach Rupp and will really enjoy talking basketball with all the other guys. But how come Bruce Pearl rates that beautiful mountain mansion? What makes him so special other than I could beat him only once in all those years?"

God answers in a stern voice, "First of all son that is not Adolf Rupp's house across the street, it's Tubby's house. Rupp didn't make the cut. Secondly, that's not Pearl's mansion either. He isn't here yet. He's still coaching national championship teams at Tennessee. And thirdly my son if you don't like what we have for you up here I can arrange for you to go down there and live across the street from Coach Rupp, if you know what I mean."

"No sir, this will be just fine." replies a humbled Calipari. And then he asks, "If that's not Pearl's mansion then whose is it, Ray Mears?"

"IT'S MINE", replies God.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 21, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoo, boy, I hope you're right, QCVol! I agree with your main points--Memphis will have a lot of pressure because they should be favored at home and Bruce will have our guys ready to play. I also agree that the officiating will be key, but I don't want to anticipate that we will get screwed. It all depends on WHO gets in foul trouble. If Rose and/or Douglas-Roberts do, Memphis will have a hard time. They won't have to worry too much about a big man or two getting in foul trouble. On the other hand, if Chism, Ramar, Tyler, or JaJuan, in particular do--or any two of those early in the first half--we will be in a LOT of trouble. If the Tigers are allowed to grab Chris and push him around, as too many of our opponents have, that will also spell trouble for us. In short, I think we will be more vulnerable to unfavorable officiating than Memphis, and we are more likely to get it...just because. Even so, I think the Vols have more than a puncher's chance to win. Even if we do win, it won't matter much if we aren't in shape to give our best at Vandy next Tuesday.

Posted by bigbluevol on February 21, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That rumor about Pearl is continuing, but I don't think he will leave, provided we compensate him fairly. I think that he realizes he has the opportunity to build something here and that he can become THE coach that all other coaches are measured by here at UT. He can really build and cement his legacy instead of trying to match that of someone else at another school. Also, he has spoken frequently of being grateful to Tennessee for giving him this opportunity. As long as the money is fair, I think he stays.

Posted by pdhuff on February 21, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it too early for the line on this game? Just curious.

Posted by cjraney on February 21, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00-
So you dont think Memphis is in touble if Dorsey gets in foul trouble? That is the thing Memphis fears the most. CDR is more valuable but he is not a risk for foul trouble.

Posted by mparker on February 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I get the feeling Memphis is more nervous than UT. Most people will pick Memphis to win on its home court. Additionally, Memphis is supposed to have more talent.

It is (IMHO) always better to be the underdog in these types of games.

Posted by TommyJack on February 21, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marc: 3:16 One thing in our favor. In order to coach in Indiana, you have to live in Indiana.

Posted by zjcvols on February 21, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's the thing that Pearl should think about. Why go to a school where 20 wins a year doesn't cut it (Mike Davis)? Why go to a school that will face NCAA violations for a while? Why go to a school where I finally am getting the players I want and where i won't have the players I want (Kelvin Sampson's players)? Why go to a school where I will always, no matter what I do, be the second best coach in school history (behind Bob Knight)? Instead I can stay at a school where I can win 20-25 games and NCAA tourn. bids are fine, Where i don't have to worry about ncaa violations, where i am finally getting my own kids to come & getting good recruits, and where I could do something nobody's ever done (win a ncaa title) and might go down as the greatest coach in school history. I would take option 2. Flirt with the Indiana job, get a nice, fat contract, become the greatest coach in ut history, and stay at the school where you are worshipped.

Posted by pms151 on February 21, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you are going to be a successful coach and in the spotlight like CBP is then you are going to get offers from top programs. Before that happens you are going to get rumors from folks who don't understand that. This is a prime example. Bruce Pearl is not going anywhere.

Posted by pms151 on February 21, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In fact, Calipari is the best bet for Indiana unless Knight comes back. He needs a bigger stage than Memphis to harbor his ego. His style can win big in the Big 10. He needs to prove himself with competition against other great coaches on a weekly basis. Pearl already has that here.