Posted by Vols1998 on January 28, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well......what can anyone say? I think UT is deeper that Memphis and can keep the game close, but if CL is hot again, I give UT the nod.

Go Vols!

Posted by utfpmd on January 28, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep in mind we did not have Crews as an inside presence when we played Gonzaga.

Posted by RockyTop1 on January 28, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's why they play the games!! GO VOLS!!

Posted by auttat on January 28, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's the point of writing this article? Everyone will find out who the better team is in time.

Posted by ballewville6 on January 28, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KEEP IN MIND GONZAGA PLAYED AT MEMPHIS AND LOST BY 8 TENNESSEE BEAT THEM ON A SO CALLED NEUTRAL COURT 2000 MILES FROM KNOXVILLE AND 15 FROM GONZAGAS HOME COURT AND WE ONE BY 11 ,PARGO IS AN IDIOT IF LOFTEN STAYS WHERE HE IS AND CREWS IS BACK IN SHAPE WE WILL WIN FOR 3 RD YEAR IN A ROW

Posted by Jagob38 on January 28, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the game was in Knoxville UT would win, but it is in Memphis therefore they will win. The teams are close enough that homecourt will make the difference. The best thing for Memphis would be if they lost to UT because that is the only team left on their schedule with a chance to beat them and they will not win it all if they go undefeated in the regular season.

Posted by ggriggs939 on January 28, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That is the mentality of some of these guys. They hope to deride the team that embarrassed them at home. Since the game is to be played at Memphis, you can expect all the close calls to go against the VOLS as well as calls that disrupt the flow of the VOLS offense.
It is always an embarrassment to get beaten soundly by a new kid on the block and some like this dude, try to hide behind someone more experienced.
He is apparently not familiar with the VOLS - Memphis series in which the VOLS have held their own.

Posted by missrvrvol on January 28, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How can it be 3rd year in a row with a UT win?
1/18/2006 UM 88 UT 79
12/6/2006 UT 76 UM 58

Posted by vol4jesus on January 28, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why all CAPS? Mr. Ballewville just kiddin'. Go VOLS beat the teams in between one at a time and see where we are then.

Posted by RockyTopRK on January 28, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat: Are you suggesting that sportswriters shouldn't write about upcoming games - the Super Bowl for example? True fans love to talk about and look forward to the games to come, GO VOLS!

Posted by volchiq on January 28, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Gonzaga. Now we can start the bulletin board file and bring it out a little closer to game day. GO VOLS!

Posted by navyvolinva on January 28, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets also remember that Lofton didnt have a good game against Gonzo either. I agree they are athletic and big in the post but I think Tyler will have a good game against them and if he gets some time Tabb will be a factor defensively as well. GoVols!!!

Posted by orangeblood on January 28, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmmm....all those big guys they say will give us problems...i ask you, where were they last year when we drubbed them?

Posted by Volssux on January 28, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe the game is a toss up but how can anyone thing that UT is deeper than Memphis? Memphis is one of the deepest teams in basketball this year, can UT go 10+ deep every game?

NO

Posted by hdhurst on January 28, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TN is 7th in todays poll..but really, who cares. This should only give the VOLS more motivation to take it to the Tigers. GO VOLS!!

Posted by RockyTop1 on January 28, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So now we go to losers and ask what they think? If they had split the season or had a history against both teams maybe that would be different! I simply don't care about opinions of those we have already beaten on the (neutral) court! GO VOLS beat BAMA!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like how this article has been on here less than two hours and already has more comments than it has gotten in two days on the Memphis website. As ridiculous as I think people on here can get with the comments sometimes, all I need is to look at the commercial appeal, I and I realize how much dumber people can be.

See the responses to this article in their site. And then crash their party!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's funny how UT fans will step up and point out our (Memphis') common opponents, but how many teams have you guys beaten by 6 or less, when other teams beat the snot out of those teams (See PV, UTC, OSU, etc)?? You guys played about the best game you could have played vs. Gonzaga. Great D and hit your 3s. However, you don't do that every game! I can't wait until Feb.23 so we can all just shut up about this game. I predict you guys will lose one, if not two games this week. MSU will bury you in Starkpatch!!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like we did not drop that much in the polls. Number 7 and 8 respectively.

Posted by hiresanders on January 28, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all Tenn is not #3 anymore and Memphis will win the state title...again.

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny how you talk about dumbness, utchris2003, and then you use the word "dumber"! Who are you, Jim Carrey now?

Posted by LazhilUT on January 28, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ah Kentucky and Memphis fans...they don't have any other sports to rely on (oh wait do UK fans consider Cheerleading one of their main sports?) and then they like to come over here...it's ok if we lose to UK in mens basketball...the football team and the Lady Vols will humiliate those schools anyway...they always do...oh well...life goes on and I say it sucks to be a Memphis Kitten or a Kentucky PussyCat.

Posted by redneckerson on January 28, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

first, couldn't care less about these losers' opinions. Like auttat said, we'll know soon enough.

And uttat, won't it be a pretty boring sports page if these guys can't write about games that haven't been played?

Posted by bigbluevol on January 28, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hiresanders with more wisdom and sunshine

Posted by bleed_orange on January 28, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TN has to bring their A+ game (hit a good % from the 3pt 33%+,FT 75%+, & FG 45%+)and Memphis bring their B game(3pt 30%-,FT 60%-,FG 45%-). We have to turn them over more then they do us and have to do reasonable on the Boards. That means Wayne, Tyler, Brian, Duke and Ryan have to BOX OUT BETTER. They need to take it to Dorsey and Dozier. They need to be in early foul trouble (Dorsey & Dozier). Play up and tight on Rose (probally joint effort of Jajuan, Ramar, & Josh Tabb). If possible take the crowd out picture from the start with like a 10-0 spirt. Hopefully Chris & Jajuan will both be hot from 3pt range. But first thing is first- BEAT BAMA! GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually this is Jeff Daniels. You might want to check the spelling of Beware before you start talking though. Glad that you were sitting here waiting to cherry pick a UT comment like Dorsey did on three of his dunks against Gonzaga.

Lazhil's point about Memphis only having one good sport brings up something interesting. Memphis fans were commenting at nauseam the other day in the Commercial Appeal about how schools like UT, Ole Miss, and Miss ST, etc, continue to block them from gaining entry into the SEC because we are scared of them. That is such crap. What could Memphis possibly offer the SEC? Men's Basketball is the only sport that consistently wins. Their other sports are dreadful for the most sport (I am not counting their national championships in cheerleading or rifle). They complain that Tennessee has more money, but fail to realize that all of UT's Athletic money is self generated.

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Memphis is terrific, really terrific, and they are worthy of No. 1." - Mark Few

Posted by MemfrisVOL on January 28, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This article is a little premature. Memphis is better than the Vols and everyone else in college basketball this year. They should win this game but we'll see. This will be an awesome matchup.

Posted by bleed_orange on January 28, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis will not go 37-0. Will they lose during the season or in the NCAA Tournament? 1976 IN last men's basketnall team to do it. Memphis will lose at some point. They will lose either to Houston or TN during the season or in the later stages of the NCAA (eilte 8 or final 4). They will probally lose because of missed free throws. GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by NatiVol on January 28, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, reading stories about the game with Memphis one can start to wonder if UT should even bother playing it. Just take a 1-0 loss and save face. Whatever, I like it when everyone says "they are good, but Memphis will beat them". I like it when it is said in football also, I think Pearl will have this team ready.

Posted by MOOREVOLS on January 28, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Volssux -- Tennessee can go 12 deep if Pearl wants them to. He just doesn't choose to do that. Right now Tennessee is going 10 or 11 deep, if Tabb plays. Don't forget, Tennessee has a winning record against Memphis in basketball, 11-7, I believe. Even in their down years Tennessee has been able to beat Memphis in basketball a number of times. It could very easily happen again. Don't get too cocky Memphis. One game at at time. Beat Bama.

Posted by GoVol on January 28, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl will have them ready for this game. TN tough schedule will favor them against a weaker schedule of Tiger high. The VOLS will have to play their very best, but it certainly can happen...even in Mempho!

Posted by johnlg00 on January 28, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought that was a pretty reasonable article from a valid perspective, that of a team which has played both Memphis and UT. We all know by now how big, fast, rangy, and deep the Tigers are. For sheer physical talent, one would have to look back to, say, the UNLV teams of the late-80's/early-90's. What no one knows, or is likely to know before we play, is how they can play in a close game against a team as quick and athletic as they are. Also, it seems to me that they depend on Rose more than we depend on any single player. If we can keep a fresh man on him the whole game and avoid getting pounded too bad on the boards, we should have a good shot at them. No question they will be favored, though.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on January 28, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Free throw shooting aside, our most glaring weakness is that we're not real physical. I don't know how physical Memphis is, but UT is not even though we have decent height.

Nonetheless, who cares what Gonzaga thinks? As the saying goes: "that's why they play the game".
Anything can happen.

Posted by Titan on January 28, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tiger High fans beat their chest just like Vandy fans with no justification at all. Both have losing records against the Vols in BB (we won't even go near football records) but to listen to them, you would think it is just the opposite. As far as depth, I'd put our second five up against UM's second five. When you play the schedule that Memphis plays, it's easy to get up for a "big" game. Come play in the SEC and see how you like having to play EVERY game. Have they played a three game stretch like Vandy, Ohio State, and Kentucky in five days? Nope - they haven't and they won't. Don't misunderstand, they're good but when you can win without having to bring your best every night, it eases the strain of a long season.

Posted by MOOREVOLS on January 28, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee may very well lose another 2 or 3 games (maybe even 4) in the next month and a half. Memphis would lose 3 or 4 conference games too if they were in the SEC. That's what happens when you play in a REAL conference. Tennessee may lose to Memphis. Tennessee will have Vandy, Kentucky and Florday all in a row after the Memphis game, so they have a tough stretch at that time and the conference games will weigh more heavily on them, I'm sure. But, like I said before, don't get too cocky Memphis. Tennessee will want the Memphis game as much as Memphis will and Pearl will have them ready. Memphis will have to play their best to beat Tennessee. There's a lot of basketball left to play before Feb. 23, but it's fun to talk about.

Posted by KENVOL on January 28, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Cal said when he came to Memphis he didn't want to play regional teams. Looking at their schedule it looks like they might join an all girls league. Of course no top 10 teams would be allowed if he had to play them on the road. Give Memphis their due they are good but will not win it all. They will probable beat us,but only because we play them at home. In k-town we beat they by 10 easy. I just hope Lofton lights it up and Chism get ready to rumble. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO VOLS!!!!!!!!!

Posted by vol52 on January 28, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A comparison is really a meaningless venture. Each game was payed at a different point in time. I honestly don't believe our team was playing as good as they are now and with Duke back I feel we have a lot more upside. BEAT bama BAD.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Tennessee were to beat Memphis, I was thinking of renting out the billboard that currently reads, "This is Tigertown."

What to rename it?

This is Big Orange Country

or

This is Bruce's Town

Posted by orangeinmississippi on January 28, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Word around here(Memphis)is that Coach Cal said the Tigers were Tennessees team! "GO VOLS"!!!

Posted by Volssux on January 28, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KENVOL- Look before you leap. Every "BIG" non conference game on the Tigers schedule is a home and home series so your dumb comment makes no sense. Either the games were played in a Tourney, or part of a series. So we will play on the road or have already done it. And remember for this year nothing sux like a big orange!!!

Posted by jevolball7 on January 28, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You think tiger high is the Lakers or the Celtics? I can't tell yet. If I were Pearl,I would'nt even show up. We obviously have no chance. Memphis plays run and gun,AND they go 10 deep! WOW! I sure hope we don't try to run with them or match their depth. Keep the kids at home,they aren't able to watch the public exacution that they will surely put upon us. Much like last year,I hope we don't get panic getting off the bus. I'm scared just thinking about it. LOLOLOL

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Titan: That might be the worst case for an argument that I've ever heard!! "With no justification at all," are you serious?? You can't compare any of the teams in your league with our OOC schedule! OSU is NOT good! They have lost twice by 19 or more. Vandy is ok, but overrated (your own fans shouted that)! UK is 0-2 vs. C-USA (did you mention that?). The SEC is also 3-5 vs. C-USA, but you want to keep talking about how bad we are?? I'm curious to know how this board is going to turn upside down when you guys struggle twice this week with a terrible Bama team and a team that stole your thunder over Ole Miss (also overrated), beating them by 20! I might give your argument a chance if it were two years ago, but it's tired and used now. 85-8, two elite eights and a Top 5 OOC schedule over the past three years has closed the door on that! Go Tigers!!

Posted by snowvol on January 28, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At the end of the day, if Memphis wins...oh well. Our season won't be lost, not hardly. And if we win, great. But it counts for one "W", nothing more. For Memphis fans, this seems to be more important than a deep tourney run. Of course, when you're entire fan base and athletic department's psyche rests on one game, two if we play in football, it's understandable.

What Memphis fans don't understand is that to the vast majority of UT fans, they just aren't relevant. And CUSA -- come on, does anybody even watch their games? In any sport? Outside of the southeast, which game gets bigger ratings and generates more national buzz: Florida-UT or Memphis-Houston? For that matter, put a marquee match-up from the SEC, in any sport, up against any CUSA game you can think of . . . it's almost embarrassing. Really, it's no contest . . . except in the minds of Memphis fans, your leaders in the Delusional Clubhouse.

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

snowvol: You just wish you could be #1 in anything other than chick sports or player arrests!!

Posted by pdhuff on January 28, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wait, its coming to me. Hmmm, #1 playing at home should be a 7-9 pt favorite. Vols best game could win this one, but its going to be a monumental task. Beat Bama.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee with 2 losses is still ahead of undefeated Memphis in the RPI. Our strength of schedule is #2, Memphis is #34. I don't think you can question Tennessee's Schedule.

http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_Men.html

Posted by lcpanthers90 on January 28, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point utchris2003..
I don't think Memphis could handle our press defense. Rose is an amazing athlete but from what I have seen so far thats all he is. Haven't been impressed with his ability to score when it matters. Actually I really haven't been impressed by Memphis at all. I hope we crush them.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 28, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tiger High= tiny sports,tiny budget,tiny fan base,and tiny minds. How incredibly stupid do you have to be to compare Memphis with THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE???? IN ANYTHING!!!!Memphis is a COMPLETE joke.

Posted by MemphisVol on January 28, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

memphis is 7-11 against the VOLS in basketball and 1-20 in football.

Posted by jevolball7 on January 28, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

News flash: In a run and gun game, Their big men won't make a sh--! If they want to push it,if they have the sack,they will get beat. If they slow it down,which they should,their bigs will hurt us.IMO,NO-BODY can run with us for 40 min....I hope they try.

Posted by Colliervol on January 28, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk is cheap. And, if you listen to the Tiger fans on Memphis talk radio, they think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to wear us out. One things for sure. BP and the Orange jacket are coming to town February 23rd and it's going to be a show. Memphis has yet to play a team that can match them 10 deep with athletes like UT can. They are better inside and we have better outside shooters up and down the lineup. It really all depends on who's hot and who gets in foul trouble (Wayne Chism or Joey Dorsey). And, believe me, that latter question will play a big part in this game.

By the way, whoever said Memphis is Tennessee's team is a dimwit and dreaming to boot. Nobody east of Shelby County gives a crap about them except the U of M graduates that managed to find their way out of the city limits. Past that, they are a non-factor in the minds of most Tennesseans. Memphis can win the National Championship and it will still be that way. Sometimes the truth hurts and that's just the way it will always be in this state.

Posted by seviervol72 on January 28, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey mr volsux apparently you didn't do your homework ut has 12 capable players and memphis might have 10 legit, i don't see it. By the way how well has memphis dealt with our speed and quickness. Answer, not too good !!! We are big game tested and memphis has played who. There are better high school teams in memphis than the teams they have faced this year. Depth isn't everything you have let your emotions get in the way i.e. ur username. Didn't we win 2 yrs ago @ memphis with only 6 true players. See you in the tournament!

Posted by justbware on January 28, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ROLL TIDE!!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 28, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points TDTN. The good thing for TN is that they faced more than their share of really athletic point guards that can handle, create, and/or shoot the ball. Ramar did a great job of shutting Pargo for Gonzaga down and he went for 25 against Memphis. I dont think that either team will have much success on the full court pressure bc they are both athletic and have great ball handlers. Memphis should indeed have a better presence down low, but Dorsey is inconsistent and has had games this year where he has been a non factor. Watching them play a few times this year, I think that they get more out of Taggart down low than Dorsey.

That said, with the added depth of Duke, I would have Williams assignment for that game to get in Dorsey's head and have him get thuggish like last year. 2 early fouls plus a technical.

We do have the coaching advantage. Even the local ESPN radio affiliate in Memphis has said that Pearl is a far superior bench coach to Calipari.

For now, I hope we can shut down Bama, and then shut down Jamont Gordon this weekend.

Posted by Titan on January 29, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bware - obviously my point was not well stated or too complex since you missed it completely. MemphisVol said it better. You have a losing record against us in BB and Football. However, you act like your BB team has historically been head and shoulders better than us (same way Vandy acts) - IT HASN'T. There - is that simple enough for Tiger High to comprehend? Understand it now?

Posted by mike on January 29, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All the trash talking in the world isn't going to determine anything about this game.

GoVol... you have made reference that Memphis had a weak schedule. Let's see where we are right now. No#1 in all the polls, No#2 in RPI. Memphis has wins in New York City against Oklahoma, UConn & USC. Memphis has wins at home against Georgetown, Gonzaga & Arizona. Not too shabby. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about.

Lcpanthter90... You said Rose is an amazing athletic but not much else. What are you smoking? Sat. he lit Gonzaga up for 19 points in quite a show. Considering Memphis' starters only play around 23 minutes a game, not bad for a nobody. Rivals.com has him the No# 2 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

You can talk about your bench and your depth till your blood turns orange. Andre Allen, Doneal Mack, Willie Kemp, Shawn Taggert all would be starters for the Vols if your coach could have landed any of them. They are our bench. For UT to have a chance to win, Pearl will have to figure out how he can keep his starters minutes limited to under 25. It will be a game of endurance and barring some unbelievable shooting by the Vols, just another victory for the Tigers as they grid out all their wins.

UT has a great team, I mean no disrespect. As Coach Calipari has told the Memphis fans, enjoy the moment and the ride. There is a lot of basketball left.

Posted by utvol_Hannibal on January 29, 2008 at 1:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a previous post, re-printed verbatim:

"seviervol72: Hey mr volsux apparently you didn't do your homework ut has 12 capable players and memphis might have 10 legit, i don't see it. By the way how well has memphis dealt with our speed and quickness. Answer, not too good !!! We are big game tested and memphis has played who. There are better high school teams in memphis than the teams they have faced this year. Depth isn't everything you have let your emotions get in the way i.e. ur username. Didn't we win 2 yrs ago @ memphis with only 6 true players. See you in the tournament!"

Here is my reply, point-by-point:

Memphis goes a legitimate 11 deep: 5 starters (Derrick Rose, possible Freshman of the Year @ the point; Antonio Anderson at the 2; Chris Douglas-Roberts, Wooden Award candidate at small forward; Robert Dozier, one of the highest-rated power forwards in the country; and Joey Dorsey, reigning C-USA Defensive Player of the Year at the 5); Willie Kemp, Shawn Taggart, Doneal Mack, Andre Allen, Pierre Niles and Jeff Robinson.

"How well has Memphis dealt with our speed? Didn't we win @ Memphis with 6 true players?" Memphis has dealt VERY WELL with the Vols' speed. The result of the game dated 1/18/06: Memphis 88, UT-Knox 79. Where I come from, when you score fewer points than the opposition, regardless of the venue where played, you have "lost".

"We are big game tested and memphis has played who." Memphis has defeated (rankings are according to latest RPI ratings): #28 Oklahoma, in Madison Square Gardens, 63-53; #23 UConn, 81-70 in MSG; #38 USC, 62-58, also @ MSG; #112 Cincinnati, 79-69, at CINCINNATI; #9 Georgetown in Memphis, 85-71; #114 Siena (favored to win their conference & a probable NCAA tournament team), 102-58 in Memphis; #7 Arizona, 76-63 in Memphis; and #30 Gonzaga, 81-73 in Memphis.

Next time, do a LITTLE RESEARCH before you show your total IGNORANCE.

See you February 23 AND in the tournament!

Posted by utvol_Hannibal on January 29, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Titan:

The UT Vols' all-time record in NCAA Tournament play: 11-16, winning percentage of .407

The U of Memphis Tigers' all-time record in NCAA Tournament play: 25-19, winning % of .568.

UTK Final Fours: 0
U of Memphis Final Fours: 2

UTK Elite Eights (besides Final Fours): 0
U of Memphis Final Fours: 3

Do you REALLY want to compare all-time NCAA Tourney results with the U of M???? I don't think so.

Posted by utvol_Hannibal on January 29, 2008 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol: You make a point that is the sad truth about this state! Mid and East TN think they can ignore West TN, as if this will make that part of the state go away! But it won't.

Coach Cal himself called his Tigers "Tennessee's Team", and says that he is shooting for "America's Team." Tennesseans sometimes forget that there is a world outside our slim borders.

The Vols are one of the best teams in the country. So are the Tigers. Until you learn to quit hating on your own, you will continue to be small-minded and you will continue to perpetuate negative stereotypes about this great state. You seem to think that there is some great honor in the fact that there are many people in Memphis who follow and love the Vols, while the flip side of that coin barely exists. There is NO honor in that fact and you don't even have the sense enough to grasp that. Quit hating and grow up. I look forward to an absolutely CLASSIC game on 2-23-08 and, no matter who wins, as long as the young men involved show sportsmanship and leave it all on the floor, the ENTIRE STATE will be honored!!!!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 29, 2008 at 1:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hannibal,

Dude, did you seriously just try to use wins over teams ranked #112 and #114. Get real man.

If you are going to bash UT, drop the utvol before your name. Go back to being Hannibal like you are on the Commercial Appeal site and keep asking for more tiger fans to storm the Vol message board.

----
Posted by Hannibal on January 28, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (on CA's Website)

Tiger fans: Okay, it's about respect now. I have scrolled the UT Vol rag for 3 weeks now, and never made a SINGLE POST - out of respect. But since they want to invade our turf, what say we start talking smack on the Vol message board?

Posted by mike on January 29, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You may be right Snowvol about Memphis fans being delusional... but you may also be wrong. Let's look at your traditional SEC power school, Kentucky. You know the one that took the Vols down last week. Houston & UAB, out of Conf-USA both beat Kentucky this year. Well so did Garner-Webb for that matter. And by the way, Conf-USA has a winning record against the SEC this year, do your research before spewing at the mouth.

Memphis is in a conference that has lost 9 schools in three years. The strength of Conf-USA can hardly Memphis's problem. Memphis is 3-0 against the Big East(Georgetown, UConn, Cincinnati), 2-0 against the Pac-10 (USC & Arizona), Oklahoma out of the Big-12 that will make the NCAA tournament and has beaten several teams projected to win their leagues, Siena, Richmond and Gonzaga. If Memphis was in the SEC, they would win it too. As Mark Few said in this article, Memphis is better than UT.

Posted by mike on January 29, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003..You need to get beyond this #1 in the RPI stuff. I just looked at who UT has played so far and compared that "impressive list" to who Memphis has beaten.

Ok, your 7 best opponents to date are Texas (beat you by 19),Ohio St (14-6 at this point) Gonzaga, Xavier,West Virginia, Ole Miss & Vanderbilt.

Let's compare that to Memphis' 7 best opponents, Georgetown, Arizona, So.Calif, Oklahoma, UConn, Gonzaga, & Cincinnati. I know the RPI is factoring in the whole schedule which changes as those opponents win or lose. But looking at the work done so far, UT hasn't come close to playing as many quality teams as Memphis. Your toughest game is with us. Our toughest game was Georgetown.

Also I would like to take issue with this Bruce Pearl is a better "bench coach" than Calipari. Well how did that work out for you at Kentucky? Your boys are launching up 3's instead of going after Patterson with 4 fouls. That was a real smooth move on Pearl's part and it cost him an embarrasing loss.

Calipari hasn't done much outside of taking UMASS to the final four, coached in the NBA, taken Memphis to the Elite 8 two years straight, and won 200 games at Memphis in 7 years. Our last regular season loss was December 2006 at Arizona! Even as narrow minded as you seem to be, you can't be serious about that claim.

Colliervol... you post on the Memphis boards and always get smacked down. Most fans are at least informed, even if they don't know anything. Your remark that nobody east of Shelby Co cares about Memphis just shows how stupid you are. If your statement were true, how could Memphis be ranked #1 in America? Where are all the votes coming from? You need a life hater!

TIGRFAN

Posted by Titan on January 29, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hannibal - twist it some more if you want and ignore the point (again). I'll make it as simple as I can for you. Head to head competetion in BB, we have beaten you more times than you have beaten us. If Tiger High can't grasp that I'll quit. Your inferiority complex is beginning to show. Is what utchris said about you and the CA website really true?

Posted by grvol on January 29, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis should be well rested because they play no one. Their conference is a joke.

Posted by DSaVol on January 29, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The ONLY thing the Zags know is they couldn't beat either team! Perhaps they should focus on getting by St. Mary's and let the BIG dogs battle on their own.

Posted by utvol_Hannibal on January 29, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Titan: YOU get THIS: YOU brought up ancient history, so I obliged you. Head-to-head matchups between the U of M and UT include games going back to almost James Naismith! Since none of the current Vols or Tigers were even alive then, what bearing does that have on 2008? None. BUT, if you want to bring up ancient history, at least make it a larger (and thus more accurate) sample - NCAA tournament appearances.

utchris2003: It doesn't take a genius to figure out "who I am" - so get over it. I'm a grown man just like you are. I have reasons for the handle I selected and last time I checked, you have no control over that.

Yes, I used teams that are less than 100 in the RPI - what of it? Teams in that range often make it into the NCAA Tourney. Siena will win their league's automatic bid along with it - that makes them a valid team to talk about when we are mentioning strength of schedule. And I see you cleverly glossed over ALL THE REST of the teams the U of M has played. Figures, with genius like yours!

Posted by utvol_Hannibal on January 29, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FURTHERMORE, utchris2003, why not post my ENTIRE comment, instead of just the part that you find incriminating?

Posted by Hannibal on January 28, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tiger fans: Okay, it's about respect now. I have scrolled the UT Vol rag for 3 weeks now, and never made a SINGLE POST - out of respect. But since they want to invade our turf, what say we start talking smack on the Vol message board?

I was perfectly content to view the Vols in silence, because I was getting some great info - FOR MY OWN BENEFIT - despite the smack being talked by Vol fans. You and some other Vol fans decided to stir things up on the CA, so turnabout is fair play.

The fact of the matter is this: I have never once said anything negative about the Vols. I am merely reciting the facts. If those facts hurt your feelings, it's not my problem.

The game ultimately will be won on the court, not a message board. The team that plays better on February 23, 2008 - and scores the most points that game - will win. Both teams are supremely talented and could easily end up in the Final Four, the Final Game or as Champions. Hopefully, fans on either side can act like they have some sense no matter how it all shakes out.

Posted by kingb007 on January 29, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, form reading these comments you all could learn a little something from Hannibal (no matter how much you hate him). In the great state of Tennessee we have two of the best basketball teams in the nation period! Similar to what Carolina has year-end and year-out (DUKE UNC)
Collervol = if you and every other Tennessian doesn't care about Memphis or its basketball team then why the hell are you listening to Memphis radio???
lcpanthers = your not impressed with Rose? have you really watched any games? This FRESHMAN almost had a triple double against the Zags. I suppose Ramar Smith is better.
I could go on-and-on replying to some of these silly statements.
Touchdown TN = You are one of the few people on this site that seems to know anything about this game or basketball in general.
Bottom line is this should be a great game between two great games. I'm a true tiger fan but I also have tremendous respect for Vol b-bal and what BP has done since he's been there.

Posted by 1volsfan on January 29, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This will be a good game between the two and the better team will come on top (RockyTOP)...... A excelllant in-state rival game and I can't wait.......GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Volssux on January 29, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

seviervol72- Your the one who needs to do some homework. From your post in responce to me I would say you get an A in Fantasy writing.

Hey mr volsux apparently you didn't do your homework ut has 12 capable players and memphis might have 10 legit, i don't see it. Well then you have not watched any games, the Tigers go 10+ deep every game.

By the way how well has memphis dealt with our speed and quickness.

Again- Watch games and see that you are wrong.

We are big game tested and memphis has played who.

UConn, USC, Oklahoma, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Arizona would probably beat a few HS teams in Memphis. Again, don't know the facts.

Depth isn't everything you have let your emotions get in the way i.e. ur username. Didn't we win 2 yrs ago @ memphis with only 6 true players.

Not the same team.

And if you go back and look at UT since 2008 started you have averaged 8 players of 10 mins or more so your 11 player deep agrument is wrong too.

Posted by Volssux on January 29, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jevolball7-
Remember Arkansas and the 40 minutes of hell? It won a National Championship didn't it? UT is a good team but barring injury Memphis is one of the "IT" teams this year. If they are going to lose a game before the Tourney it may be the UT game if Memphis gets too cocky. All I can say is win or lose I hope for a rematch in March. Or maybe April 1 or 3.

Posted by seviervol72 on January 29, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

are you burned out or what a weak conference schedule only played one really good team in georgetown one descent road win at cincy and you won a tournament on a neutral site against teams that are having down years. calipari has made the comment that ut fouls on every posession sounds like he is trying to plant a seed with refs to negate our speed and quickness that gives the tigers fits. they remind me of the old unlv teams that have a favorable schedule and horrible conference. by the way we can go 12 deep its immpossible to play that many guys and have any continuity. we will see where each other end up. its funny that you are so interested in a ut web site maybe deep down you want to be a part of the big orange.

Posted by Volssux on January 29, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

seviervol72 Its fun to play in the slow lane sometimes. Also, if you believe I want to be part of the big orange why did I turn down a free ride? NOthing sux like a big orange!!!!

Plus as good as UT is Memphis is better this year and we will prove it in less than a month.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 29, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hannibal: Are you that dumb or are you smoking that Tiger chronic? I did post your whole comment. All I did was copy and paste. You must have gone to Tiger High. If Dorsey finds out you are smoking his weed, he is gonna get pissed.

Everyone can go see what an idiot you are at this link ... should be about comment 22 (of 24 at this point) 10:14 p.m. on Jan 28

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...

Posted by utchris2003 on January 29, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingb

May be Colliervol and I listen to Memphis radio because, well, we live in Memphis..or I guess Colliervol (as in collierville) did not give that away.

And great spelling of Tennessean buddy.

----

I heard some really good inside scoop on Memphis over the weekend. Apparently Andre Allen sent a text message to his teammates saying that he was quitting. Apparently, he is not happy with his amount of playing time with the addition of Kemp last year and Rose this year. Supposedly Calipari had a meeting with him and talked him out of it for now. He played sparingly against the Zags. Something worth keeping an eye on.

And for those who will call bs on this. All I can say is that this came from someone in the media who covers the Tigers on a daily basis.

Posted by Colliervol on January 30, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point Chris but that one may slide right past him. Since I live near Memphis, then it should stand to reason that Memphis radio is one of the obvious choices for me to listen to. Duh. Fortunately, I get to travel the country with my job and I get a pretty diverse sampling of other stations. Thank goodness.

As far as local radio and TV go though, there is one time that I don't listen or watch. I made a vow several years ago though that every time I hear Calipari come on radio or TV, I automatically turn it off. Haven't heard a single word from him in about two years now and it's very pleasant.

In all seriousness, I am enjoying both teams playing so well as it makes things more interesting. I think it's going to be a good game and Memphis may very well win it simply because it's at the Forum. But the good thing is that there may be another chance that they could meet again on a neutral court. And that would be fun too.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol - agreed.

Posted by Colliervol on January 30, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting comment about Andre Allen too. I was wondering how long it would take before he got a little disgruntled about playing time. And I've been wondering how Willie Kemp is enjoying that two or three minutes a game lately as well. Fortunately for him, Rose is one of those one-and-done kids and Kemp will get his time back next year. But I sure wouldn't be happy about sacrificing a year of my eligibility to take a back seat to anybody if I was a player of that caliber. I've just never agreed with that philosophy of taking a one-and-done recruit. And I'd say the same thing if UT did it.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very true. I can't confirm that it actually happened. But like I said, I got it from a really credible source who is usually on the money. After learning of this two of my friends are season ticket holders said that they noticed a difference in Allen's demeanor during the Gonzaga game. It should be noted that he was known to walk out of HS games on several occasions after blow ups with his coaches and/or teammates.

Posted by lildhoss76ut on January 30, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols are good. The Tigers are heading for greatness. The Tigers will be 26-0 before this game and 27-0 after it is over.The Tigers all have great speed and athleticism at every position, starters and backups.Tigers by 10.

Posted by h_charles on January 30, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, I'm ashamed at some of the biased ignorance of fellow vol fans here.

I understand being upset a bit, but reality is Memphis is better than we are. There is no shame in that. Memphis is better than everyone else, too.

We have a great team and a great coach. We should give Memphis all they can handle. That being said, I've never seen so many people try to construct arguments in favor of UT being better.
Better schedule? Come on guys. Memphis has played more ranked teams than anyone in the US.

Deeper? Memphis is the deepest team in the country.
Athletic? Memphis is the most athletic team in the country.

I hope we give them a great game, but give respect where its due. Last year doesn't matter. This year's Tiger team is the real deal.

Posted by ctownvol on January 30, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

memphis high is a joke. I don't care if they go undefeated and win the NC... they still stink. Always have. Always will. And coach Cal should look out for coach Cheney. Too bad Cheney didn't get ahold of cal and smack him around like the little girl he is... Bring up records, bring up stats, bring up whatever you want..Memphis is a JOKE!!!

Posted by FLAVOLS on January 30, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This talk is cheap and makes fans rabid - that is great. What is even better is that this sport is played out to the end - not just on February 23rd but the weeks later after Tournament play. As a Memphis born Vol raised on Memphis State basketball I can appreciate the "Little Man" syndrome many have on the Western side of Tennessee. Later as a Tennessee Vol grad I can also see the ignorance and arrogance of many of our own fans. BUT, as I said before this is what makes us Fans (Fanatics)and College Basketball IS played out thru tourney time.
Go Vols!!

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

h-charles

If they have played such a great schedule then why is their SOS in the 30's while ours in the top 3?

Anyone else think that h-charles is a covert tiger fan?

Posted by Volssux on January 30, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003= As you know Memphis CAN NOT control the SOS ratings due to the conference that we are stuck in. That is why Memphis had to schedule the non conference schedule it did and a reasonable fan on either side would agree that the Tigers non conference schedule is better than UT's, but that being said UT's conference schedule kicks the Tigers butt. I am sure that Memphis fans would have liked to have been part of a better conference but since that will not happen in the next few years we have to play where we are. As long as that is the case the Tigers will have a lower SOS until the C USA catches up to the TIgers.

Posted by mtnbikrtn on January 30, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Cal doesn't know much about the State of Tennessee. In an article in the Seattle paper, about a month ago, he said Knoxville was 8 hours from Memphis. That's about 48.25 mph Cal.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis will not make it into a better conference until they learn to become better in more than one sport. And I am not talking about being reigning champions in Rifle or Cheerleading/Dance.

They can't help their conference schedule and yes they are playing a better non conference schedule, but they did drop quality teams like Ole Miss to play lesser teams this year. Calipari was even quoted in the CA about a week to two weeks ago saying that he did not understand why Memphis had to play UT and that it did not do any good for Memphis. Funny statement seeing that the Tennessee game, win or lose, will boost their RPI.

Posted by Volssux on January 30, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003- Lets be real here. Ole Miss is not a quality game year after year so when you need quality games Ole Miss does not make the cut. This year they do to a point, Memphis wants national TV games and Ole Miss/Memphis is not as good as Memphis/Arizona. But at the same time the Tigers have to being in a couple of home only games to pay the bills. Memphis does not have the pockets that UT has. Plus, if Ole Miss wanted to continue the football series I am sure that it could use basketball as leverage to get it done.

Posted by Volssux on January 30, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003- One last thing Cal does not want to play UT in most cases due to the quality national exposure. Granted since Pearl has been there the program has been on a up swing, but Cal is looking for his next raise. So based on that he needs wins and exposure every day!!

:)

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee's program will not go anywhere but up with Pearl. I would have agreed with Cal not thinking it was worth his time to play Tennessee before Pearl, but now I think he is an idiot if he doesn't. For one, Tennessee will strengthen Memphis schedule as long as they are in CUSA. Second, it is a rivalry (not to mention ESPN loves Pearl) so it will get national TV ratings. Name another Memphis regular season game that will bring in more TV ratings this year. ESPN Gameday is even coming to town. It could turn out to be one of the better games of the year.

I think that only reason Cal does not want to play is bc he fears that losing to Pearl more often than winning would loosen his foot hold on Memphis area recruits.

At the end of the day, this game is blossoming into one of the better rivalries across the country. It may not have the history that DUKE/UNC has, but it pits together two teams that play exciting styles of basketball, two coaches that other teams love to hate, and two fan bases that love nothing more than to outshine the other.

Posted by Volssux on January 30, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with most of what you said utchris2003 except the best game on our schedule. It would have been if you had not lost to Kentucky and it may if neither one of us lose before then, but as of today the best game on the Tigers schedule so far was Georgetown with UT right up there. I would hope Cal would not fight this series as long as UT continues to play us in football. That game is important for Memphis.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis FB hurts TN strength of schedule so if anyone has something to gripe about it is us.

Posted by Volssux on January 30, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Then don't complain about playing us in basketball. The 2 sports make this a good series. Without football, Memphis can continue to find other basketball programs to play home and home against. That is a reason that we are not playing Ole Miss this year, the only leverage we have not BBall if not football. Finally if you don't want to play Memphis due to SOS then stop playing Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette too.

Posted by utchris2003 on January 30, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last time I checked Cal was complaining about playing UT, not the other way around.

Umm...Ark St beat Memphis so they helped our SOS more than Memphis.

Posted by utcomvol on January 31, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How bout tickets in the lower dome of Fedex Forum going for three grand? Thats almost as ridiculous as the absurd number of posts for this article.

Posted by Volssux on January 31, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003- It is a "suggestion" from the University for Cal to play UT due to football. If it was his choice alone UT would not be on the scheduled, but it is a money game for Memphis and with our athletic budget we need those games. As far as Memphis needinf SOS help in football, don't make me laugh. We would have to go undefeated and have lots of help for our SOS to matter. I wish it was different but unless we get into a BCS conference the only thing that matters is 6 wins.

Posted by Volssux on January 31, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utcomvol- UT fans will pay anything to see this game!!