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AP Poll: Memphis, Tennessee set up 1 vs. 2 matchup

JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer
Originally published 04:20 p.m., February 18, 2008
Updated 04:20 p.m., February 18, 2008

Get ready for No. 1 vs. No. 2.

Memphis survived its closest game of the season to remain the lone unbeaten and a unanimous No. 1 in The Associated Press' college basketball poll Monday.

Losses by Duke and Kansas last week allowed Tennessee to make the jump from fourth to No. 2, setting up the 38th career matchup of the top two teams in the rankings.

Tennessee (23-2) is at Memphis (25-0) on Saturday, the first 1-2 meeting since No. 2 Ohio State beat No. 1 Wisconsin 49-48 on Feb. 25, 2007. Both have games Wednesday night: Memphis is at Tulane and Tennessee hosts Auburn.

The No. 2 team has won five of the last six meetings with the top-ranked team since 1994. The lone win for No. 1 was Duke's 97-66 victory over Texas on Dec. 12, 2005.

Memphis beat UAB 79-78 on Saturday, erasing a seven-point deficit over the final two minutes and waiting for a final shot by the Blazers to be ruled after the buzzer by officials.

Tennessee also survived a road scare on Saturday, beating Georgia 74-71. But the 1-2 Volunteer State Showdown wasn't decided until Duke lost 86-73 at Wake Forest on Sunday night.

Memphis received all 72 first-place votes and 1,800 points from the national media panel to be No. 1 for a fifth straight week, the last three unanimously. Tennessee had 1,699 points to reach the highest ranking in school history. The Volunteers were third four weeks ago.

North Carolina (24-2), which has managed to go 3-1 without injured point guard Ty Lawson, moved up two spots to third, while Kansas (24-2), which lost at Texas on Monday then cruised past Colorado on Saturday, dropped one place to fourth.

Duke (22-2), which had a 12-game winning streak snapped by the Demon Deacons, dropped from second to fifth and was followed by UCLA, Texas, Butler, Stanford and Xavier.

Butler (24-2) continued its climb to uncharted poll territory, moving up one spot to eighth, its highest ranking ever. Xavier (21-4) jumped from 12th to crack the top 10 for the first time since the next-to-last poll of 2002-03.

Wisconsin moved up four places to 11th and was followed by Georgetown, Connecticut, Purdue, Indiana, Drake, Washington State, Louisville, Michigan State and Vanderbilt.l

The last five teams were Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Saint Mary's, Calif., Kansas State and Marquette.

Marquette moved back into the poll after a one-week absence. The Golden Eagles (18-6), who were ranked as high as 10th this season, fell out after consecutive losses to Louisville and Notre Dame. But an 89-64 victory at Seton Hall and a 72-54 win over Pittsburgh had them back in at No. 25.

Pittsburgh (19-6) dropped out for the first time this season following the loss to Marquette. The Panthers reached No. 6 following an overtime win over Duke in December, and were able to stay ranked until this week despite injuries to starters Mike Cook and Levance Fields.

Purdue (21-5), which beat Michigan State and Northwestern last week to hold first place in the Big Ten, jumped from 19th to No. 14 to match its highest ranking since the Boilermakers were also 14th in the poll of Jan. 26, 1999.

The week's biggest drop was Michigan State's fall from No. 10 to No. 19. The Spartans (20-5), who lost to Purdue and Indiana last week, had been ranked as high as sixth this season. Their previous low was No. 12 in the first poll of the regular season.

© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

       97 Comments

Posted by FatherVol on February 18, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go VOLS!

Posted by fjm777 on February 18, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PLEASE don't overlook Auburn!!!! GO VOLS !!!

Posted by King53 on February 18, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bring on the hype!

Posted by FatherVol on February 18, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am so glad Memphis won on Saturday or we would be #1 and wearing a big ol' bullseye for both Auburn and Memphis. We ceratinly don't need to give them any added incentive to get up for their games against us.

Posted by akkdowl on February 18, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HOLY CRAP!! This is fun!

Posted by FatherVol on February 18, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is Zandra?.....

Posted by tngeoff on February 18, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep it rollin' BasketVols!

Posted by heathut15 on February 18, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

go vols!!!! it is time to put up or shut up. i cant wait to see the big orange go into memphis and show everyone that we are for real. memphis is for real and it is time to see who is the best in the volunteer state.

Posted by caskew on February 18, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One of the greatest videos EVER:

http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuse...

GO VOLS!!

Posted by threehundredbowler on February 18, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Highest ranking ever for Tennessee.Beat Auburn and Memphis and you will be ranked the best of the best.Lose and you will still be the best in my book.Memphis will be tough at home but I believe you can do it.

Posted by Bigger_Al on February 18, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Incredible. This is fun. I was thinking I sort of wouldn't mind losing to them now if that would give us an edge in the Tournament. However, that didn't quite work against Ohio State last year...

Posted by govolsfan on February 18, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We truely are a BASKETBALL school now. Go Vols!

Posted by jsmithnga on February 18, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope all our b.b players keep the tag lights working on their vehicles.

Posted by TommyJack on February 18, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl rocks.

Posted by KingsportVol on February 18, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's Tiger week.Go Big Orange!!!Free TD. Bumble Bee Tuna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzqHAA...

Posted by tnbanker_govols on February 18, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BIG TIME GAME!!! Sick and tired of hearing how great Memphis is. They're good but they've never played against a team with the explosiveness of the Tennessee Vounteers. Hey....I have an idea........maybe we should hire a few thugs to take the whole team out to a club on Friday night!! Anybody in for a drive-by????!!

Posted by vol52 on February 18, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have a chance to slay two sets of tigers. KEEP the FOCUS MEN. You can go where no mens BB team has gone before. GO VOLS!

Posted by Chainsaw on February 18, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols are going to get unprecedented coverage in the week leading up to the game with Memphis! Go Vols! Beat Auburn to maintain the streak at home, and then, and only then, focus on Memphis and bring home a win.

Go Vols!

Posted by VolnAZ on February 18, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I second what akkdowl saiD!!!!!!!!

Posted by ewhite on February 18, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The state of Tennessee will stand with the VOLS! Kick some tiger butt.....

Posted by writer on February 18, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's great being a Vol! Lady Vols, Men's Basketball, football and a host of other sports in which we receive national recognition--the naysayers notwithstanding. When you realize that Tennessee is not one of the largest, most populous or prosperous states in the union, and Knoxville is not one of the largest cities in the country, or even the state, and yet the vols are mentioned in the same breath as schools from really big cities and states, that's quite an accomplishment. Go Vols!

Posted by LazhilUT on February 18, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This I say proudly:
STAY THE COURSE!!!

BEAT BOTH TIGERS, FOCUSED AND STRONG!

Posted by pearlific on February 18, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

somebody check Dorsey for weapons before the game please!

Posted by GreeneVol on February 18, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just get ready for Auburn, ok? I am confident that BP will have his players focused on that...

Posted by Volchaz on February 18, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hope gameday plays it up BIG. GOVOLS, and congrats.

Posted by gravegr on February 18, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the tigers finally get to see what the s.e.c. is all about. go VOLS.

Posted by pdhuff on February 18, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beat Auburn. Then talk about Tigers in Memphis.

Posted by trl_x on February 18, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A truly historic week. I'm going to try to enjoy every second.

GO VOLS!!

Posted by GerryOP on February 18, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A win at Memphis would be a giant step in Pearl's plan. He and the team made the opportunity to challenge for #1, and now it is time. Bruce Pearl should write a book - "Tennessee Basketball: Three Years From the Outhouse to the Penthouse!"

Does anyone remember the debates we were having 3 years ago?

Posted by hdhurst on February 18, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, enjoying a fresh taste of my Orange Koolaid.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by Colliervol on February 18, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hard to believe. UT and Memphis. 1 vs 2. Never thought I'd ever see the day. (As Charlie Daniels says: "Ain't it good to be alive and be in Tennessee?") Regardless of who wins, both teams are going to be high seeds in the tournament and everybody should just sit back and enjoy this one because it's going to be a classic. And the atmosphere is going to be as electric as anything seen in these parts in a long time. They are having ESPN game day at the Forum Saturday morning and they are "limiting" it to 3500 fans. (They've already said they are only letting in fans with tickets or Memphis student I.D.'s so expect it to be all blue.)

The talk has already begun down here but the Tiger fans have spent a lot of time discussing their escape at UAB Saturday night. (And it truly was a miracle.) They are also VERY lucky that they got Dorsey and several other players off the floor before they climbed into the stands. If that had happened (and it came very close), his career and their chances to win the NCAA would have been over before the dance started. (Frankly and even though it looked like he deserved the punch, I'm surprised that Pierre Niles hasn't been suspended for reaching into the stands and slapping that fan.) Hopefully, the Tiger fans will show a bit more decorum Saturday night than the UAB fans did.

Posted by madisonvillevol on February 18, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

better pay pearl! reckon there is anybody out there that would love to have him as their coach?

Posted by givim6 on February 18, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How long has it been since #1 and #2 are in the same state?

It was probably NC and Duke but I can't remember when if ever.

Posted by ffgibbs on February 18, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Read what Dickie V had to say three years ago about BP. Maybe he does know something about basketball.

http://espn.go.com/dickvitale/vcolumn...

Posted by billnewton on February 18, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love watching UT bball, but I honestly can't say they're the #2 team in the nation. I hope to heck the players don't read these msg. boards. We cannot overlook Auburn. I would love for Lofton AND Juannie to go off against MEM. Nothing would please me more than to shut their wuss of a coach up. Fingers crossed.

Posted by Madkels on February 18, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I grew up in Memphis and was 11 yrs old when (then) MSU played UCLA for the NCAA Title. Attended the final home game that year and loved watching Larry Finch, Larry Kennon, Ronnie Robinson, and Co. play through the tourney. However, attended UT in the '80's and am now a Volunteer. Never thought I would pull against Memphis, but all I hope for now is a Big Orange Victory!! GO VOLS!!

Posted by zjcvols on February 18, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the length of the guards for Memphis could come into play. Rose goes 6-4, Anderson 6-6, and CDR 6-8. I hope Lofton can get his shot off. Same with JaJaun. Lofton did last year off CDR. The key is JaJuan. If he plays bad like he has the last two road games it's over. I don't care if Lofton drops 34 again. JaJaun needs to score 15-20 points and control CDR. I think our bigs will outplay Memphis' (and i think memphis won't control the boards). I also think the bench will be very important as Foolmore put it. Memphis goes 9 deep so they can run with tennessee. This is going to be the game of the year.

Posted by eb502us on February 18, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Does anyone remember the debates we were having 3 years ago?"

Best ones to ask are "newtonrail" and "DSAVol" as both of them literraly cried when Buzz was fired. On the other hand, I celebrated what now looks like the best hire in UT sports history. Yes, I can still remember the debate like it was yesterday.

Posted by jsmithnga on February 18, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has the men's team ever been ranked higher than the ladys?

Posted by GoVol on February 18, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on Vols tame the tigers (both Auburn and memphis st.)

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore- Pure shooters don't win pure players do and Memphis may have a couple of more but its close. SInce both play the same style of game it should be a barnburner. I just hope that whoever loses they don't go a pull an Ole Miss. I would like to see this game again in the finals for the championship!! Lets bring the title to the state!!

Posted by GerryOP on February 18, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You got it eb502us! I thought DSAVol was on "our" side? Maybe not! Hasn't it been a wonderful ride ever since then? I still only refer to our former bball coach as "that guy who moved to Conway, SC!" Be well eb, be well!

Posted by nnease15 on February 18, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never thought I would live to see the day. Stay the course!

Posted by WD40plusVol on February 18, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eb502us, was it you that posted the "Bruce Pearl" chant every day during that "Buzz is a nice guy" debate?

Posted by tenndave on February 18, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Aburn, Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Who cares about Memphis. Are they SEC??? Auburn, Auburn, Auburn, Better take care of conference business. In the end that will be more important.

Posted by schymtz on February 18, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Focus: Auburn! Focus: Auburn! Focus: Auburn! A game with Memphis some time in March-April will be important IF... Right now, both the ranking and the game with Memphis are small in comparison. One Game, One Possession, One Play, at a time! The Vols can do this! The Vols are gonna do this!

Posted by Vol_Fan_4_Life_615 on February 18, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

25-2=#1

Gotta catch two Tigers by the tail and were number 1 BABY!!!!!!!!!

Pearl could be the best hire ever any where! With the way he changed the Mens Program around, and all the excitement he brought. You could make a case for it very easily. But the future will answer that question for us. The only question I want to know is, am I dreaming? :)

Posted by OrangeNugget on February 18, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A win over Memphis would be great because I'm from Memphis and I go to Tennessee and every single one of my friends are Memphis dong riders and all I hear is how much of a beast Dorsey is or Rose is. So Go Vols and get me some bragging rights.

Posted by james on February 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols, beat Auburn. Then and only then, think about little brother.

Posted by peerlessvolfan on February 18, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This Saturday is gonna be like Christmas Eve-the longest day ever before 9 pm! Go Vols! (but please focus on Auburn first!!!!)

Posted by hdhurst on February 18, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

History on our side:

This was reported on the CNN/Sports Illustrated website: "The No. 2 team has won five of the last six meetings with the top-ranked team since 1994."

But, I am with most others in thinking AUBURN first. As long as we don't lose big at Memphis, I will be happy, as a good taste of humble pie at this time might go along way and make them hungrier for the tourneys. However, I will not be disappointed to beat them and become the No. 1 team in the nation.

GO VOLS.....

Posted by mparker on February 18, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

okay, auburn was just spotted 10 points and an emotional high for the game.

hope cbp pulls a better game this time than at UK.

I was pretty happy seeing the vols 'lurk' at 6 or 7....they would still earn a 1 or 2 seed.

The next games are SO crucial. Hard places to play at vandy and UF, Uk coming to town, tough Auburn and USC teams...lots of work to do.

Posted by jcvet on February 18, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey all you Fulmerites, see what coaching can do?

Posted by utmdm on February 18, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The world has turned upside down. BB men ranked higher than the women!!!

Posted by Bigger_Al on February 18, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utmdm - Yes. Coaching can win a National Championship.

Posted by Bigger_Al on February 18, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry utmdm...

jcvet - Yes, Coaching can win a National Championship.

Posted by Plasticman on February 18, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's Tiger season, let's bag 2 this week!!
If we hit our FT's Sat., we should definitely outscore Memphis at the line as they are horrendous at the line.

Posted by agentorange on February 18, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so what time does the gd game start?? how do you right all that crap with no tipoff time?

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on February 18, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Life is good in these hills!

Two Final FOur Teams!!!!

Posted by mdvol on February 18, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon boys...take care of your business. Beat Auburn, don't hang out with Colquitt, get all your tail lights fixed, and CRUSH MEMPHIS for #1!

Posted by outlastme on February 18, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

agentorange: The gd game will start at 9:00 eastern 8:00 central. It's on ESPN.

If you need anymore mf information just ask.

Posted by rockytop47 on February 18, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny you mention the tail lights. I used to work at KPD and they are a funny group. I wonder if those were white students would they have been stopped for a license plate light violation. How many of you have been stopped for that? That is why I now serve as an officer out west. Anyway, Go Vols beat Memphis and fix your license plate lights!

Posted by VOLstuckINky on February 18, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmmm .. get a qaulity coach, good staff, recruit, coach players up ... play for titles.

maybe we try this in football.

Posted by anthony on February 18, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

who would have thunk it, suck it up John Adams, get your pirate gear in tow and climb aboard!!!

Posted by Lofton4three___MONEY on February 18, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CONGRATULATIONS to the Vols for the highest ranking ever!

Beat Auburn!

Forget about Memphis, that game will be forgotten. An SEC championship is lasting!

The Memphis game is 100x bigger to them than it is to us. They are searching for legitimacy.

Posted by anthony on February 18, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rare air, indeed, and on the right you'll see the statue of Michael Jordan, and on the left, Coach Wooden's clipboard!! Bobby who? Adolph? They are whispering about those boys in Orange? What the heck, are they doing HERE!!

Posted by woodfam on February 18, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets have a two Tiger Tail whooping this week. One Tiger at a time.

Posted by orangeinmississippi on February 18, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OH MY GOSH!!!! Who would have thunk it! OK Bruce,now is your time to shine baby. Whip those tigers from the plains and then come down here to the Jungle and beat the HELL out of these pussycats!!!! LONG LIVE THE "BIG ORANGE" On your way down Bruce,bring me some good ole corn whiskey,cause these tiger fans are killing me!!!!

Posted by WD40plusVol on February 18, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rockytop47, and how stupid it was that those non-white students validated the cops pulling them over by having MJ in the car.

Posted by volchamp on February 18, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Being a transfer student (went from UT to Memphis). Although I am in Memphis, I still bleed orange, and always will. I have been through constant s%#$ talking for the past 2 months. Memphis does not believe we can go into that stadium and win it. For now I will let them talk their crap and i will stay quiet. i see an overconfident bunch in Memphis, and a hungry Vol team ready to play. This is going to be fun

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello Vol Nation? First off let me say congratulations for your teams #2 ranking. Now the real reason I am here. Two of your wayward fans are on our message board causing a little havoc, so I thought one (in this case two) turn deserve another. This is a cause and effect, brought on by spidermonkey and orangejulius. Funny thing though, I didn't recognize their handles on this message board? All, this is the quite before the storm. Go Tigers! Five weeks and counting!!!

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe you should look at your other Tiger posters that were here earlier today.... especially the idiots that posted on the article about Leslie McDonald. Your board is the local sports page. This website, while run by a newspaper, is a dedicated VOLS site. And if you are going to post stuff on here, do not be so illiterate as to not use spell check.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, "QUITE." According to the American dictionary means "complete." Not Quiet. You see Zander gave you hill billies a little taste, but I will give you a complete dose. Thanks for taking the bait bossvol351:-).

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for validating that you are an idiot.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003, like bossvol351, I got another one. Now I have two targets! Nice to know that not all of you sleep with the sheep and can actually spell. I want fair dialogue. By the way, how can you use spell check on a properly spelled word? This is going to be fun! Hey, I got my degree from UT-K :-). Go Tigers!

Posted by orangejulius on February 18, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So what you are saying is the "complete" before the storm. What does that mean? The phrase is "quiet before the storm" because it gets eerily quiet before a tornado. You make less sense on this board than you do on the commercialappeal.com.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

orangejulius, now that you are back home, please stay. Now I will leave. Have a nice day :-). Does it really take all of this? Gee

Posted by orangejulius on February 18, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good. You are not funny and have no idea what you are talking about.

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OJ,

Apparently we are dealing with a grand master scheme artist.

Posted by orangejulius on February 18, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was on the commercial appeal site because I live in Memphis. I was reading the article about the matchup and they were trashing us pretty good. That dude was threatening to come on here and ruin mine and spidermonkey's names. Naturally, I was terrified because you saw how eloquent he is. He then stole an article from the kns and posted it on the commercial appeal board. He is a clown.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we all just get along? Vol nation, Saturday is going to be a great day for both our Cities and Universities. Like me, I am sure some of you are sick and tired of those who can't just talk trash, but have to take trash talking to another level. I did not know this web site existed until several weeks ago when utchris2003 started post on the Tiger website. I think that's when "Zander" returned the favor. I hope to think that we all respect Freedom of Speech, but the name calling and the hatred is un-called for. Like you, when someone disrespects our school, we feel compelled to defend them. When one of our fans post here just ignore them. Speak about them only in the third person. Eventually they will go away. This has gotten way out of hand and it takes cooler heads to prevail.

Again, congratulations on the #2 ranking. Although I bleed blue and my heart is in Memphis, I can claim both Mem and Tenn. I serve in the military, so my home of record is Memphis, Tn :-). Unlike some of you, I am in a win, win situation. Go Tigers! and May the best (Tigers) Team win!

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

orangejulius, why do I have to be a clown? Not once have I called you (personally) out your name. You also have an "eloquent" way of pontificating. This is exactly what I am talking about.

I digress: All, I do regret calling you, (the Vol Nation) hillbillies. Please except my sincere apologies!

Posted by ballewville6 on February 18, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this game is absolutely the biggest game in tennessee basketball history ,even bigger than the sweet sixteen game against ohio state,i have watched more collage basketball this year not just tennessee basketball,but every game a top 15 to 25 team are involved in and even non ranked teams,and i believe that tennessee is the hardest and fastest playing team i have seen while georgetown,butler,indiana,marquette and most big east teams and drake,are overated while xavier should be in top 7,and western kentucky should be in top 20 the top 6 sec teams have beaten each other while stanford have played light sceduals and so has kansas and carolina and purdue,wisconson,indiana and michigan state either have not played each other ore they have not played the top teams in conference but one time ,duke and carolina have not played anyone but each other and they will probally play the game in duram and in the acc tourny while kansas played texas and wont play them again unless its in big twelve tourny and kansas state cant beat either one of them in another game.GO VOLS LETS BEAT A COUPLE GROUPS OF TIGERS

Posted by orange_glory on February 18, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

actually I think the saying is the calm before the storm.

Posted by bleed_orange on February 18, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mem901, You're OK by me. However, I hope you're wrong and the VOLS tame those Tigers. But, I also want to see an awesome game (maybe even triple overtime). I think TN goes 1 or 2 players deeper on the bench. So, we have a few more fouls to give. Even though, I think we are just a little better at the foul line (64-59%?), I don't want to see a free throw contest. I would like to see both teams in the 100's and come down to who ever has the ball last. On the other hand, first things first, BEAT THOSE AUBURN TIGERS! I'm also actually pulling for Memphis against Tulane Wednesday night. GO VOLS! MAY WHO EVER IS THE BEST TEAM SATURDAY NIGHT WIN! GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by volmattna on February 18, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CONGRATS VOLS!!! LETS STAY FOCUSED AND WAX THIS VERY VERY VERY OVERRATED memphis TEAM. GO VOLS!!!!

Posted by Mem901 on February 19, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

orange_glory, you might be right?

bleed_orange, Thanks! We will see on Saturday? Whatever the outcome, I just would like to see both our boards back to normal. This name calling crap is highly unprofessional! Think of it, Mem v. Tenn or Tenn v. Mem (whatever) instead of Duke v. NC? Neither school get's their due respect from the media. It may or may not be a rivalry now, but in time, hhhhuuuuummmm? I think this is bigger than our two Universities. Think of the implications? Tigers by 5??????

Posted by eb502us on February 19, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Does anyone remember the debates we were having 3 years ago?"

Best ones to ask are "newtonrail" and "DSAVol" as both of them literraly cried when Buzz was fired. On the other hand, I celebrated what now looks like the best hire in UT sports history. Yes, I can still remember the debate like it was yesterday.

Posted by bleed_orange on February 19, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mem901,I know I'm crazy, but I would like to see 151-150 in 8 overtimes with both teams 3rd stringers playing some important minutes(like 2games-4 hours long). But on a more serious note I see Memphis 86-TN 83 in one overtime with home court giving Memphis the edge. GO Memphis beat Tulane! Go BIG ORANGE BEAT AUBURN! Then "LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!" I simply can not believe we are now the #2 team in the country. That is simply AWESOME and UNBELIEVIABLE! Who would of thought before Bruce Pearl got here that this season was possible?! How many TN teams will go to the BIG DANCE? Maybe UTC out of the Southern Con(but probally not-proballly Davidson), Austin Peay out of the Ohio Valley, Belmont out of the Atlantic Sun,Memphis out of the USA, and Vandy & UT out of the SEC. I'm proud to be from TN. IT'S GREAT TO BE A TN VOL! GO VOLS!

Posted by pdhuff on February 19, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a quicker transition to becoming a Dook-type basketball school from football than I thought. It'll take some getting used to. I bet ol' Cutcliff already knew it would be calmer. Come on in, the water's fine.

Put away all the blood pressure meds. Roundball rules.

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