The hype begins.  Top ranked Memphis and No. 2 Tennessee are set for their showdown on Saturday.  The match up on Saturday will be just the 5th time that a No.1 and a No.2 from the same state will throw down.  Last year Tennessee won in Knoxville 76-58.  This loss still haunts the Tigers’ and much resentment still lingers for the players and John Calipari (who just received his 400th win).  For the Tigers it was the most embarrassing loss of the year.  So this Saturday when No.1 Memphis hosts No.2 Tennessee at the FedEx Forum, it’s mostly about revenge. 

Though nobody is going to come right out and say it, both teams really don’t like each other much.  The players have been known to clash (both on/off the court) and it’s safe to say that the coaches don’t like each other either.  Now it’s the Tigers turn to play in their own house, where they have a 47 game winning streak and they are hosting the biggest basketball game in the states history.  Thankfully the Tigers have the history and the talent to make a win out of it. 

Memphis is known for having the most consistent highest ranked program in Conference USA.  The won the conference title and reached the Elite 8 in 2006 and 2007 and for the first time in like 30 years they reached a number one ranking in January 21, 2008.  The Tigers remain undefeated after a scary one point victory over UAB, then an easy victory over Tulane.  The Tigers haven’t lost a league game since March 2006 and are known for their remarkable winning streaks. The Tigers are also on their way to become the first team since UNLV in 1991 to go into the NCAA Tournament unbeaten.

The Tigers are known for knocking their opponents down with their defense, their overwhelming depth, talent, swiftness and their persistent transitions that make dust out of their enemy’s.  Plus their shooting percentage from the field is an average 47%.  This season they returned all 5 starters and added star 2 star freshmen, Jeff Robinson and Derrick Rose.   Their talent has at least 3 future 1st round NBA draft picks. The confidence that this team takes with them, lets them not get shaken up and they do WORK and handle what they have to. 

So Saturday night watch as this heated rivalry, parades the national stage.  And according to the Vols coach Peyton Manning will even make an appearance. 2nd row seats are going for over $5k.  I have much faith that Calipari can use Saturday nights win to quiet critics who think his league schedule is too weak when it comes to the NCAA tournament seeding, which to the Tigers is more important than bragging rights for this rivalry, and clearly this would be the most satisfying cherry on this win.


Later:  Some stuff for the fellas; the "it" jean and Cassie heats it up