Is there a game tonight?

The No. 1 Memphis Tigers and No. 2 Tennessee Vols each have conference games tonight, but fans of both schools are finding it difficult if not impossible to look ahead to Saturday’s showdown. I venture to guess that today might be the one time True Blue Tiger fans pull for Tennessee (against Auburn) and Big Orange backers root for the Tigers (at Tulane). The Big Game will lose a little of its luster if either team sit atop the polls as a lame duck come Saturday.

Message boards in Memphis and Knoxville are filling up with thoughts, predictions and sheer excitement for the big game. While there is plenty of trash talking on both sides--including a few fans from each school crashing the other’s message boards--for the most part the debate is civil and the giddiness is contagious. There’s also no shortage of state pride.

A sampling from the message board on Go Vols Xtra:

“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.”

“I can’t 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.”

“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 would like to see this game again in the finals for the championship!! Lets bring the title to the state!!”

Comments posted on The Commercial Appeal.

“Truly, it's not only a great time to be a Tiger fan, but it's a fabulous time to be a TENNESSEEAN! No matter what happens, let's all make it our goal to show the rest of the country that fans in this great state are rabid, passionate, well-informed and MANNERABLE.”

“The college basketball universe revolves around the state of TENNESSEE!!!”

“This is exciting and awesome for both schools and our great state! Two great coaches with two teams loaded with talent!”

Regardless of which team comes out on top this weekend (GO TIGERS GO!), the state of Tennessee is already the big winner.