Tobacco Road? Try I-40.

It's pretty sad, really is. I mean, since when has the NBA trade deadline gotten more hype than a matchup of the top two teams in college basketball?

Duke and UNC are not playing tomorrow. Well, they might be. I don't think so, though. But if they are, they wouldn't be matching up as nos 1 and 2. No my friends, two teams from the great state of Tennessee are playing in the, without question, biggest basketball game of the year, pre-tourney.

The thing about this game is that no one really understands how good these teams are. I made a case for Memphis a couple of weeks ago about how they really just take care of business night in and out playing teams that aren't really in their class. But they get it done.

Tennessee, when they are on their game, can beat anyone. They do like to go to sleep mid-game, but just ask Florida what happens when they wake up.

Memphis is a downright terrifying team. And when I mean terrifying, I mean, those guys will kill you if you look at them the wrong way. I love how they play. Fast, physical, in your face. I think I've heard that before.

Tennessee goes into the game with the best shooting backcourt in the nation. Everyone knows Chris Lofton, probably because he's the best pure shooter in the nation. And even I have been turned into a JuJuan Smith believer. The guy just lights it up and plays a lot bigger than he is. Memphis is going to see something that they haven't seen all year; a team that's as fast as they are. Tennessee's game is running all over the court, playing relentless defense, and scoring in chunks. Tennessee can get it done in so many ways and I believe they can match Memphis' inside/outside versatility.

The question becomes, how good is Memphis? How good is Conference USA? How do they prepare for this game? The game is in Memphis, the nation's worst city with the best bar scene, but how much of a factor is that going to play?

Tennessee fans stretch all over the state. I would assume that there are Memphis season ticket holders who are in fact UT grads and will be leaving their blue in the closet on Saturday. The home court advantage is going to be key, but with UT being the flagship university of the state, don't expect it to be as great as anticipated.

It's really funny how well these teams match up. The key is really going to be if UT can stay out of foul trouble. Wayne Chism has to play well, and I mean really well. And not take ridiculous 3's. Duke Crews needs to play well in relief and if UT is going to win, they need to get Memphis into foul trouble early and try to win the game on the free throw line. It's going to be one high scoring game and the little things are going to make the difference.

Anyway you look at it, the CPM will be rockin' on Saturday night. Everyone's in store for an outstanding basketball game and one that will be incredibly exciting. This isn't going to be like 2000 Oklahoma where they won games with 45 points. This is more like Showtime. Put your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride.