The debate about whether Tennessee should play Memphis regularly in football and basketball has been brought to the forefront by a group of Tennessee sports fans. Some argue that playing Memphis could lead to embarrassment due to the team’s strong performances in the past, while others believe it could be a valuable recruiting tool and boost in-state rivalries. Fans expressed interest in annual basketball games with Memphis, citing the potential for competitive matchups and recruiting advantages.
However, opinions differ on the frequency of football games against Memphis, with some suggesting playing every 3-4 years and others proposing home and away series every few years. While some believe that playing Memphis in football may not be necessary unless they join a Power 5 conference, others see the potential for Memphis to become a marquee nonconference opponent. Overall, the consensus among fans seems to be in favor of maintaining a basketball rivalry with Memphis while being more selective with football matchups.
In the end, the decision of whether Tennessee should regularly play Memphis in football and basketball remains a topic of discussion among Tennessee sports enthusiasts. The potential benefits of increased competition, recruiting opportunities, and in-state rivalries are weighed against concerns of embarrassment and strategic scheduling. Ultimately, the future of the Tennessee-Memphis rivalry may depend on a careful balance of these factors.
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