ESPN 'College GameDay': Memphis, Beale Street have social media buzzing

Fans and revelers began pouring in to downtown Memphis during the pre-dawn hours Saturday morning, signs, props and refreshments in hand. 

All for one of the most significant events in Memphis football history. 

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ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcast live from Beale Street beginning at 8 a.m., part of the build-up toward Saturday night's clash between a pair of ranked AAC teams in No. 23 Memphis and No. 14 SMU. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will air on ABC. 

The atmosphere on display on Beale Street and in Memphis has drawn scores of reactions and reviews on social media – Twitter, in particular. Here is a cross-section of the feedback Memphis is generating:

Chris Vannini, who covers Group of 5 college football for The Athletic, is impressed. 

Beale Street got plenty of love throughout the morning. 

Jonathan Louis May recognized early the potential importance of Memphis showing up in grand fashion for the athletic department's future. 

Jon Riley was feeling Memphis' stamina. 

Some fans took the opportunity to throw a little shade toward the Volunteers.