Yes, Sir...the Three Stars in the State flag represent the 'Three States of Tennessee'. I learned this while living, and working at the Nashville Airport on three different occasions, and twice at the Memphis Airport. I was able to experience the horror of watching Bama lose to Memphis State in '87. And all of my non Bama friends at the Airport made sure to remind me of it, for YEARS! Nashville area is beautiful, but way too crowded for me. Memphis is way too crowded, and not too beautiful. That's the best I can come up with.
ROLL TIDE!