Tommy West knows that there are two types of confidence afootball team can have, especially after a big win like the onelast Saturday against Houston.
"One can get you beat, the other can help you beat people," saidThe University of Memphis head coach.
So which one does this Memphis team have coach? "It's a goodconfidence," said West with a smile.
There are a lot of young guys heading to The Big Easy thisweekens, but it won't be for a trip to Bourbon Street -- it will befor a battle in the Superdome.
The Tulane Green Wave (3-4) have lost three straight and will belooking to stop that streak against the Tigers, but after lastSaturday's 45-14 pounding of Houston, that may not be as easy as itsounded a couple of weeks ago.
Memphis (4-3) showed doubters they are a very capable footballteam when they limit their mistakes.
"I think people would watch that (game) and say, 'We better beready,'" West said about his football team. "If we don't givethings away we are a good team."
Junior quarterback Danny Wimprine and sophomore DeAngeloWilliams will have to play well in order to counter the strong 1-2punch of Tulane's potent offense.
"You can't compare Tulane with Houston because they are a lotbetter than Houston on offense," said West.
Tulane senior quarterback J.P. Losman could very well be thebest signal-caller the Tigers have seen all season. The senior isconsidered by many to be the top NFL quarterback prospect thisyear.
Losman is one of seven finalists for the prestigious UnitasAward, an honor given to the nation's best quarterback and has beenputting up very impressive numbers averaging 292 yards per game,with 22 touchdowns and 8 picks.
Losman's tailback, Mewelde Moore, has also given defensesheadaches. Moore is averaging 91 yards per game and has fivetouchdowns thus far. This weekend will likely be an offensiveshootout between the four stars.
One of Memphis's stars is also receiving some nationalattention.
CBS.Sportsline.com ranked Williams as the second best tailbackin the country behind Heisman candidate Steven Jackson of OregonState.
Williams is blazing defenses for 115 yards every outing and hasrun for over 100 yards in the last six games.
Two big keys to the game could be the offensive line of eachteam protecting their quarterback and the injury factor.
The young Green Wave team has been having trouble protectingLosman, giving up 15 sacks so far, as opposed to Memphis'seight.
West said that he has no intention of giving Losman any time tothrow the football.
"We are going to what we do, and what we do is come after you,"West said.
The Tigers are unusually injury-free at this point of the year,while Tulane has been plagued since the start of the season.
If Memphis's quick Defense can get to Losman on a consistantbasis Saturday and keep him from having time to throw the football,the Tiger's could walk away with a win.
However if Losman has lots of time in the pocket and can choosehis targets at his will, he can pick a defense apart.
As for West finding time to have some fun on Bourbon Street, thecoach just smiled.
"I'll do that in January if I want to go back. My concern ismaking sure there are 66 other guys in that motel with me."
