The differences between last year's bowl announcement and this year's version speak to the difference in the mood and expectations of the program.
Last year, the press conference to announce The University of Memphis had accepted a bid to the New Orleans Bowl was riddled with smiles and hugs. The same smile a kid would give you if you told them you bought too much ice cream.
This year the mood around the press conference to announce the Tigers would be heading to the GMAC Bowl on Dec. 22 was decidedly more somber.Don't get Tommy West and his team wrong, they're by no means indifferent about a second consecutive bowl game. But this year the team has felt this is where they would be all along.
So it was in the midst of that atmosphere that athletic director R.C. Johnson signed the final papers, sending the Tigers to represent Conference USA in Mobile, Ala.
"It is with great pleasure that the GMAC Bowl invites the Memphis Tigers to play in the 6th annual GMAC Bowl," said Murray Kate, co-chairman of the GMAC selection committee. "We also want to invite the entire university, the students, the fans and the alumni throughout the country. We promise you the best time you've ever had."
The opponent for the Tigers will be decided Tuesday afternoon. It is likely to be Miami (Ohio) from the Mid-American Conference.
Perhaps the only Tiger showing that first-bowl smile that spread around the team last year is running back DeAngelo Williams.Williams did not play in the New Orleans Bowl due to a late season injury and is chomping at the bit to see some postseason action.
"It absolutely killed me walking up and down the sideline pacing," said Williams. "I think it actually taught me a lesson. One, play every game like it's your last game and two, when you have (the opportunity) use it."
Williams is coming off perhaps his best game as a Tiger, rushing for a single-game record 263 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns in the Tigers' 31-15 win at South Florida this weekend.
He hopes the turnout of Memphis fans in Mobile's Ladd Peebles Stadium can match the estimated 10,000 - 15,000 that made the trip to New Orleans.
There is reason for optimism. Memphis led C-USA in attendance for a second consecutive year. They averaged 41,175, outdrawing second place Louisville by 644.
And there is at least one person who is excited about making the trip.
"There are a lot of people that haven't ever been to Mobile," Williams said. "A lot maybe haven't heard of it, but they say it's a fun place and I'm excited."
The nation's leader in rushing yards with 1,828 and scoring with 132 points, Williams admits he's still undecided about his future with Memphis saying, "I haven't had time to think about it or decide on what I'm going to do or not."
Johnson closed the press conference by thanking the players, fans and West for orchestrating the Memphis football turnaround.
"I want take a couple of moments and thank our head football coach. Coach West had done everything we've asked him to do," Johnson said. "It's been a phenomenal run. It's a great time to be a Tiger."
