After compiling its best record since 2007 through 10 games, the University of Memphis football team is slated to finish the season on a two-game home stand, welcoming South Florida (4-6, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Tigers (7-3, 5-1 AAC) traveled to New Orleans last weekend to take on Tulane, leaving “The Big Easy” with a 38-7 victory.
As it stands, the Blue and Gray sit atop the American’s standing, but Cincinnati and Central Florida lurk closely behind with four wins and one loss apiece. Memphis controls its own fate, and could guarantee a share of the conference title by winning out. However, the Bearcats and Knights can secure a share of their own with a perfect ending to their seasons.
With two home games left, Memphis coach Justin Fuente said he hopes Tiger faithful will show up in droves to help the U of M win the contest.
“I think it's a great challenge and a great opportunity for people to come out and let these kids know how much they appreciate their hard work and also play an active role in the game,” Fuente said at his weekly press conference on Monday. “We're going to need them in order to win the football game. We absolutely need every advantage we can have. Our kids have gone on the road and played well in some pretty hostile environments. I'd like to make the Liberty Bowl one on Saturday.”
The Bulls bring in an offense with explosive weapons but a question mark at quarterback.
After receiving the starting tag in the summer, sophomore Mike White has taken the majority of the snaps from under center for USF. Through 10 games, he has thrown seven interceptions compared to just eight touchdowns.
White’s favorite target, Andre Davis, makes up for the majority of USF’s air attack with six receiving touchdowns on the season.
The Bulls prefer to shorten the game with a potent rushing attack, led by freshman back Marlon Mack. The freshman has 907 yards on the season and eight touchdowns.
Fuente said both Davis and Mack pose significant challenges for Memphis’ 28th-ranked defense.
“Coach (Willie) Taggart has done a really good job of building that program back up,” the third-year coach said. “They've got skill kids all over the place. Our defense will have an incredible challenge with a fantastic wide receiver and prominent running game.”
USF struggles on the defensive side of the ball – a weakness sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch and the Tigers’ offense hope to exploit. The Bulls ranked 75th in total defense, surrendering 406.8 points per game.
On player the U of M has to be weary of is Nigel Harris. The sophomore linebacker leads the nation in forced fumbles with five. Memphis, which has had some problems hanging onto the football, wants to hold the ball extra tight with the ball-hawking Harris waiting to strike.
Fuente added the Bulls boast an extremely physical defensive line and an experienced secondary.
Ever since earning bowl eligibility at Temple, Fuente has rolled his eyes at any question about the struggle to maintain focus as the season wanes. He said it should not be a problem given what’s at stake for the Blue and Gray.
“Here's the deal,” Fuente said. “If all you do is spend your time thinking about the good things down the road, then you're going to lose sight of what gave you the opportunity to be in that situation to begin with. Stay focused on the process, on the task at hand. Those are the things that have put you in that situation.”
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, but the Tiger Walk begins on Tiger Lane at 12:30 p.m. ESPNews plans to broadcast the game nationally.
