Last week, the University of Memphis football team went 1-0, beating Tulane 38-7.
Going 1-0 has been Memphis coach Justin Fuente’s mantra all season, and it has been an effective one, notching the Tigers their first seven-win season since 2007-08.
“Obviously we’re excited about going 1-0 last week, pleased with our kids ability to stay focused on the task at hand,” Fuente said. “And take care of a Tulane team that was very hot.
The Tigers’ defense pitched a near shutout, surrendering Tulane’s only touchdown after the game was already decided.
Not only did Memphis keep the Green Wave out of the end zone, the Blue and Gray’s defense found the end zone itself. Senior Bobby McCain snagged his fourth career interception returned for a touchdown on Tulane’s second play of the game.
Despite the stalwart defensive effort, Memphis’ offense struggled to light up the scoreboard, and they only gained 93 total yards in the opening half.
Sophomore Dontrell Nelson followed McCain’s lead, and grabbed a pick-six of his own late in the third quarter to put the Tigers ahead 24-0.
The U of M defense even recovered a fumble to set up the offense’s first score of the game – a 38-yard strike from Paxton Lynch to Mose Frazier.
Fuente said the defense and special teams played great games, but he wants more from the offense.
“When you can get two scores defensively that’s huge,” Fuente said. “I was really proud of the way they went about their business, and took care of business on the field.”
With Saturday’s win, Memphis guaranteed its first winning season since 2007, and, with a win this Saturday, it could nab its first five-game winning streak since 2003.
Still, Fuente said he refuses to buy into the hype because that is not what got his team to where they are now. He wants to take each game seriously and reflect back later.
The Tulane win moves the Tigers’ record to 4-2 on the road with their only two losses coming against Ole Miss and UCLA, both of which were ranked in the top 15 at the time of the game.
Fuente said the team is a very resilient group, and being on the road almost helps them get focused on the task at hand.
"I think that we have a group that, I kind of like when we get them out of town," the third-year coach said. "Quite honestly, we have an ability to focus and to dial in to the task at hand. We're here for only one reason, and we don't stay very long. We come in here to play a game and then get the heck out."
As the end of the regular season approaches, Tiger fans only have two chances left to see the Blue and Gray perform at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The Tigers play South Florida on Saturday at 3 p.m., and they face Connecticut on Nov. 29.
Fuente said he hopes Tiger faithful show up in droves to help will their team to a victory.
