The biggest game of the Memphis Tigers’ season is tomorrow against the no. 13 ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Daily Helmsman asked sports reporters Austin Reynolds and J.T. Mullen and news reporter Shauna Jordan their thoughts on tomorrow’s game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Is this the biggest game in Tiger football history? Why or why not?
AR: I think so. Most people would probably point to the Tigers' upset of a Peyton Manning-led Tennessee team in 1996, but that's only considered a huge game in Tiger football history because Memphis won. There was no real national hype for that game, because Memphis wasn't very good. This game against Ole Miss is big regardless of the outcome.
JM: This is by far the biggest regular season game in Memphis history, for sure. Not only is Ole Miss the best team the Tigers will face all season, but Memphis has never had the kind of hype around the program it has now. Plus this game is on ABC in the 11 a.m. spot. If there is ever a time to step up and burst into the national spotlight, Saturday is that time.
SJ: Yes. With the exception of last year, Tiger football did not have a season over .500 since 2007 and haven't been ranked since 2004. Now we are 5-0, on a 12-game winning streak, and we have a chance to be ranked in the AP Poll if we win on Saturday. A victory on Saturday would show the nation that we are a legit team.
What will Memphis need to do/can't afford to do to win this game?
AR: Memphis can't turn the ball over. Ole Miss is almost definitely the better team, and the Tigers are going to need a positive turnover differential to win. They just can't afford to lose possessions, and they're also going to need to capitalize on any turnovers by the Rebels.
JM: For Memphis to win, they will need their defense to step up and force some stops, plain and simple. That is by far the biggest key of the game. If the Tigers' secondary allows the Ole Miss receiver core to run right past them (see Bowling Green and Cincinnati receivers) it will be a long day for Memphis.
SJ: Memphis can't afford to let Ole Miss get big plays, no gains over 25 yards. Big plays take the crowd out of the game and with a sell-out crowd, as it is anticipated to be on Saturday, we need the crowd pumped the all game.
Who wins and by how much? And will Memphis football come out better or worse after this weekend?
AR: It's going to be a shootout. It feels like we say this every week, but with the exception of the USF game we've also been right about it every week. I'm leaning Ole Miss 48-41. The Tiger defense can't stop the Rebels, but the Memphis offense is good enough that the Tigers should still be able to score in bunches. I'd say Memphis comes out looking better. The Tigers might not win, but I think it'll be close, and with a national audience watching on ABC that will earn them respect.
JM: I see three possible scenarios playing out Saturday. Scenario 1: Memphis play Ole Miss close, but their athleticism, size, skill and speed are just too much for the Tigers. Rebels win 49-42. Scenario 2. Ole Miss comes in hungry and their receivers are just too good for a weak Memphis defense and roll to a 56-21 blowout. Scenario 3: The Memphis defense plays its best game of the season. They apply pressure to Kelly and limit the passing game, resulting in a 48-42 upset. I'm feeling optimistic, so I’m going with Scenario 3, a Memphis win.
If the Tigers put up a fight, win or lose, I think Memphis football will come out better this weekend. Losing in a respectable game to the no. 13 ranked team in the nation is still an impressive feat that shows just how far this program has come.
SJ: Memphis will win 34-31. It won't be easy, but we don't need easy just possible. After the game, the team will be much better. It's going to be our toughest game because this game will be the biggest test for our defense, but I believe the defense will step up in the spotlight. It'll also show the country how far we have come as a football program.
