Memphis fans storm the field after their upset victory over No. 13 Ole Miss last season. Despite being underdogs again this season, Memphis fans are optimistic about their chances.
Last season, the University of Memphis shocked then-No. 13 Ole Miss 37-24 in what was the Tigers’ 11th win against the Rebels all time, propelling them into the AP top 25.
Since then, there have been two notable changes for the Tigers. Quarterback Paxton Lynch was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, and head coach Justin Fuente left for Virginia Tech to replace Frank Beamer.
Ole Miss lost several key players including three first round NFL Draft picks – Laremy Tunsil, Laquon Treadwell and Robert Nkemdiche.
Some Tiger fans are extremely confident their team can roll into Oxford Saturday and get just their third win in what will be their 22nd try in Rebel territory. Here are 10 fans who have key reasons why the upset will happen.
Kentrice Wright, nursing major – “We have a great offensive and defensive line. Also, (Memphis quarterback Riley) Ferguson has shown that he has real potential and could play at a high level. If we get an early lead, I feel like we could make a serious push for the win.â€
Shika Brown, education major – “The players seem like they are ready for the game. I see them across campus with headphones in, and they look really focused. You can kind of tell that some players don’t like Ole Miss, and that will most likely be a factor into the game.â€
Cameron Jones, English major – “Ole Miss has been known this season to slow down in the second half. Look at FSU and Bama. If anything, Memphis kicks it into another gear at the second half.â€
Brian Monteleone, business administration major – “We have a lot of momentum going right now. We are 3-0 for the second straight year, and all of our players are extremely confident this year. Ole Miss looks like the kind of team to start the game great but end up choking it away, so we have to be prepared in the beginning.â€
Carl Thompson, undecided major – “Since we defeated them last year, to me, they haven’t looked the same, almost as if we were under looked in that game, but we certainly got into their heads. Our defense has to come prepared to stop (Ole Miss quarterback) Chad Kelly and that offense.â€
Mike Evans, undecided major – “If we could upset them, Riley will have to have a game of the ages, in my opinion, because I feel like he needs to prove himself, so why not do it against Ole Miss.â€
Jake Nevill, political science major – “We need to play a fast-tempo game and move the ball well on offense. If we find a way to slow them down on defense, then we could possibly blow them out of their own building.â€
Taylor Jones, undecided major – “Since we will be in Oxford, their crowd will be into it just like we were last year. The crowd will be the most important factor, so we have to be just as loud. The momentum should swing to our side early.â€
Nick Smith, nursing major – “We have to take away their passing game, I think, because Kelly can launch it, man.â€
Scott Williams, English major – “It’s games like this that will prove how good we really are. The fans know that we care, but there are a lot of haters out there we should keep quiet. As far as the game, we have to attack them offensively and score a lot of points. I see the score ending 44-20 Tigers.â€
