Mike Norvell leads his Tigers onto the field prior to their game against
Kansas. Norvell helped the Tigers go 10-3 in the 2017-18 season.
The Memphis Tigers (6-4, 3-3) are traveling to Cincinnati to play the Bearcats (4-6, 1-5) Friday night. Memphis leads the all-time series 20-13, that started in 1966, and won the past two matchups.
What’s at Stake
After last week’s close loss to South Florida, Memphis is looking to bounce back with a third straight win against Cincinnati. If they win out, including the bowl game, the Tigers can match last season’s win total of 9.
Cincinnati has made bowl appearances five consecutive seasons. They are fighting to become bowl eligible by snapping a three-game losing streak and winning the final two games of the season. The only win against a team that now has a winning record came week one when they played University of Tennessee-Martin.
Key Matchup
The key matchup Friday night will be the ability to pass the ball for both teams. Cincinnati has thrown 13 picks on the year, but have intercepted the ball 15 times. Memphis has thrown nine picks and has intercepted the ball 12 times.
Both defenses have shown the ability to play the passing lanes, but have also allowed opponents to score a lot of points. The team that can throw the ball with no turnovers will have a better chance to win the game.
Players to Watch
Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller:
Last week, Miller broke the all-time record for receiving yards in a single season and is looking to add to the total. Miller, who has played well all season, has found a near unstoppable connection with Riley Ferguson over the past four games with 639 yards and six touchdowns.
Memphis tight end Daniel Montiel:
Montiel has scored touchdowns in the past two games and had his first 100-yard game last week against South Florida. With Miller gaining more attention from the defense, he could be an open target for Ferguson throughout the game.
Cincinnati running back Tion Green:
The Bearcats leading rusher has not had a 100- yard game all season and is tied with three other backs with two touchdowns each. But, the Memphis rush defense has allowed at least one 100-yard rusher in each loss on the season. He could have his best game of the season against a struggling Memphis defense.
Cincinnati wide receiver Kahlil Lewis:
Lewis is the second on the Bearcats’ team with 574 receiving yards, but leads the team in touchdowns with five. In Cincinnati’s last win, he accounted for 150 yards and three touchdowns. He could add a much needed spark to their offense that has struggled over the past three weeks.
