The bowl-eligible Memphis Tigers (6-3, 3-2 AAC) lead the South Florida Bulls (7-2, 4-1 AAC) 5-3 all-time in head-to-head games. South Florida won the only non-regular season matchup with a St. Petersburg Bowl win in 2008. Since then, the Tigers have won three straight games and look to make it four on Saturday.
What’s at Stake?
With the end of the season nearing, Memphis is looking to beat last years’ record of 9-4 and tie a school record of 10 wins. To have a record year, the Tigers will have to win all three remaining regular season games, plus a bowl game. Memphis snapped a two-game losing streak against SMU last week, but they have tougher opponents coming up.
South Florida upset No. 22 Navy two weeks ago and are looking to continue their success to an AAC conference title game coming off a bye week. The Bulls are on pace to have their best record in school history and are only two wins away from tying their school record of nine wins, set in 2007.
Key Matchup
Once again, the key matchup will be the Tigers’ rush defense. Last week, against SMU, Memphis held the Mustangs to 100 yards on the ground after giving up big games to Tulsa and Navy. Stopping the run against South Florida could force them into an uncomfortable situation.
The Bulls rush the ball about 14 more times per game than they pass and they are averaging 273 yards per game on the ground to 229 passing. Quarterback Quinton Flowers and Marlon Mack lead the way for South Florida with 1,705 yards and 21 touchdowns combined. D’Ernest Johnson adds a versatile treat out of the backfield with more than 500 total yards and 10 scores – six rushing. The Bulls’ rushing attack could cause problems for the Tigers’ defense.
Players to Watch
Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson:
University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson during a spring practice. Ferguson has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job.
In the 51-7 rout of SMU, Ferguson had a big game with 287 yards, four touchdowns and completed nearly 75 percent of his passes. The Tigers might have to rely on him for offensive production if the running game cannot produce.Â
Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller:
Tiger wide receiver Anthony Miller celebrates his touchdown in Memphis’ 37-24 win against the Ole Miss Rebels Oct. 17.
Miller has posted big numbers three weeks in a row totaling 486 and five scores. With Ferguson playing well too, he is the main beneficiary. Miller has carried the offense along with Ferguson and they might have to do it again on Saturday.
South Florida running backs:
D’Ernest Johnson and Marlon Mack both rushed for more than 100 yards and combined for three touchdowns in their game against Navy. Against a Memphis defense that has struggled against defending the run, they could have a big game.
South Florida quarterback Quinton Flowers:
Memphis has not faced a quarterback who can both throw and pass at the level Flowers has this season. Flowers leads the team in rushing with 921 yards on the season and he is second on the team with 10 rushing scores. Passing the ball, he has almost 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. His playmaking ability could cause the Tigers’ defense to get out of position and lead to easy scores.
