The No. 20 University of Memphis Tigers will face Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The game usually features an SEC opponent. After many SEC teams missed the .500 mark, the Tigers received a bid to face the Big 12 opponent on their home turf.
In Coach Mike Norvell's second season, the Tigers won the American Athletic Conference Western Division. Memphis has tied its number of wins from 2014, but a win Saturday, would give them a record setting 11 wins.
“The fact that we can come here and leave a legacy like that, it means everything to us and our fans and the community as well," quarterback Riley Ferguson said. "It’s a huge accomplishment. We want to go out and be the first ever to do it in Memphis history.”
A look at the opponent
This is the Cyclones first bowl appearance since their appearance in the 2012 Liberty Bowl. They have not won a bowl game since 2009.
Iowa State finished fifth out of the ten teams in the Big 12. Head coach Matt Campbell took Iowa State from 3-9 last season to 7-5 this season. The Cyclones were ranked as high as 14. No. 2 Oklahoma’s single loss this season came from the Cyclones in October.
The Cyclones average 390 yards per game. They average 29 points per game. This season they had 25 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing touchdowns.
The Cyclone capitalize off turnovers. They have intercepted the ball 12 times and recovered eight fumbles.
“What we do talk about is obviously the turnover battle,” Campbell said. “That’s something that’s really important to us—the ability for us and our football program to win in the inches and win in the margins.”
Areas of improvement
Penalties have been an issue for the Tigers this season. Penalties cost the Tigers about 81 yards per game. They will need to minimize penalties to win the game.
Memphis has been able to force 30 turnovers this season. They intercepted the ball 16 times and recovered 14 fumbles. Iowa State has not fumbled the ball yet this season, but opponents have received 9 interceptions from the Cyclones. Memphis will look to continue to force turnovers in Saturdays game.
Players to watch
Iowa State running back David Montgomery
Montgomery is coming off an ankle injury but is expected to play against Memphis. The sophomore leads the Cyclones in rushing with 1,095 yards. He gains about 4.7 yards per rush and has had 11 touchdowns. He could create challenges for Memphis’ defense.
Memphis kick returner Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has four kickoff returns for touchdowns this season which is tied with Marcus Green from Louisiana-Monroe. Tulsa’s Ashlan Davis set the single season record at five in 2004. Pollard has the opportunity to tie that record on Saturday.
“Anytime, if I can get a kick return, I’m excited,” Pollard said. “With them being from another conference our coaches have been telling more than likely they’re gonna kick the ball just because we’re different conferences, different opponent.”
Memphis head coach, Mike Norvell stands with the AutoZone Liberty Bowl trophy. This is the first time in program history the Tigers received a bid to the bowl.
