The Memphis Tigers (2-1, 0-1 American Athletic Conference) will suit up against the South Alabama Jaguars (1-2) on Saturday, hoping to keep up momentum from last week’s 59-22 victory over Georgia State.
The Tigers had an impressive showing on both sides of the ball last game and are hoping the team can continue to get better each week.
The Jaguars will also look to add another victory to their win column after defeating Texas State 41-31. The team exploded for 18 points in the fourth quarter of the game, coming back from a 31-23 deficit going into the final period.
Kickoff at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.
Memphis Tigers
Anyone who has been paying attention to recent news regarding the Tigers knows running back Darrell Henderson has been the talk of the town. Not only has he gotten back-to-back 200-yard games, but he also leads the country in rushing yards.
In addition to his skill set, wide receiver Damonte Coxie also had an impressive performance last week, where he had 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns from only six receptions.
Quarterback Brady White has been able to rely on both of those players to make his job easier. Wide receivers John “Pop” Williams and Tony Pollard have also seen better opportunities from all the attention Henderson and Coxie receive.
On defense, the biggest stories of the season so far have been the unit’s hard hits and ability to create turnovers.
Over the first three games, the team has already forced eight fumbles, while recovering one, and intercepted three passes. They’ve also gotten seven sacks during this time, an improvement from where they were at this point last year.
Linebacker Bryce Huff, the leading sacker on the team, had two of his three sacks against Georgia State, and he’s determined to get more each week.
“When I miss sacks, my only thought is ‘I’m going to get the next one,’” Huff said. “When the opportunity comes, I’m going after it.”
South Alabama Jaguars
South Alabama’s impressive 41-point outing is nothing to scoff at, as they were able to maintain a balanced offense. The offensive unit scored two rushing and passing touchdowns, yet the star of the team had to be wide receiver Jamarius Way, who caught 11 passes for 173 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Running back Tra Minter also helped South Alabama’s cause by providing the team’s two rushing touchdowns.
The defense was able to do its job late in the game by shutting out Texas State in the fourth quarter and putting their offense in a favorable field position.
They also provided a touchdown of their own when cornerback Jalen Thompson took the first of his two interceptions into the end zone. The defense also managed to obtain three sacks and force a fumble, which they were able to recover.
Game prediction
Memphis faces another opponent they shouldn’t have too much trouble with, but I anticipate this game being closer than most would expect.
South Alabama’s defense has a knack for hounding the quarterback and creating turnovers, which will test a Memphis offense that had it relatively easy up until now. However, let’s not forget that it was only two weeks ago when Memphis committed four turnovers against Navy.
Still, I think the Tigers have sufficiently learned from their past blunders and continue to rise in the AAC West standings. Also, as Memphis did last week, the Jaguars committed a lot of senseless penalties, finishing the game with 15 penalties and the loss of a whooping 143 yards with them. You cannot beat a team as talented as Memphis when you give away so many free yards.
Expect running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to have a much bigger impact in this game than he had in the last three outings, since all of the Jaguars defense’s attention will be on stopping the more publicized Henderson.
Final score prediction: Memphis 45, South Alabama 28
Austin Hall tackles a Georgia State offensive player. The Memphis Tigers defeated the Panthers on Friday.
