Three of the four Daily Helmsman sports staff members, reporters Frank Ramirez and Zach Thompson and sports editor Joshua Vinson, got together to discuss their thoughts about Memphis football’s upcoming game against Georgia State. The Tigers are set to kick off against the Panthers on Friday at 6 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The upcoming game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Frank Ramirez
After a heartbreaking loss at Navy, the Memphis Tigers football team looks like they will bounce back after a heartbreaking loss from Navy against Georgia State, who are 1-1 on the season after a 41-7 loss against North Carolina State last weekend. I believe Memphis has other reasons besides facing a less-proven football program to make a comeback, including better weather conditions, a key player returning from injury and simply being back at home.
Last weekend, the Tigers played in rainy and slippery conditions, and their turnovers were costly in the game. They lost three out of their four fumbles, while Navy lost one out of their three fumbles. Weather isn’t the main reason they struggled with turnovers, but with temperatures around the mid-80s around kickoff time and clear skies throughout the game, weather will be no excuse.
Tony Pollard, who was one of last season’s best kick returners in the nation, is also expected to play after experiencing minor injuries in the past two games, where he only had 17 total yards in rushing, passing and kick-off returns.
I expect the Tigers to come back and earn a 2-1 season record beating Georgia State.
Final Score: Memphis 42, Georgia State 14.
Zach Thompson
Coming off a tightly contested loss at Navy, the Tigers will be looking to rebound against Georgia State at home. The Tigers were supposed to travel to Atlanta last year to face Georgia State. However, inclement weather caused the schedule to shift a bit, and this was the game that got left out, so both teams are relatively unfamiliar with each other.
With the Tigers team as hungry as it is, I expect them to come out strong. Georgia State is a tougher team than some may expect and, just like Memphis, is in the best run of program history. However, I see the Tigers are eager to get back on the right track and get another victory this week. Georgia State may hang around, but I ultimately don’t see the Tigers having too much trouble winning this one.
Final Score: Memphis 38, Georgia State 10
Joshua A. Vinson
The Memphis Tigers will definitely win against Georgia State on Friday night at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Frank brought up a great point about the weather conditions in Annapolis last weekend. It was in Navy’s advantage to play in rainy conditions, thanks to their game plan of rushing the entire game. Nevertheless, the Tigers did not lose so much because of the rain, but more so because of bad play-calling.
After the loss to the Midshipmen, Norvell said the loss was all on him, and rightfully so. He did not do a great job preparing his team. This leads to my next point as to why the Tigers will win against Georgia State.
This team cannot afford to lose against Georgia State, and they will not. Tigers running back Tony Pollard is at full strength and expected to be integrated back into this offense.
Quarterback Brady White blamed himself for the loss last Saturday, and he vowed he would use it as a learning experience and motivation to do better. I expect White to show he has arm strength and can command this explosive offense.
The Memphis Tigers will trounce the Georgia State Panthers.
Final Score: Memphis 37, Georgia State 14.
Darrell Henderson rushes past a defender to score a touchdown. Henderson finished the night against Navy with three touchdowns.
Sports editor Joshua A. Vinson
Sports reporter Zach Thompson
Sports reporter Frank Ramirez
