The Memphis Tigers were humbled last weekend when they suffered an embarrassing loss to the Tulane Green Wave. Leading into Saturday’s homecoming game against UConn, head coach Mike Norvell expressed his disappointment in the production of his team. When it mattered most, the Tigers defended their home field and earned their first American Athletic Conference victory by defeating the Huskies 55-14.
“It was a big difference in the two performances,” Norvell said. “I thought we came with a purpose, and there was a purpose with everything we did. Our coaches, we coached every single play that game.”
Better coaching and execution on both offense and defense were major factors as to why the Tigers were successful. Quarterback Brady White completed 16 of his 18 passing attempts for 239 yards and had one touchdown. But it was the dual threat from the two running backs, Patrick Taylor Jr. and Darrell Henderson, that exploited the Huskies’ defense. They combined for more than 340 rushing yards on 25 carries collectively, in contrast to what happened a week prior in New Orleans against Tulane when they had nine carries combined for just 62 yards.
“It’s great to get more touches this week,” Taylor said. “We’re just focusing on this week. One day at a time throughout the week. We knew this week and this game was going to be a big game for us.”
With their first conference win under their belts, Norvell and his team look towards No. 10 University of Central Florida for a game that will be aired on nationally on ABC at 2:30 p.m. Norvell said he does not consider this to be a statement game, and if his team stays in character and plays well, they will be in prime position to continue to defend their home field.
“I want them to go out there and prepare as good as they ever prepared,” Norvell said. “I want them to have a focus on doing their job … At the end of it, I want them to play up to the capability of what they can play with passion with energy and continue to work on being more detailed and disciplined in how we approach. I believe in our guys.”
In the two matchups against UCF last season the Golden Knights beat the Tigers twice, one being the AAC Championship game. Norvell said this team is even better than it was last season.
“You see the experience they have,” Norvell said. “They have played a lot of football games. Their quarterback is one of the best in the country. I know he is getting mentioned for the Heisman trophy, and I think that is well deserved, not just by the plays, but by the way he commands the offense.”
McKenzie Milton, UCF’s 5-foot-11 quarterback, has completed 102 of his 171 pass attempts this season. Additionally, the junior has more than 1,500 passing yards and 15 touchdowns as well as only four interceptions.
Norvell mentioned this UCF team is playing much faster this season and understands the odds are stacked against his team. Nevertheless, he said his team will be playing at home, and they will rely on the fan base to help them get a victory.
“Our guys love playing at the Liberty Bowl,” Norvell said. “We love being able to represent this community and playing in front of our home crowd. That needs to be a factor Saturday. It’s going to be a beautiful day — 2:30 p.m. kickoff. I’m excited to see Memphis show up big.”
Memphis Tigers head football coach Mike Norvell pats Darrell Henderson on the back.
Tigers quarterback Brady White talks with the media post game. White completed 16 of his 18 passing attempts for over 230 yards.
