The University of Memphis football program will look to continue to build momentum when they face the Troy Trojans at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Saturday morning.
The Tigers looked the part of a College Football Playoff (CFP) hopeful in their season opener, comfortably beating North Alabama, 40-0.
The Memphis defense showed signs of discipline and playmaking that were sorely lacking last season. Defensive anchor Chandler Martin led the way with eight tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss. Transfer linebacker Matt Hudson (Harvard) and senior defensive back Davion Ross each added an interception.
In two games under new defensive coordinator Jordan Hankins, the Tigers defense has looked massively improved compared to the regular season output last season. However, Troy presents the first FBS opponent to play Hankins' defense with game film, as the Liberty Bowl last season was his debut as play caller.
The story offensively for the Tigers in week-one was an injury sustained by starting running back Sutton Smith in the first quarter. Smith, one of Memphis' most versatile weapons, left the game with crutches, and the severity of his injury is still unknown.
South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson Jr. will likely become an every-down back in Smith's absence with UMass transfer Greg Desrosiers Jr. slotting in as the backup.
Troy comes into Memphis after a disappointing defeat at the hands of Nevada. The Trojans will be a great litmus test for the Tigers, as Troy has been a dominant program in the Sun Belt for several seasons. Last year, Troy finished 11-3 with their losses coming at Kansas State, against James Madison, and in the Birmingham Bowl against Duke.
While the Trojans lost in week-one, Memphis cannot afford to overlook Troy. A home non-conference loss to a Sun Belt opponent would severely damage the Tigers' case for the CFP.
Seth Henigan and the Memphis offense cruised to 40 points against UNA, but there were some concerns that emerged offensively outside of Sutton Smith's injury. Notably, North Alabama out-rushed Memphis, compiling 67 yards on the ground compared to 64 yards for the Tigers.
The offensive line was effective in pass protection, but Memphis will need to keep defenses honest by producing in the run game.
In contrast, the passing game looked crisp for the Tigers in the opener. Henigan threw for over 300 yards, while passing to nine different receivers.
While Troy presents a much larger challenge than North Alabama, Memphis' offense should prove to be too much for the Trojan defense. Memphis cannot afford to sleepwalk into this matchup, but the Tigers are the more talented team.
The game will be at 11 A.M. CT at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and will be available to watch on ESPN+.
