Coming off back to back heartbreaking losses in the AAC title game, Mike Norvell’s Memphis Tigers appear to be on the precipice of a breakthrough to a New Years 6 game. Armed with one of the nations most explosive offenses led by returning QB Brady White and a manageable schedule. 2019 might be the programs best chance yet to achieve a NY6 berth.
Prestige Ranking: 3*
Half a decade ago there was no buzz surrounding the Memphis Tigers program. After successful seasons led by current Va Tech coach Justin Fuente and QB Paxton Lynch the program has seen a rise in the GO5 ranks. This ascent has continued under Mike Norvell and after losing Fuente they made sure this would not happen again. In December 2017, they made him the highest-paid head coach outside the Power 5 until Dana Holgerson’s contract with Houston this offseason.
Last Year: 8-6 (5-3 AAC)
Inconsistency was the key problem for the Memphis Tigers last season. This stemmed mostly from the play of first-year starter Brady White as his poor performances in games against Tulane and Navy dragged down the team’s record. However, they were able to win the AAC West crown and put up multiple admirable performances against UCF despite both resulting in a losing effort.
Returning Starters
Offense: 6
- QB Brady White
- WR Damonte Coxie
- WR John Williams
- TE Joey Magnifico
- C Dustin Woodard
- LG Dylan Parnham
The Passing game should not miss a beat from last season. A second season starting for Brady White should see improved consistency. This is helped by the return of his number one receiver Damonte Coxie who went well over 1000 yards last season. Besides Coxie, the return of John Williams(30 catches last season) and Joey Magnifico(5 TDs) will allow the passing game to grow from last year.
For a normal program, the loss of a first-team all-American running back would be considered a problem. After an all-time great season from Darrell Henderson, Patrick Taylor is ready to fill the void with massive production. In Henderson’s shadow, Taylor managed to rush for over 1100 yards and 16 TDs. These are numbers that should skyrocket this season with 12 games as the featured back.
The offensive line will be a much bigger question. Memphis loses a trio of seniors and has to find a way to fill that void and keep the rushing production they had last year going. One of the people tasked with this will be all AAC player Dustin Woodard who will be shifting from RG to C this season.
Defense: 7
- DE Bryce Huff
- DE Jonathon Wilson
- LB JJ Russell
- LB Austin Hall
- CB TJ Carter
- FS La’Andre Thomas
- SS Tyrez Lindsey
The Memphis defense last season surrendered 31.9 points per game last season, good for 6th best in the AAC. With 7 returning starters and another that saw significant action last year that number is poised to improve for the 2019 year.
The defense is going to be anchored by the two defensive ends, Bryce Huff and Jonathon Wilson. Huff is a returning first-team all AAC selection and Wilson was the third team as the two combined for 16.5 sacks in 2019. Expect that number to go up and for both to fight for all-conference selections once again.
The linebacker unit should be among the most productive in the conference as it returns 3 players that saw significant action last year. Austin Hall and JJ Russell combined for 13 tackles for loss and will be expected to anchor this unit. However, the ceiling of this group will depend on the production of Tim Hart. He started 3 games and will be expected to fill the void left by leading tackler Curtis Atkins.
The most experienced group of the three is the defensive backfield. CB TJ Carter led the team in interceptions and is a preseason first-team all AAC selection according to Athlon Sports. Combined with Auburn transfer John Broussard and both starting safeties returning the secondary will be much improved this season.
Specialists
- K Riley Patterson
- P Adam Williams
- KR/PR John Williams
Patterson coming off a year in which he went 11/16 on field goals will be relied upon as he was the only kicker in spring camp. Williams walked on last season and has a firm grip on the job as he had an impressive 0 touchbacks last year.
The most interesting part of this Memphis Tigers special teams will be how they fill the void left by Tony Pollard. The electric do it all man leaves a huge hole in the offense that will try to be filled by John Williams.
Key Losses
Running back Darrell Henderson: The 2018 First Team AA rushed for nearly 2000 yards last year in his record-breaking season.
Running back/Wide Receiver Tony Pollard: Swiss army knife on offense that was second in receiving, third in rushing and primary kick returner.
Linebacker Curtis Atkins: Leading tackler from 2018 season
Key Newcomer on Offense: LT Obinna Eze
The first-year starting Left Tackle will be instrumental in anchoring the offensive line. He replaces two time all AAC selection Trevon Tate who started 49 games for the Tigers.
Key Newcomer on Defense: LB Tim Hart
Not a total stranger to Tiger fans as Hart started three games last year. He will replace the previously mentioned Atkins in the middle of the defense and showed ability with 30 tackles in his place last year.
Will Win the Conference if
They take care of business in games they are supposed to win. Upset losses to Tulane and Navy along with two blown leads to UCF twice dragged down the record to 8-6 last season. This and better play from Brady White will be instrumental in bringing an AAC title to the Liberty Bowl
Circle the Game: @ Houston
This game will decide the AAC West representative in the championship game. Houston QB D’eriq King will be back to full strength by Mid-November. This will allow the Cougars to put up a formidable challenge against the Tigers.
2019 Outlook: 10-2
There is a chance for 11 wins given they avoid UCF from the East. 10 seems much more likely though as inconsistency from Brady White could lead to laying an egg or two. A Tough game to open the season against a new look Ole Miss led by Matt Corral. As well as difficult games to end the year against Houston and Cincinnati present the most likely losses for Memphis.