How Tigers can repeat as AAC West champions

In less than two weeks, Memphis will begin the 2018 football season looking to not just repeat as AAC West Division champions but to win the conference outright.

The Tigers were the preseason media pick to win the division for the second consecutive year, and their schedule sets up for another strong run.

The good news is the Tigers host two of their toughest conference opponents at home. But the Tigers open AAC play with a game that could make or break this season.

Here is what Memphis can do in each AAC game to repeat as division champs:

Sept. 8 at Navy

Slow down Malcolm Perry. The Navy junior quarterback took over at the end of last season and finished with 1,182 rushing yards. He’s a more dynamic runner than last year’s starter Zach Abey, and if the Memphis defense can contain him, the Tigers can win their first ever game at Navy after winning at the Liberty Bowl last year.

Much easier said than done, especially for the Tigers’ first road game.

Sept. 28 at Tulane

The Tigers’ solution is two-fold. Stop dual-threat quarterback Jonathan Banks and play a full four quarters. Memphis led 35-0 to start last year’s game but let off the gas in the third quarter to see its lead cut to 16 before winning relatively easily.

Banks was contained last year by Memphis, but he’s a year wiser and playing at home. He’s the key for Tulane’s offense, which returns nine starters.

Oct. 6 vs. UConn

Don’t look ahead. Memphis can’t afford to assume UConn will be a walkover

even though the Tigers put up 70 points last year.

A clear focus plus an offense that should be clicking under its new quarterback by now means Memphis will score, but it’s the Tigers defense that needs to make a statement.

Oct. 13 vs. UCF

Play with controlled revenge. Memphis played much better against UCF in the AAC championship game and that’s encouraging considering UCF’s defense lost several key members from last year.

The Tigers’ offensive line must control the line of scrimmage from the opening drive. And the defense? Just stop Heisman candidate quarterback McKenzie Milton and running back Adrian Killins, who took turns torching the Tigers in the regular-season meeting.

Easy right? Well there’s a reason UCF has won 11 straight in this series.

Nov. 3 at East Carolina

Just show up. The Tigers will be coming off a bye week, and ECU has been one of the AAC’s worst teams the last couple seasons. Memphis probably won’t score 70 points like last year but the Tigers will put up enough for another big win.

Nov. 10 vs. Tulsa

See above. Tulsa’s offense will improve from being 110th in the country last year, but Memphis’ defense will be better as well. As long as the Tigers show up motivated, this won’t be as close as last year when Memphis led 2114 at halftime.

Nov. 16 at SMU

Beware the Air-Raid. New SMU coach Sonny Dykes’ prolific passing offense will test the Tigers’ secondary. However, when Dykes coached at Cal from 2013-2016, his team was at the bottom of the Pac-12 in defense three of his four seasons.

The Tigers will score at will, but the defense can’t allow the Mustangs to get their offense in a rhythm.

Nov. 23 vs. Houston

Come out strong. Memphis fell behind 21-0 at halftime before beginning its historic comeback last season. No matter what Houston brings to the Liberty Bowl, the Tigers cannot afford to play so poorly at the start.

Given how dramatic the last three meetings between have been, it’s imperative Memphis doesn’t wait until the third quarter to score.