Tigers predicted to win AAC West in preseason media poll

Memphis already received its share of preseason praise with both ESPN and Athlon Sports predicting a nine-win season.

The Tigers got another dose of love Tuesday as they were picked to win the AAC West for the third consecutive season in the preseason media poll released at AAC Media Day in Newport, Rhode Island.

Memphis received 15 first-place votes, one more than Houston. Central Florida was picked to win the East with 19 first-place votes and also to repeat as AAC champions with 12 points.

The Tigers received six votes to win the AAC, third among teams behind UCF and Cincinnati (eight). The poll was conducted prior to UCF losing quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. to an ankle injury last week.

The Tigers also were tabbed to win the AAC West by Athlon Sports, Phil Steele, Lindy Sports and Street and Smith's magazines.

For Memphis, 16 starters return, including wide receivers Damonte Coxie and Pop Williams, offensive lineman Dustin Woodard, defensive end Bryce Huff and defensive back TJ Carter. All were all-conference selections last season.

Memphis coach Mike Norvell said last week that while he appreciates the preseason chatter, he also knows it has little to do with how things will play out over the season.

"I think it is a tremendous compliment that people view our program at a very high level nationally and all the expectations are hard-earned and welldeserved," Norvell said. "Our program has represented itself nicely over the last few years, but at the end of the day, that doesn’t do anything for us this year or today.

"We’ve got to go out there and put ourselves in the best position to be successful by focusing on the little things and continuing to grow and focus on our daily improvement."

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com