5 tips for Memphis-houston matchup at the Liberty Bowl
5 things to watch: Tigers host Houston in regular-season finale
The Memphis-houston rivalry has created thrillers since both joined the AAC in 2013. The two will hope for another one Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers still getting 10 regular season games is an accomplishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Entering this weekend, only two AAC teams have played 10 games so far.
Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPNU) is the final regular season game for the Tigers and one last opportunity for some to play at home. They’ve clinched a winning record in spite of transfers, injuries, opt outs and a month off because of COVID-19 issues. For the seniors, they’ve never lost to Houston (3-3, 3-2).
Here’s five things to watch in Saturday’s game.
How healthy is Memphis?
As of Wednesday, Joseph Dorceus and Rodrigues Clark were limited in practice. Whether or not Clark is healthy doesn’t change a thing because Tigers coach Ryan Silverfield didn’t commit to naming a starting running back this week
If Dorceus can’t play, the defensive line needs more than Morris Joseph leading the way. John Cartwright, Kajuan Robinson and Maurice White will needed as they were last week against Tulane.
The Tigers also won’t have linebacker Cole Mashburn for the first half after a targeting penalty against Tulane. A week after having just 53 scholarship players against Tulane, the Tigers could be limited once again.
Rest or rust for Houston?
Houston will be the fourth consecutive FBS opponent the Tigers face that had at least a week off before the game.
The Cougars haven’t played since Nov. 14 due to two games affected by COVID-19 issues.
Houston’s Dec. 5 game was canceled because of issues within SMU’S program so the Cougars are fine from a health standpoint. But does it help Memphis facing a rested team or hurt knowing the Cougars might look different than what’s on film.
Silverfield said one of Houston’s strengths is blitzing on third down to create pressure. Memphis is 33% on third-down conversions over the past three games. Will the Tigers they be ready for any adjustments the Cougars have tinkered with in the past month? Time will tell.
A familiar Tune
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune is no stranger to Memphis. He’s 0-2 vs. the Tigers and they know he can run, as Tune showed last season with a 68-yard score.
Whether it’s Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder or Tulane’s Michael Pratt, the Tigers have struggled with mobile quarterbacks. But the secondary might have a bigger worry with speedy senior receiver Marquez Stevenson.
Stevenson missed the past two games with an ankle injury but could be available Saturday. Whether he plays or not, the Tigers also have to watch out for receivers Keith Corbin and Nathaniel Dell.
Protect the streaks
A win keeps two key streaks going for the Tigers.
The Tigers’ 14-game winning streak is the fifth longest in the country and they’ve also won four consecutive games against Houston. Three of those four wins were decided in the fourth quarter.
If Memphis wins, the Tigers will have gone two full seasons without a home loss.
Milestone watch
Brady White isn’t just 56 yards from becoming Memphis’ all-time passing leader. He’s also 150 yards shy from being the first Tigers quarterback with three seasons of at least 3,000 passing yards.
Calvin Austin III needs 49 yards to be the fourth Memphis receiver to post a 1,000-yard season. His next touchdown will make him the sixth Memphis player with at least 10 receiving touchdowns in a season.