What are key games on Tigers’ 2021 football schedule?
Now that Memphis' football schedule is out, what should fans look forward to this season besides a quarterback battle?
The Tigers won't face Cincinnati or South Florida. They'll play Tulsa for the first time in two seasons and ECU for the first time since 2018. Their off week comes in the final weekend of October.
Coach Ryan Silverfield's second season will be a challenge, but it could be another promising year for the Tigers if the COVID-19 pandemic is under control by September,
Here are five dates fans should circle on the schedule:
Sept. 18 vs. Mississippi State
Memphis' lone nonconference game against an SEC opponent. Besides being the first meeting between the schools since 2011, this could put the Tigers' home-winning streak in jeopardy.
The Tigers have won 15 consecutive games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. They also haven't beaten the Bulldogs since 1993.
Oct. 2 at Temple
Yes, Joey Magnifico caught that fourth-down pass at Temple two years ago. Some players won't forget the call going against the Tigers heading to Philadelphia, and they should also remember this: Memphis hasn't won its road AAC opener since 2016.
The Tigers open AAC play with two road games and whomever the starting quarterback is, this will be his first big test. Can the Tigers get off to a good start?
Oct. 14/16 vs Navy
If this game happens Oct. 14, Memphis will host Navy five days after traveling to Tulsa. But no matter the date, the Tigers' first home AAC game will be one of its toughest opponents. The Tigers have beaten the Midshipmen three of the last four seasons, but Navy should be much improved this season.
Oct. 22 at Central Florida
The Tigers' record-setting comeback win over UCF last season was one to remember. It shook off the ghosts of four heartbreaking losses in 2017 and 2018.
Can the Tigers do it again? Three of those four losses to UCF were on the road, and the Knights will be eager for revenge. It'll also be the Tigers' first look at new UCF coach Gus Malzahn.
Nov. 6 vs. SMU
SMU returns to the Liberty Bowl for the first time since Memphis hosted the Mustangs in front of a sold-out crowd in 2019. Memphis nearly rallied from a 21point deficit last season but lost on a late field goal. Like the Tigers, SMU will be looking for a new quarterback after Shane Buechele left for the draft.
The Tigers haven't lost in November since 2016, so this could be a good way to kick off another strong finish.