Memphis Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels Game Preview

How to watch: ABC

Start time: 11:00am CT

Line: Memphis -5.5

Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (Memphis, TN)

Memphis Tigers to watch

QB Brady White
RB Patrick Taylor Jr.
WR Damonte Coxie
DE Bryce Huff
CB TJ Carter

Ole Miss Rebels to watch

QB Matt Corral
RB Scottie Phillips
DE Josiah Costney
NT Benito Jones
CB Jaylon Jones

Memphis Outlook

Mike Norvell put his team in position to win AAC championships the last two years, but they couldn’t pull through. Now they return a ton of experience, and are looking to take the next step. If anyone embodies that, it’s Brady White. White’s triumphs came against weaker competition, but he struggled against good teams. With a year of experience under his belt, he’ll become a better passer to lead the Tigers offense. Joining him will be Patrick Taylor Jr., who replaces Tigers great Darrell Henderson. Taylor has the potential to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing this year, and can make a big statement in Week 1. The offense should be just fine, but what about the defense?

Memphis’ defense returned talent last year, but struggled at times to make stops. The Tigers offense is expected to score plenty of points, but they’ll need the other side of the ball to step up. Guys like Bryce Huff, TJ Carter, and Austin Hall return, and need to prove they can be leaders who can get Memphis a conference title.

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ole Miss Outlook

Matt Luke snagged Rich Rodriguez and Mike MacIntyre to coach his offense and defense, respectively. That will help tremendously with new faces filling in at various positions. Especially at wide receiver. AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, and DeMarkus Lodge are all gone, meaning new faces must replaces them. Matt Corral will be the starter at quarterback, and Scottie Phillips will be a good back if he stays healthy. The Rebels have talent on the roster, but can they come together to beat Memphis?

Prediction

Norvell’s team wants to move on from the disappointing finish to their 2018 season. The best way to do that is take it to a Rebels team trying to figure things out. Ole Miss is good, but Memphis is better. MEMPHIS 31 OLE MISS 28