The Memphis Tigers traveled to visit SMU, having won 7 of the last 8 against SMU. Tanner Mordecai is one of the top 10 QBs in the country in passing yards for SMU. He was injured early in the game, but returned the second half.
SMU vs Memphis Studs/Duds
Studs: The Memphis start. The Memphis Tigers were varied in their rushing offense early. They handed off to Asa Martin early and often. Martin’s year has been underrated but mainly due to being a secondary rusher and receiver. But Martin finished the season with over 300 yards rushing, and over 300 passing, so that’s notable. Also in the game, Coach Silverfield utilized highly-touted transfer Jevyon Ducker, who had a great game per rush. Even Sutton Smith, the freshman, was given several carries and scored a TD, the opportunity based on his great performances in late-game performances.
The playcalling was run-driven, which seemed to take SMU off-balance. As the game went on the start faded as the SMU defense seemed to adjust to the new Memphis focus. This leads us to
SMU vs Memphis Studs/Duds
Duds: The Memphis defense overall. Once again an opponent rolled up an impressive number against the Memphis D. 424 yards given up, 34 points the last 3 quarters, and 0 turnovers forced. It felt even more brutal than that -as Rashee Rice the outstanding WR for SMU made several outstanding catches and he finished with 13 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. But the dispiriting thing for Memphis Tiger fans was that it seemed Rice to get open if QB Mordecai could be given time in the pocket.
SMU vs Memphis Studs/Duds
Studs: The Memphis late-game surge. If a single game this year, even a single game, had been a miraculous comeback then this would’ve felt differently. But the Memphis Tigers haven’t had a late-game comeback. And the Memphis Tigers scoring with less than 7 minutes left, forcing a late punt from SMU, felt to many fans like a false promise. The defense stepped up and forced a three-and-out from SMU. After the punt, Memphis went all the way to the SMU 9 with 0:14 seconds to go in the game. That leads us to:
SMU vs Memphis Studs/Duds
Duds: Another last-play loss. (It is practically a last-play loss, though the last play was “victory formation” by the SMU offense). Memphis had first-and-goal on SMU 9, and needed a field goal to tie and force overtime. The best-case scenario was to try for the touchdown to win in regulation. The worst-case scenario was to throw an interception in the end zone. This is the “Dud” section of your recap…. so guess. 3 last-play losses over a season. The nerves of the Memphis Tigers’ fans are frayed. (Perhaps some writers, too, but that’s their own fault).
Final: It may be that the Memphis Tigers’ football program is at a tipping point. Many local writers had forecast a slightly better year. You know that college program that year after year is always 6-6, barely making a bowl every year. Year after year, after year. Me neither (be sure to supply your citations if you protest this knowledge).
At this point in his 3rd year, Coach Silverfield has established his tendencies as a recruiter, and his game knowledge and capabilities. But as stated above: few programs remain static at even, they will usually continue falling or rebound. Early forecasts for next year from 24/7 sports have the Memphis Tigers as the 4th best recruiting in the AAC. They are marginally above 5th and 6th place.
The harsh reality is that the loss takes the Memphis Tigers to 8th place in the AAC. Even though it was just a hairs-breadth in 3 of the losses, there were no wins this year that were marked upsets. You’re being naive if you don’t believe there’s going to be a major overhaul in the program, most likely in supporting roles.
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