Memphis tries to tame Jaguars after big win against Ole Miss
Tigers offense looks to step up after lackluster performance in Week 1
news@theeveningtimes.com
Memphis Tigers Head Coach Mike Norvell said there was a lot to like in Memphis’s 15-10 win last week over Ole Miss. But they also have some things to correct, especially on offense.
The Tigers dominated the Rebels on time of possession 38 minutes to 21 minutes and outgained Ole Miss 364 yards to 173, but were also called for ten penalties. Defensively, the Tigers turned in one of their best performances.
The defense under new coordinator Adam Fuller held the Rebels to under 100 yards rushing and 173 yards overall and only allowed Quarterback Matt Corral to convert once on third down in ten tires.
But the normally high powered Tigers offense managed to put up just 15 points and Brady White only threw for 172 yards with few of them downfield.
“We’re glad to be 1-0,” Norvell said at his weekly press conference. “We did what we needed to do. But we have a lot to correct.”
The Tigers will look to go 2-0 this week as the team takes on the Southern University Jaguars at Liberty Bowl on Saturday at 11 a.m.
This will be the Jaguars first trip to the Liberty Bowl and the Tiger’s first meeting against an SWAC opponent.
The Jaguars, who were 7-3 in 2018, are coming off a 34-28 loss to McNeese State. Southern picked up 29 first downs and outgained the Cowboys 342 yards to 303 but were forced to use two quarterbacks. Junior Quarterback Ladarius Skelton completed five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns but was benched after just one series in the second half.
Glendon McDaniel completed 11 of 19 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown.
Norvell said game planning against two quarterbacks will be challenging.
“The quarterbacks can spin it around pretty well,” Norvell said. “You have to watch both of them. Both are capable with their legs.
They present challenging schematic things that we’re going to have to face.”
Norvell added that Southern is a well-coached team that has talent. The Jaguars return several All-Southwestern Athletic Conference members on offense at tight end and tailback and five returning offensive linemen. Hunter Register and Timothy Bedford have 137 receiving yards combined and three touchdowns. On the ground, Devin Benn has 33 yards on 11 carries.
“They have great playmakers across the board,” Norvell said. “We’re going to have to improve and truly focus on ourselves to play at the best of our ability.”
