Memphis Tigers 2022 College Football Preview

Memphis Tigers 2022 College Football Preview

July 8, 2022

2021 Recap

Record – 6-6

ATS – 4-8

The Tigers ROARED to a 3-0 start after taking down SEC opponent Mississippi St in an exciting 31-29 victory. Things took a nasty turn to TURD TOWN after that as they dropped four of their next five contests, three of them by one score. Memphis earned their sixth win in the season finale by taking down Tulane (W 33-28) and achieved bowl eligibility. Sadly, their bowl game in paradise (Hawaii Bowl) was cancelled. The PANDEMIC OF THE VACCINATED claimed another victim.

Let’s check in with the program and see if they have what it takes to contend for an AAC title in 2022.


Memphis Tigers 2022 Outlook

OFFENSE

The Tigers weren’t themselves last year and averaged 30.1 PPG (#5 AAC) which was their lowest output since 2013 when they could only cobble together 19.5 PPG. QB Seth Henigan had an excellent freshman (!) season (60%, 25-8 TD to INT) but he’ll need to navigate 2022 without all-Universe WR Calvin Austin (1,149, 15.5, 8 TD) and FREAKSHOW TE Sean Dykes (657, 7 TD). Some decent talent remains at WR and TE but we don’t see anyone with overwhelming talent on the roster. Time will tell. The RB room is LOADED and looks like the best in the conference. Memphis returns the 1-2 combo of Brandon Thomas and Rodrigues Clark who combined for over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs LY and they get a yuuuuge addition in the explosive Jeyvon Ducker from Northern Illinois. Three starters return up front but they’ll miss RG Dylan Parham who’s off to the NFL. These guys are way more dangerous when the rushing attack clicks (197,280,187 YPG from 2017-2019; 136,145 L2Y) so there’s reason for optimism.

DEFENSE

Memphis was mediocre on defense LY (#95 FBS total defense, #91 scoring defense) and were HEINOUS when it came to getting off the field on 3rd downs (48%, #126 FBS). The Tigers return four of their top-five tacklers and look particularly strong in the secondary where they boast some legit playmakers in FS Quindell Johnson (104 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 11 PBU LY) and CB Greg Rubin who tallied an impossible 14 PBU in 2021. We’re not psyched about the front seven, particularly a DL that brings back just one starter, but at least there’s sack potential at DE with the return of Wardalis Ducksworth and Jaylon Allen (9 combined sacks LY). This is yet another AAC defense that has the look of “average”.

SPECIAL TEAMS

RUH ROH. The Tigers need to sort out the FGK situation as Joe Doyle and David Kemp combined to hit just 12/19 FG in 2021 (2-5 40+). It stinks to lose the great Calvin Austin at PR (27.0, TD LY).

Schedule Analysis

Overall – The schedule-maker gave them a bit of a breather as they avoid Cincinnati (!) and get to play Houston and UCF at home. They should be able to go 3-1 in non-conference play and only play five games ON THE HIGHWAY. There are four consecutive home contests from September 17 to October 7.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 3 – at Mississippi St

REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD and the Bulldogs will be in an ORNERY mood after snatching defeat from the JAWS OF VICTORY in Memphis LY.

Season Win Total

Over 7.5 +100

Under 7.5 -130

MEGALOCKS says:

Lean: Under

That number looks about right but we see more downside than upside with this squad.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

Memphis is one TOUGH COOKIE to beat at home as they have a 46-8 (!) win-loss mark since 2014.

Former HC Mike Norvell led the Tigers to three consecutive AAC Championship Game appearances and they won it all in 2019 (beat Cincinnati 29-24).


MEGALOCKS Outlook:

Memphis has been a dangerous bunch for a long time but you have to wonder if they’re heading in the wrong direction. They escaped a losing season last year by the skin of their tiger claws and don’t have the talent edge over the competition like they did a few years ago. We’ll call for six to eight wins and a bowl appearance.

Go Tigers! 


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