*** NCAA Football Preview - Memphis Tigers ***
From The My Sportsbook
By Ralph Lauro, College Football Staff Writer
2003 SEASON IN REVIEW: Last season was a magical one for the Tigers, who put together the school's best record in 40 years with a 9-4 overall mark, which included a 5-3 ledger in C-USA games. The nine wins matched the victory total of the 1963 Memphis State football squad and marked the first winning campaign for the team since 1994. The invitation to the 2003 New Orleans Bowls was also the Tigers' first bowl appearance since 1971. The team opened the '03 season with two consecutive victories, including a shocking 44-43 triumph over SEC power Ole Miss. However, following that win the club dropped three of its next four games, putting it at an even 3-3. The Tigers then caught fire with five straight wins and six of their last seven. Memphis capped off its dream season by handing North Texas a 27-17 setback in the New Orleans Bowl.
2004 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: The Tigers possessed one of the more balanced and potent attacks in the nation last season, averaging a solid 181.5 rushing ypg and 263.0 passing ypg. The team ranked 16th in total offense (444.5 ypg), which helped it average a solid 30.2 ppg. This year's club should be even better with the return of all 11 starters on offense. The team is led by signal-caller Danny Wimprine, who passed for 3,174 yards last season with 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He was also named MVP of the New Orleans Bowl, throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown. Wimprine is not the only option in the Tigers' arsenal, however, as tailback DeAngelo Williams had a monster 2003 season. Williams, who missed the final 2 1/2 games, established a Memphis single-season rushing record with 1,430 yards. He also recorded 13 total touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Williams was just as deadly as a receiver, catching 35 balls for 384 yards and three scores. Speaking of catching the ball, the Tigers have perhaps the deepest and most talented receiving corps in school history. Back from last year's team are Maurice Avery and Darron White. The two combined for 86 catches, 1,267 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Also back are two of the club's top receivers from '02 in Tavares Gideon and Von Webb, both of whom sat out last season with knee injuries. As for the offensive line, 11 lettermen return, including all five starters. Those starters allowed just 12 sacks last season and will be even more instrumental in the team's success this year.
DEFENSE: While the Memphis offense received most of the attention last season, it was the defense that really shined. The Tigers, who ranked 101st in rushing defense and 57th in total defense in 2002, finished last season as the nation's 18th best rush defense and ninth overall. The defense allowed just 19.2 ppg, while limiting their opponents to just 110.4 rushing ypg and 185.4 passing ypg. Memphis, however, did lose several key players to graduation and the NFL and have just five starters returning. Up front, Albert Means is the only returning starter after posting 51 tackles and two sacks in '03. Means made the switch from nose tackle to defensive end in the spring and will be even more of factor in the pass rush. Joining him on the defensive front will be letter winner David McNair at end and two-year letterman LaVale Washington at nose tackle. McNair recorded 22 stops and three sacks last season, while Washington managed 29 tackles and two sacks. The biggest hole the Tigers must fill this year is at the linebacker position, where they lost three starters in Greg Harper, Coot Terry and Will Hyden. The trio started every game for Memphis in '03 and will surely be missed this season. Taking over for this group will be Tim Goodwell, Charles Davis, Michael Spurlock and Heath Grant. Goodwell has the most experience, as he made 37 tackles as a sophomore last season. Both Davis and Spurlock are returning letter winners, while Grant comes to Memphis after an outstanding prep career in Mississippi. As for the secondary, it is the most experienced group on the defensive side of the ball. Both corners, Cameron Essex and Tristan Thomas, return, as does free safety Wesley Smith. Essex started 10 games last season, recording 42 tackles and five pass breakups. Thomas has lettered for three years in the secondary and is credited with 49 career tackles and one interception. As for Smith, he was an All-Conference USA selection in '03 after posting 98 tackles and four TFLs. Scott Vogel, who registered 69 stops and 11 pass breakups last season, will also see time in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Stephen Gostkowski will handle the placekicking duties for Memphis once again this season. He finished last season as the league's number two kicker (1.46 field goals per game) and was perfect on 44 extra-point attempts. Handling the punting duties will be Brandon Roberson, who averaged 39.5 yards on 50 punts last season.
OUTLOOK: The Tigers shocked many people with the amount of success they had last season and a duplicate performance this year is not out of the question. The team's offense should be among the best in the nation which alone, should keep them in many games. The Tigers' true test will come on defense where they were hit hard by graduation. The team, however, has a bit of an easier schedule and another nine-win season and bowl appearance should be within reach.
