By Paul Sykes
Usually one ignores past performance in a rivalry game.
Not so in the Louisville-Memphis game Saturday at 2 p.m., Papa John’s. It’s impossible to ignore how bad Memphis football has been of late.
And, perhaps best of all, Tommy West is no longer coach.
Under first year coach Larry Porter, Memphis is 1-4, allowing an average of 35.8 points, including three 45-plus points to the likes of Tulsa, East Carolina and Mississippi State. Memphis averages only 15.6 points per contest and is ranked 110th in total offense. Last season’s record was 2-10.
A youthful offense features freshmen Ryan Williams at QB and Jerrell Rhodes at running back. Getting to the red zone for Memphis has proved difficult but once there, they are a perfect 8-8 in scoring touchdowns. The Tigers do boast a huge offensive line, averaging a stout 308 pounds, allowing 13 sacks thus far.
Expect another productive day for Adam Froman, Bilal Powell and Victor Anderson. U of L wins 33-17, maybe higher if the offense can maintain focus.
Louisville owns a 22-19 edge in the series.
Spook Murphy must be rolling over in his grave.