Memphis Tigers Football: Week 13 Bye Week and Season Finale Preview
The Memphis Tigers football team is in a bit of a bittersweet spot as they near the end of their regular season. With an 8-3 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the American Conference, the Tigers are gearing up for their last game against Navy on Thanksgiving Day.
There have been flashes of brilliance this season—remember that brief appearance in the College Football Playoff rankings? Still, recent setbacks have knocked them out of the conference title game conversation. Now, with a bye week to catch their breath, the Tigers are hoping to pull off something special against a tough Navy squad that’s still chasing a conference championship.
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Memphis Tigers’ Season Recap
The Tigers started the year with a commanding 45-10 win over Chattanooga on August 30. That first game really set the tone, and Memphis rolled through their first six games without a loss.
Highlights? There was that wild 32-31 nail-biter over Arkansas and a blowout 55-26 win at Florida Atlantic. They looked pretty unstoppable for a stretch.
Early Success and Rising Expectations
Memphis’ early season wins included:
- Chattanooga (45-10 W)
- Georgia State (38-16 W)
- Troy (28-7 W)
- Arkansas (32-31 W)
- Florida Atlantic (55-26 W)
- Tulsa (45-7 W)
Those victories put them in the national spotlight, and they even made it into the first College Football Playoff rankings on November 4. Fans started to believe a trip to the conference title game was within reach.
Mid-Season Challenges
But then, things got rocky in mid-October. A tough loss to UAB on October 18 started a rough patch for the Tigers.
They bounced back with wins over South Florida and Rice, but the momentum just wasn’t the same.
Key Setbacks
The Tigers ran into some serious trouble late in the season:
- UAB (31-24 L)
- Tulane (38-32 L)
- East Carolina (31-27 L)
Back-to-back defeats against Tulane and East Carolina, especially, pretty much shut the door on any conference title hopes. It’s been a wild ride, with some real highs and lows, leaving everyone wondering what might’ve been if a few things broke differently.
Now, with the bye week here, Memphis has one last shot to make an impression. Their Thanksgiving Day matchup with Navy isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to close out the season on a high.
Navy comes in with a 9-2 record and a 6-1 mark in the conference, still chasing that championship. For them, a win is a must.
Game Details
Here’s what to know about the Memphis vs. Navy game:
- Date: Thursday, November 27
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Broadcast: ESPN
For Memphis, it’s really about pride at this point. They’ll need to bring their best to take down a Navy team with a lot to play for.
Key Players to Watch
A few players have been huge for Memphis this season, and they’ll need to step up again against Navy.
Offensive Standouts
On offense, keep an eye on:
- Quarterback: He’s put up solid passing yards and touchdowns all year.
- Running Back: Dependable on the ground, always fighting for extra yards.
- Wide Receivers: These guys have come up big with clutch plays more than once.
Defensive Anchors
Defensively, the Tigers will be counting on:
- Linebackers: The heart of the defense, always around the ball.
- Defensive Backs: Key for stopping big plays and grabbing interceptions.
- Defensive Line: Need them to get after the Navy quarterback and disrupt the backfield.
If these guys are on their game, Memphis has a fighting chance to slow down Navy’s disciplined attack.
Coaching and Strategy
Memphis’ coaches have been grinding to get ready for Navy. The bye week is a real chance to tweak the game plan and patch up any holes that have shown up lately.
Adjustments and Preparations
Some main focus areas for the staff:
- Defensive Adjustments: Tighten up to avoid giving up big plays.
- Offensive Strategy: Find ways to poke holes in Navy’s defense.
- Special Teams: No mistakes—every kick and return counts.
It’s really going to come down to how well the coaches can get the team ready and keep them motivated. Who knows? Maybe there’s one more surprise left in this Tigers season.
Conclusion
The Memphis Tigers are heading into their last regular season game. There’s a weird mix of anticipation and a little bit of looking back.
This season? It’s been a ride—some big wins, a few stumbles. Not the year for a conference title, but the upcoming matchup with Navy still matters.
It’s a final shot to finish strong. Fans are definitely going to be watching, hoping for a performance that really shows what the team’s made of.
For more detailed insights and updates, check out the full article on the Commercial Appeal website.
