Tigers, Cougars battle for AAC West crown

Friday, November 23

Memphis, Tenn.

11:00 a.m. CT

University of Memphis

Houston

Tickets

Tight end Joey Magnifico (right) had two TD receptions in last week's win at SMU.

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Nov 22, 2018 | Football

Memphis Notes (vs. Houston)Houston Notes (vs. Memphis)American Athletic Conference Notes

UofM uses strong second-half of season to earn shot at division title.

By: Phil Stukenborg

TV: ABC | WatchESPN.com
Radio: Rock 103 FM | Stream
Live Stats: GoTigersGo.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – With a trip to the American Athletic Conference Championship at stake, the University of Memphis will play host to Houston at 11 a.m. Friday at Liberty Memorial Stadium.

Read that first paragraph again.

When the Tigers (7-4, 4-3 American) found themselves staring at a 1-3 conference record following a heartbreaking 31-30 home loss to UCF Oct. 13, few expected the UofM to turn its season around. And when the following weekend resulted in a disappointing non-conference road loss at Missouri, additional concerns mounted.

*Pick up your Senior Day game program at the Liberty Bowl Friday.*

But the UofM refused to allow those letdowns to define its season. Since Mizzou, the Tigers have won three straight – road games against ECU and SMU and a home game against Tulsa – to position themselves for a West Division title and return trip to the league's championship game.

If the Tigers are able to knock off Houston (8-3, 5-2 American), they'll play UCF Dec. 1 in Orlando in a rematch of last year's memorable title game.

Memphis coach Mike Norvell said the team has been locked in since the bye week, which occurred after the Tigers dropped a 65-33 decision to Missouri Oct. 20.

"Since our bye week, I have seen growth in this football team and ownership in every aspect of our preparation — the relentless style of play showing up on the field and being a team that is driven to improve. We are not focused on anything else other than the Memphis Tigers.

"That's preparing them to play the 60-minute contests to respond to the adversity when that shows up. Our guys did everything we needed to do (at SMU,) Friday to be successful."

In what may have been the most resilient effort of the season, the Tigers overcame turnovers and a sluggish first half. And they didn't let a comeback try by SMU distract them. The Mustangs trimmed the Memphis lead to 14-12 with 1:22 to go in the third quarter, but the Tigers added two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a 28-18 win.

Offensively, the UofM will be led by Darrell Henderson, the nation's second-leading rusher (1,521 yards). He also ranks second nationally with 8.74 yards per carry. Quarterback Brady White has passed for 2,738 yards and 24 touchdowns, while receiver Damonte Coxie has 60 receptions for 1,039 yards.

Houston will present challenges offensively, too. Quarterback D'Eriq King is lost for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, but Norvell said he expects the Cougars to have enough weapons to be productive.

"King is a special player and I hate to see him go down, especially on something that was such a freak thing," Norvell said. "He's been such a dynamic player throughout the season, but they have so many weapons. Even when they had someone go down, they have had someone step up and take that place.

"I think the lowest point total is 31 points in a game this year. They are impressive to watch. You see the true freshman come in the second half of that game (against Tulane), and they still scored 17 points with him in there. There were a couple big passes. It's going to be a great challenge for our defense to compete against these guys."

QUICK HITS

Novembers have been successful for the Tigers under coach Mike Norvell. Memphis is 9-1 since 2016 in November.
Houston QB D'Eriq King's torn meniscus injury has sidelined him for the season. In his place, true freshman Clayton Tune will start for the Cougars. He has appeared in three games with four TD passes and one interception.
Tiger RB Darrell Henderson has rushed for more than 100 yards in 12 of his last 16 games.
Memphis is 16-1 when playing a non-Saturday game since 2014.
Tony Pollard has not returned a kickoff for a TD in 13 games, the longest drought of his career. Pollard holds the Memphis record with six kickoff returns for scores.