ESPN College GameDay, ABC set to cover high stakes matchup at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In the history of University of Memphis football, there have been few matchups as anticipated as Saturday night's American Athletic Conference game against SMU.
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The facts:
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The 6:30 p.m. kickoff at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium – the UofM's Homecoming Game -- is expected to draw a sellout crowd of more than 58,000.
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Both teams are nationally ranked, undefeated SMU (8-0, 4-0 The American) is No. 15 in the Associated Press poll, while the Tigers (7-1, 3-1 The American) are No. 24. Memphis has never played as a team ranked in both polls (AP and USA Today/Coaches) against an opponent also ranked in both.
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Both the Mustangs and the Tigers bring prolific offenses. SMU averages 43 points per game, which ranks sixth nationally. The Tigers average 39.5 points, which ranks 10th.
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And, of course, the game is an attraction nationally, with ESPN bringing its popular College GameDay crew to the city for its Saturday morning show for the first time. ABC will carry the game nationally.
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Fourth-year Memphis coach Mike Norvell is looking forward to showcasing his program as it's rarely been showcased.
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"This is a huge game for what it means for Memphis and our football team," Norvell said. "To put ourselves in a position that we can play on the stage that we're on is something we should be proud of. It's the next opportunity to improve and play at an elite level."
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SMU is off to an 8-0 start for the first time since 1982. The Mustangs have been led by quarterback Shane Buechele, who has thrown for 2,325 yards and 20 touchdowns. The SMU offense is averaging more than 500 yards per game.
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Norvell has steadily built his program for this moment, becoming the first coach at Memphis to win 31 or more games in his first four seasons. Last weekend's conference win at Tulsa was his 33rd victory since taking over in 2016 from Justin Fuente.
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The Memphis offense has prospered behind several key players, among them quarterback Brady White, running back Kenneth Gainwell and tight end Joey Magnifico.
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White, in his second season, is one only five quarterbacks in school history to pass for more than 5,000 yards. No Tiger quarterback has been more accurate. White is completing 65 percent of his career passes.
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"Brady's play the last couple of weeks has been outstanding," Norvell said. "He made a lot of great decisions with the football. He's really building his confidence level and it's showing up at an all-time high. He has to continue to prepare like he has at practice."
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Gainwell has been an above-expectations performer. After starting running back Patrick Taylor was injured in the opener against Ole Miss, Gainwell stepped in and become a national story. He ranks second nationally in all-purpose yards. He ranks seventh in rushing yards.
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"He's a special young man that prepares at an extremely high level," Norvell said. "His versatility makes him a special player. Our guys have a lot of confidence in him. He's going to continue to get better."
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