Tigers, Bearcats battle at 2:30 p.m. Friday on ABC

Friday, November 29

Memphis, Tenn.

2:30 pm CT

University of Memphis

#18/17 Cincinnati *

Tickets

The Tigers will be seeking a third-straight American Athletic Conference division title Friday.

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Nov 27, 2019 | Football

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

UofM seeking outright American Athletic Conference West Division title

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In the history of the University of Memphis football program, there have been few seasons with as many memorable moments as this one.

From an ESPN College GameDay appearance, nationally televised games on ABC, multiple weeks ranked in the Top 25 and a rare 10-win season, the Tigers have established themselves among college football's best.

Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the 17^th-ranked Tigers (10-1) can add to a sparkling 2019 resume. The UofM plays host to 18^th-ranked Cincinnati (10-1) in an American Athletic Conference game with another milestone at stake.

The Tigers will be seeking their third straight West Division title with a victory and a win will give the UofM the right to host next week's American Athletic Conference Championship game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. A victory also gives the Tigers their first 11-win season in program history.

The season has unfolded like UofM coach Mike Norvell envisioned four years ago when he took the job.

"This team is a special group," Norvell said. "I just want them to be the best versions of themselves every day.

"We are playing a nationally ranked opponent. It's a good time to be a Memphis Tiger."

The Tigers, 6-1 in the American, will face Cincinnati with a deeper backfield following the return of senior running back Patrick Taylor. Taylor returned two games ago and displayed the powerful running style he did during a 1,000-yard season a year ago by scoring three times in a 49-10 win at USF last weekend.

Combined with 1,000-yard rusher Kenneth Gainwell, who replaced Taylor after he was injured in the opener against Ole Miss, the Tigers' offense – ranked third in the conference – should be more lethal.

In addition to a strong running attack, quarterback Brady White has directed the passing game. He has thrown for 3,074 yards and 30 touchdowns and is ranked in the top 10 nationally in multiple categories, including touchdowns, yards per attempt and quarterback rating.

White is one of only four quarterbacks in school history to pass for 6,000 or more yards, trailing only Danny Wimprine, Paxton Lynch and Riley Ferguson on the career charts.

Cincinnati, 7-0 in league play, will present one of the strongest challenges, from a defensive standpoint. The Bearcats rank first in the conference in scoring defense allowing 19.9 points per game and second in rushing defense, yielding 133.7 yards per game.

"They play at an elite level," Norvell said. "They are the best defense in the conference. People struggle to move the ball on them. They are extremely athletic.

"They lead the conference in interceptions. They are a dominant defense. Ohio State was the only team to really get after them. We know the challenge that is in front of us. It's going to take our best game."

Norvell is looking forward to another game in the national spotlight at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, this one between two Top 20 teams.

"It is a great opportunity for our city and this football team," Norvell said. "It's our third home contest on ABC. That's pretty special. If we can end (the day) Friday hoisting a trophy, that'll be a heck of a way to wrap it up."

NOTES

The Tigers are 10-1 for the fourth time in program history, with two of those seasons (2017 and '19) coming under coach Mike Norvell.
Redshirt freshman running back Kenneth Gainwell had his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season last weekend at USF. He is the only freshman or redshirt freshman running back in league history to post more than four 100-yard rushing games.
Receiver Antonio Gibson is averaging 21.1 yards per reception, second-highest in school history to Earnest Gray (21.9).