MEMPHIS, Tenn. – For the 63rd time, the University of Memphis and Ole Miss will play one another in a college rivalry that dates to 1921 and includes some of the most memorable games in Tigers football history.
There was the 0-0 tie against a No. 2-ranked Ole Miss in 1963. There was the Tigers' first victory over the Rebels in 1967. And, recently, there was a nationally televised Memphis upset of No. 13 Ole Miss in 2015.
The moments, and the history, aren't lost on Memphis head coach Mike Norvell. Pick up a copy of the Memphis Gameday Program Saturday.
"We're excited about this (game)," Norvell said. "Any time you get the opportunity to host an SEC opponent there is going to be a great deal of buzz and excitement. That's definitely the case here in Memphis. Everywhere I go in the community you can tell all Memphians are excited about some Tiger football. We're excited about kicking off the season here at home."
And by playing host to the Rebels in a game that kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, more history will be made. The Tigers-Rebs series will tie the old Tigers-Southern Miss rivalry at 63 games each, or the most played by the Tigers against any opponent.
Playing Ole Miss for the first time since 2016, Memphis is coming off five consecutive bowl trips, a first in program history. Norvell is beginning his fourth season with some history of his own. No Tigers' coach has won more games (26) in a three-year period than Norvell, a former Arizona State offensive coordinator.
Despite losing two key offensive players – Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard – to the NFL, the Tigers return quarterback Brady White (3,296 passing yards, 26 touchdowns), running back Patrick Taylor Jr. (1,122 yards, 16 TDs) and receiver Damonte Coxie (1,174 yards, 7 TDs). The trio should provide the foundation for another potentially prolific offense, under first-year coordinator Kevin Johns.
Defensively, the Tigers also will be operating under a new coordinator, Adam Fuller, who has several key returnees, including defensive back T.J. Carter and linebacker Bryce Huff. Carter, a junior cornerback, is a Jim Thorp Award candidate. Huff is on two watch lists: the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Trophy.
Special teams will miss Pollard, one of the most decorated kick returners in NCAA football history, but should be effective under a new coordinator, Pete Lembo. The return game will be paced by John `Pop' Williams (punts), Antonio Gibson (kickoffs) and Kenneth Gainwell (kickoffs). Kicker Riley Patterson is back for his third season after a solid sophomore year that saw him convert 14 of 18 field goals inside 50 yards.
Ole Miss, like Memphis, will have offensive and defensive coordinators making their debuts. Former Michigan and Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez takes over the Rebels offense and former San Jose State and Colorado coach takes over the defense. Ole Miss is one of two teams in the nation with three coaches boasting Power 5 head coaching experience.
The Rebels running game will be boosted by the addition of freshman Jerrion Ealy, a five-star prospect who will complement starter Scottie Phillips.
The Tigers, who have averaged nine wins per season since 2014, are favored to return to the American Athletic Conference title game for the third straight year.
"There isn't anybody that has higher expectations for us than we have for ourselves," Norvell said. "We know it takes work and execution. You can wish for it to happen, but you have to go make it happen. You've got to prepare every single day, prepare at a high level to show that on game day. I think these kids are looking forward to the challenge."
