2017 - 2018 Tiger Football

[cardsfan]

assume we can get some good insight on here as to the Coach Jones hire?

[kwc]

Memphis Tigers lose to Iowa State, 21-20, in thrilling Liberty Bowl

 

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY NETWORK – TennesseePublished 3:02 p.m. CT Dec. 30, 2017 | Updated 7:04 p.m. CT Dec. 30, 2017

     

 

 

 

 

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Dejected Memphis fans watch the final minutes of a 21-20 loss to Iowa State during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017.  Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

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2017 Liberty Bowl - Memphis vs. Iowa State

 

(Photo: Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

 Iowa State wide receiver Allen Lazard stood up to accept the trophy as the AutoZone Liberty Bowl's most valuable player, once the Cyclones finished off their 21-20 win over Memphis on Saturday, and made a beeline for the striped Tiger football helmet positioned in front of the stage. 

Two days earlier, Lazard had been one of the players who said he wasn't bothered by  Memphis flipping an Iowa State helmet upside down at bowl media day. But here, after tormenting Memphis on the field, he made clear that wasn't the case.

Lazard proceeded to flip the Memphis helmet upside down. When a Liberty Bowl official flipped it right-side up again, Lazard put it upside down again. 

This wasn't the ending the Tigers envisioned for their historic season.

Minutes earlier, Memphis watched its first appearance in a hometown bowl game slip away by the narrowest of margins in front of a sold-out crowd of 57,266 split nearly down the middle in red and blue. 

There were any number of bad breaks and momentum changes that, had they gone in the Tigers' favor, could have sent their fans home happy. 

Calkins: Liberty Bowl finish a hometown letdown for Memphis Tigers

More: How Iowa State Cyclones beat Memphis Tigers 21-20 in Liberty Bowl

Late in the first quarter, Memphis appeared to take the lead on a touchdown pass to wide receiver Phil Mayhue. But it was waived off by an ineligible man downfield penalty called on senior offensive lineman Gabe Kuhn, making his school-record 51st and final start. The Tigers came up empty when freshman Riley Patterson's 38-yard field missed wide right.

On the ensuing Cyclones drive, Memphis cornerback Tito Windham had an apparent interception wiped out on review after he dropped the ball rolling in the end zone. Soon Iowa State had the lead, once senior Joel Lanning, its quarterback-turned-linebacker-turned-quarterback again, crashed over the goal line.  

Iowa State's Joel Lanning celebratres his short yardage touchdown against the Tigers during the 59th annual Liberty Bowl in Memphis Saturday. (Photo: Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

But the penalty that caused Memphis fans to rage, both inside the Liberty Bowl and on social media, occurred with less than six minutes remaining in the third quarter and Iowa State driving for a go-ahead score.

Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt dropped back to pass, and Memphis linebacker Curtis Akins jumped the route for an interception near the end zone. The Tiger faithful howled with joy.

More: Iowa State 21, Memphis 20: Best and worst from the Liberty Bowl

More: In final game, Memphis Tigers QB Riley Ferguson comes up short

Only the field was littered with three flags, and the penalty that mattered was a roughing the passer infraction on Memphis senior Genard Avery. Never mind that replays showed Avery only slightly pushed Kempt after he released the ball.

"I felt like it was a bad call," said Avery, echoing Memphis fans everywhere.

It nonetheless became the second turnover caused by Memphis that got negated, and it once again led to an Iowa State touchdown.

 

The Cyclones took a 21-17 lead once Kempt's tipped pass, intended for wide receiver Marchie Murdock, fell into the arms of Lazard for a touchdown just inside the end line. 

Lazard finished with 10 catches for 142 yards, and the Tigers' smaller defensive backs simply had no answer for the Cyclones' 6-foot-5 wideout. 

Memphis running back Patrick Taylor Jr., (left) grabs a first down catch in front of Iowa State defender Brian Peavy (right) during first quarter action of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017. (Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

It was more glaring with the potent Memphis offense held to a season-low 339 yards, more than 200 below its season average.

The Tigers learned during pregame that leading rusher Darrell Henderson would not be available due to injury, and they allowed a season-high six sacks. 

Though Ferguson became the first 4,000-yard passer at Memphis and wide receiver Anthony Miller broke his own school record for receptions and receiving yards on Saturday, the Cyclones bracketed Miller in coverage, controlled the line of scrimmage and pressured Ferguson without blitzing for the most part.

Miller, meanwhile, left the Liberty Bowl on crutches wearing a boot on his right foot.

“We weren’t able to establish the run today," coach Mike Norvell said. "That really kind of hindered our tempo and the rhythm we were trying to get into offensively. ... There were a lot of things that showed up today that were uncustomary of what our offense has been this season."

Memphis receiver Anthony Miller celebrates a touchdown against Iowa State during first quarter action of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017. (Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

But the conclusion was filled with drama, after Iowa State did something it hadn't done all season long. It lost a fumble, falling short of becoming the first team in recorded college football history to go an entire year without one. 

Tailback David Montgomery had the ball knocked out by Memphis defensive tackle O'Bryan Goodson on third-and-goal as he crossed the goal line and the Tigers recovered the ball for a touchback. The Memphis fans roared when a review upheld the play and the Cyclones' faithful booed.

“We thought that was going to be the turning point in the game," Goodson said.

Tigers linbebacker Shareef White takes down Iowa State quarterback Kyle Kempt on a keeper during the 59th annual Liberty Bowl in Memphis Saturday.  (Photo: Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

And so, this capacity crowd rose once more with less than two minutes remaining, well aware this was the last chance for Memphis to cap off its historic campaign with a win.  

Ferguson, only about 30 seconds removed from converting one fourth-and-10, dropped back for another one. He took three steps and unleashed a pass toward the sideline.

And then, it kept sailing, out of bounds and out of reach for Mayhue.

He remained on the turf a few extra seconds. The dream ending had eluded the Tigers.

“It was hard. It was hard to take that, just to see that go," Mayhue said. "It is what it is. It’s over with now.”

 

Edited January 2, 2018 by kwc

[kwc]

Well ... the season didn't end the way we would have liked. But the ride was fantastic! Great year Tigers!

[kwc]

Memphis Tigers football heads into offseason with intriguing promise and question marks

 

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY NETWORK – TennesseePublished 6:00 a.m. CT Jan. 1, 2018

     

 

 

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2017 Liberty Bowl - Memphis vs. Iowa State

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Dejected Memphis fans watch the final minutes of a 21-20 loss to Iowa State during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017.  Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

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2017 Liberty Bowl - Memphis vs. Iowa State

 

(Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

One after another, Memphis football players left the locker room at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday and walked up a ramp to a throng of fans and well-wishers.

Quarterback Riley Ferguson and linebacker Genard Avery emerged with trophies they may never savor, the result of being named the team’s top offensive and defensive players, respectively, during the Tigers’ 21-20 loss to Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

 

Wide receiver Anthony Miller hobbled out on crutches, with a boot on his right foot and a harsh glare on his face in defeat.

Fellow senior Phil Mayhue took the entire scene in, leaning against a wall answering questions from reporters, and wondered how this disappointment might help continue the revitalization he and his classmates initiated.

“A lot of young guys got to experience what a big game looks like,” Mayhue said. “As a senior, it just makes me feel good knowing that this program is still going to have a great future.”

More: Memphis Tigers lose to Iowa State, 21-20, in thrilling Liberty Bowl

The Tigers head into an offseason that will be filled with both promise and uncertainty.

The school’s all-time leading receiver (Miller), first 4,000-yard passer (Ferguson), third-best sack artist (Avery) and all-time leader in starts (offensive lineman Gabe Kuhn) are among the 21 members of the winningest senior class Memphis football has ever had that will no longer be around.

 

But leading rushers Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor, Jr., big-play threat Tony Pollard, leading tacklers Curtis Akins and Austin Hall, American Athletic Conference rookie of the year T.J. Carter and four of the team’s five starting offensive linemen are among the nucleus returning.

Perhaps most important is that coach Mike Norvell will be back after signing a five-year, $13 million contract extension in December. 

“I think all the pieces are in place to continue to grow,” he said following Saturday's bowl game. “These kids are going to be hungry to continue to improve and we’ve got a great foundation for what we can build upon in the future.”

Still, question marks remain. Chief among them will be finding a new starting quarterback.

Two years ago, when Paxton Lynch departed for the NFL and former coach Justin Fuente left Memphis for Virginia Tech, Norvell landed Ferguson from the junior college ranks within weeks of taking the job.

This time around, Norvell has indicated he could leave an open scholarship available after February’s National Signing Day in order to potentially pursue a graduate transfer or junior college option following spring practice.

The Tigers currently have redshirt freshman David Moore — Ferguson’s primary back-up this season — redshirt sophomore Brady Davis and freshman Connor Adair on the roster. In addition, three-star quarterback recruit Brady McBride signed with Memphis two weeks ago during college football’s early signing period.

 

Memphis starting quarterback Riley Ferguson celebrates with his backup David Moore after defeating SMU during 66-45 in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, November 18, 2017. (Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

All of them will likely figure into next season’s quarterback competition.

Finding a dynamic pass rusher is also a need for Memphis, especially with Avery moving on.

The Tigers had 26 sacks this past season and only four came from defensive linemen set to return next season. Memphis should get additional help from the expected return of defensive lineman Jared Gentry and linebacker Jackson Dillon, who both suffered season-ending injuries during the opening game this year.

Norvell said Dillon is planning to petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.

Replacing Miller, while difficult, should be easier given the wealth of skill position talent the program brought in during its most recent recruiting cycles.

 

Pollard finished second on the team in receptions (36) and receiving touchdowns (4) and will likely see his versatile role expand even more. Wide receivers such as redshirt freshman Damonte Coxie, redshirt sophomore Kedarian Jones and sophomore John “Pop” Williams, as well as tight ends Joey Magnifico and Sean Dykes, all contributed in key spots for this year’s offense and could help fill the void.

“The young guys behind us always pushed the older guys,” Mayhue said. “Made me better, made [Miller] better, made Riley better, so all the big-time names that you talk about, see every day, you got to always give it up to the young guys pushing us in practice. So those guys are going to fill the spot and there won’t be a drop off.”

Norvell’s staff will also change.

Already, offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey left for the same position at Texas A&Mand former Cordova High School coach Anthony Jones, Jr. was hired as a new assistant coach. Defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson, meanwhile, is expected to accept a new job in the Southeastern Conference.

Memphis head coach Mike Norvell takes part in Tiger Walk before taking on Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017. (Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

Given the Tigers’ success under Norvell, other assistant coaches could also be attractive candidates to be poached by power five conference schools.

The NCAA will allow all Football Bowl Subdivision teams to add a 10th assistant coach effective Jan. 9. That rule change is expected to lead to unprecedented job turnover in the assistant coaching ranks. Norvell will likely have at least two open assistant slots to fill on his staff.

It’s why, after Saturday’s loss, he embraced what might be different next year.

In the locker room, he emphasized this program must nonetheless build upon what it accomplished in 2017.

“It was a lot of heads dropped, a lot of sad moments,” freshman defensive tackle O’Bryan Goodson said, describing the mood. “But we just got to keep going.”

[kwc]

Report: Memphis Tigers set to hire Will Hall as part of coach Mike Norvell's staff

 

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY NETWORK – TennesseePublished 6:52 p.m. CT Jan. 1, 2018 | Updated 6:54 p.m. CT Jan. 1, 2018

 

 

(Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/THE ADVERTISER)

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Memphis football coach Mike Norvell is set to hire former Louisiana-Lafayette offensive coordinator Will Hall to join his staff, according to a report from Football Scoop.

Hall, 37, previously served as the head coach at the Division II-level with West Alabama (2011-2013) and West Georgia (2013-2016), compiling an overall record of 56-20. He qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs four times in six years.

During Hall's lone season as the offensive coordinator at Louisiana-Lafayette in 2017, the Ragin' Cajuns ranked 67th in the country in scoring (28.2 points per game) and 65th in the nation in total offense (398.5 yards per game). The year prior to Hall's arrival, they ranked 109th and 106th in those categories, respectively.

Louisiana-Lafayette nonetheless fired former head coach Mark Hudspeth on Dec. 3 after the team finished with a 5-7 record this season and his staff was let go along with him.

 

 

2017 Liberty Bowl - Memphis vs. Iowa State

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Dejected Memphis fans watch the final minutes of a 21-20 loss to Iowa State during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, December 30, 2017.  Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

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2017 Liberty Bowl - Memphis vs. Iowa State

 

Hall is an Amory, Miss., native and played quarterback at Northwest Mississippi Community College and North Alabama.

Norvell and athletic director Tom Bowen did not return messages seeking confirmation about Hall's hiring. 

The Football Scoop report stated that Hall is expected to serve as the associate head coach and tight ends coach under Norvell at Memphis.

The Tigers lost former offensive coordinator and associate head coach Darrell Dickey last month following the end to the regular season when Texas A&M hired Dickey as its offensive coordinator under new coach Jimbo Fisher.

Memphis defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson is also expected to accept a position within the Southeastern Conference this offseason.

 

Norvell previously hired former Cordova head coach Anthony Jones, Jr. to join his staff and Jones served as the team's running backs coach in the lead up to the bowl game. 

A new NCAA rule will allow all Football Bowl Subdivision schools to add a 10th assistant coach effective Jan. 9, and it is expected to create unprecedented turnover throughout the assistant coaching ranks nationwide. 

Even with Hall, Norvell still has at least one more hole to fill on his assistant coaching staff moving forward.

The salary pool for Norvell's assistant coaches and support staff increased by $250,000 to $3.01 million as part of the new 5-year, $13 million contract extension he agreed to last month.

Edited January 2, 2018 by kwc