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Welcome back to the Tigers Football Insider, where we bring you the latest news and analysis from The Daily Memphian’s Frank Bonner II and Tim Buckley each week.
The Tigers are gearing up for their first nationally televised game of the season and coach Ryan Silverfield is encouraging fans to help make it a great atmosphere.
Memphis will kick off against Navy on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
NEXT GAME
Tigers (2-0) vs. Navy (1-1)
At: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis
Time/date: 6:30 p.m., Thursday
TV/radio: ESPN, 98.9 FM
“Anybody that lives within two hours, come on show up at the game,” Silverfield said. “Even if you’re not a Memphis fan, come on. I even hope the people from the base come on down and watch us play. Because, No. 1, I love the product we’re able to put on the field; No. 2, out of respect for the academy to show up.”
The Tigers are coming off back-to-back blowout wins against Bethune-Cookman and Arkansas State heading into the first AAC conference game of the season. With conference realignment in the background of nearly every conversation moving forward, this week is a good chance for fans to show their commitment to the football program on a national stage.
It’s a free ticket anyway for fans who took advantage of the $60 ticket promotion ahead of the season opener. Every home game is free as long as the Tigers keep winning at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
“Let’s put this city on display,” Silverfield said. “It’s a great night to showcase everything we have. Great night to showcase our football program. Great night to showcase our stadium. Great night to showcase our city.
“What a better way on national television to sell the City of Memphis, to sell the University of Memphis, to sell these wonderful fans?”
Starting the year 3-0 would help create even more momentum heading into Memphis’ Sept. 23 game against Missouri in St. Louis.
More from your Insider:
The Daily Memphian’s Frank Bonner II and John Martin discuss their initial takeaways, surprise players and any concerns they have about the team after two weeks.
Navy has a new coach and does some things differently this year on offense, but the Midshipmen will be facing a Tigers defense ranked second in the country in yards allowed per game when they play Thursday in Memphis.
Running back Tony Pollard had 82 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns to help the Dallas Cowboys complete the biggest blowout of Week 1.
Memphis comes up with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in a 37-3 victory over the Red Wolves, and it has something to show for it.
Game time announced for Memphis Tigers game in St. Louis on Sept. 23.
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said during the offseason that he felt the roster depth was the strength of the team. The Tigers showcased some of that in the season opener against Bethune-Cookman and continued to display it Saturday in Jonesboro.
Box score for Saturday’s college football game between Memphis and Arkansas State in Jonesboro.
After dominating FCS opponent Bethune-Cookman in the season opener, the Tigers traveled to Jonesboro and beat a struggling Arkansas State team at Centennial Bank Stadium on Saturday.
The Memphis defense headed into this season with a lot of confidence. It didn’t allow a single touchdown in the opener and is going against an offense that didn’t score any points last week.
The Tigers defensive back has found his footing after moving over from running back. The former three-star prospect and Winona (Mississippi) High quarterback originally joined Memphis as a cornerback.
Roc Taylor played a minimal role for the Tigers for the past two years. If the season opener is any indication of what to expect from Taylor this year, it could be an exciting season for the junior.
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