The Memphis Tigers football team headed down to Florida for last Friday’s Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, and so did Frank Bonner II.

Bonner reported on Memphis’ ugly loss to North Carolina State, one in which several Tigers — for a variety of reasons, including opt-outs — did not play.

Starting quarterback Brendon Lewis commendably did, making sure to participate in his final college game despite spending much of the season dealing with a nagging ankle injury. Bonner wrote about that, and defensive lineman William Whitlow Jr.’s reaction to so many teammates not taking part.

Two days later, highlighting The Daily Memphian sports staff’s work for the week, Bonner delivered a super piece shedding light on two men who influence how new Tigers coach Charles Huff approaches his job — Huff’s father, and his college coach.

As Bonner continues to report on Huff assembling his new coaching staff, one former Tiger after another has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

As Bonner was making his way back to Memphis, Parth Upadhyaya and Tim Buckley headed down to Starkville to work the Tigers basketball team’s loss to Mississippi State.

Buckley earlier penned a piece highlighting point guard Dug McDaniel’s leadership role with the Tigers, who snapped a three-game losing streak with Monday night’s home win over Alabama State in their final non-conference game before opening American Conference play against North Texas on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.

Speaking of profiles, Drew Hill delivered a strong one early this week on Cam Spencer of the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies.

The team, coming off Monday night’s loss at Oklahoma City, visit Utah tonight, then are back at FedExForum to face Milwaukee the night after Christmas.

Over in the preps world, it’s awards season — and John Varlas has begun dishing out his for fall sports participants. It’s also basketball season, and Varlas accordingly featured both the Central High and Briarcrest boys teams in back-to-back stories last week.

Here’s a look at some of the staff’s top work from the week. — Deputy sports editor Tim Buckley

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Memphis senior William Whitlow Jr. ‘not mad' at teammates who opted out of bowl game By Frank Bonner II

Charles Huff's coaching staff at Memphis starting to take shape By Frank Bonner II

When it comes to coaching, Charles Huff learned what he needed to know in college — and from his father By Frank Bonner II

Buckley: Dug McDaniel seems to care. But do all the rest of the Tigers? By Tim Buckley

Why are Tigers struggling? Penny Hardaway says it comes down to a lack of 'discipline, sacrifice and buy-in' By Parth Upadhyaya

Memphis handles Alabama State to snap 3-game losing streak By Parth Upadhyaya

Cam Spencer plays like nobody wants him — because nobody did By Drew Hill

Daily Memphian postseason girls soccer awards: Gryphons goalkeeper is player of the year By John Varlas

Daily Memphian postseason volleyball awards: Briarcrest's O'Connor leads the way By John Varlas

Daily Memphian postseason football awards: Southwind duo claims offensive, defensive honors By John Varlas

CBHS, Collierville runners lead Daily Memphian postseason cross country awards By John Varlas

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