Box score from Memphis season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

The Tigers handled business as expected and should take a step up in competition when they travel to Arkansas State at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9.

Related story:

Box Score: Memphis 56, Bethune-Cookman 14

With SMU now leaving for the ACC, the hits keep coming for the AAC. How will the Tigers respond to the latest round of conference realignment movement?

The University of Memphis’ celebration of the first Black student-athletes to compete in each sport will start Saturday when five are honored during the football season opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

The Memphis Tigers open the season against an FCS opponent that posted a 2-9 record last season, so there shouldn’t be any problems putting away Bethune-Cookman early. 

Related story:

Tigers kick off yearlong recognition of first Black student-athletes

“I like to think of our team and particularly our defense as sort of a representation of the City of Memphis,” Matt Barnes said.

For the first Memphis football Tigers Talk, Frank Bonner II and John Martin discuss the ceiling and floor of this year’s team while sharing who they believe will be the biggest playmaker this season. 

Related story:

Tigers Football Insider: Defensive Coordinator expects defense to be gritty

While there were some obvious answers to the depth chart that any media member or knowledgeable fan could have figured out, the Tigers did offer a surprise or two in its release.

“The game’s really not complicated,” Barnhart said. “You’ve gotta have the facilities, and then you’ve gotta recruit. You gotta do those two things.”

University of Memphis president makes a case that the Tigers’ hunt for a new home is real.

Should the city move forward with funding for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium? Of course. But only as part of a larger agreement that keeps the Grizzlies in town. 

Related story:

U of M president on realignment: ‘We are a well-kept secret and we should not be’

Bill Hardgrave and athletic director Laird Veatch spent nearly 25 minutes Monday assuring Tiger fans that Memphis is still a part of the realignment conversation.

Brad Loos will manage the Memphis Athletics Fund and lead the strategic planning of major gifts for the athletic department.

The Memphis offense has relied heavily on its tight ends in recent years, and the Tigers are hoping to strike gold for a fourth consecutive time. The next man up is Anthony Landphere.

“The job in front of Silverfield is immense, and it’s not as simple as a win/loss record or a mediocre bowl game appearance.”

Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said Anthony Landphere is the starting tight end, Makylan Pounders gets the nod at left tackle and he named the three running backs who are expected to see the field the most.

“Our goal is to provide a great experience for all fans, whether it’s your 40th year as a season ticket holder or you’re attending your first game,” athletic director Laird Veatch said in a statement.

The city is still debating how to fund renovations to both Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl and FedExForum. 

Josh Ellison appeared in all 37 games during his three years at Oklahoma but didn’t play the number of snaps he was looking for. He plans to be a significant part of the defensive line at Memphis. 

Memphis football players spent an afternoon hanging out with patients at the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital before enjoying Fan Fest with Tiger fans. 

Chris Morris signed with the Tigers in December and entered the NCAA transfer portal in July. 

Deputy athletic director Jeff Crane said Memphis would like to sell at least another 1,000-1,200 more season tickets before the 2023 season starts. Single-game tickets sales are on the rise, he said.

Related story:

Tigers Football Insider: Memphis volunteers at the Mid-South Food Bank

The Memphis athletic department doubled down on its commitment to combat hunger in the community by volunteering at the Mid-South Food Bank Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Eight-event series features three college coaches, including Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield. Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football,” kicks things off Aug. 28.

Davion Carter has come a long way from the jitters he had during his first snap as a Tiger last season. That starts with watching film, and he’s passing down the habit to the younger players. 

Related story:

Arkansas-to-Memphis move rekindles Simeon Blair’s love for football