Memphis defensive coordinator Chris Ball sat down to watch film of the Houston-Tulane game a week ago and wondered if he would have to abandon his game plan – a strategy developed over months.

Memphis linebacker Jackson Dillon’s actions after a tackle and fumble of SMU tight end Ryan Becker during last Friday’s game in Dallas brought criticism from Mustangs coach Sonny Dykes, who called it a “pretty obvious non-football move.”

The ESPN “College GameDay” crew set up at UCF last Saturday for the undefeated Knights’ American Athletic Conference showdown with Cincinnati. And with UCF ranked 11th in the Associated Press Poll and the Bearcats ranked 19th, it almost felt like a little slice of an SEC Saturday.

Memphis coach Mike Norvell stepped out of his pregame meetings last Thursday night, saw Houston beating Tulane 48-17 and knew it was paramount that his Tigers needed to defeat SMU the next day.

Memphis (7-4, 4-3) overcame offensive lapses to defeat SMU (5-6, 4-3) 28-18 on the road.

Matthew Haron arrived in Memphis two years ago as director of football video and wanted to establish a tradition similar to one he had at previous schools.

SMU coach Sonny Dykes and his players know what’s possible. Beat Memphis Friday night and Tulsa next weekend and they will be 6-2 in the American Athletic Conference

Facing a third-and-4 from the Tulsa 5-yard line, Memphis head coach Mike Norvell called a play dormant in his playbook since he was offensive coordinator at Arizona State.

Quarterback Brady White, much like every other Tiger, needed the bye week after the loss to Missouri to rest and recuperate. Head coach Mike Norvell knew his quarterback was “a little banged up” and needed some relief after a brutal stretch of football.

Memphis offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield steps into his offensive line room and is comfortable with the old and new faces he sees, no matter the situation.

Memphis’ (6-4, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) blowout of Tulsa (2-8, 1-5 AAC) was a season-best performance for the Tigers defense.

Memphis (6-4, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) rolled over Tulsa (2-8, 1-5 AAC) 47-21 Saturday afternoon. 

Let’s start with an honest self-assessment: The Memphis Tigers did not expect to be 5-4, did not imagine losing at Tulane and, in the wake of the way the Midshipmen’s season has veered off course, probably can’t believe they lost at Navy.

Memphis center Drew Kyser led the way for running back Darrell Henderson on the first drive of the 59-41 win over East Carolina.

Memphis (5-4, 2-3 American Athletic Conference) fought off a scrappy East Carolina (2-6, 0-5 AAC) for a 59-41 road win Saturday afternoon.

Head coach Mike Norvell believes there’s no magical solution for what ails the Memphis defense. Only one thing can change the Tigers’ fortunes – hard work.

Memphis (4-4, 1-3 American Athletic Conference) goes on the road to take on East Carolina (2-5, 0-4 AAC) this weekend. Linebacker coach Scott Symons answered this week's five quick questions. 

The helicopter navigated through the baseball lights and utility wires to touch down on the front lawn of the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex on Friday, Oct. 26.

Three-star defensive end Wardalis Ducksworth became the second prospect to commit to the Tigers this week. 

The South Alabama defense was focused on Tiger running back Darrell Henderson – among the nation’s leading rushers – as the 5-foot-9 junior headed right on a sweep, the Jaguar defense flowing that way to hinder Henderson.

The Memphis Tigers were rolling over Missouri State in the first game of the 2015 season and fans had started leaving Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium early, getting a jump on the traffic.

Head coach Mike Norvell thought star running back Darrell Henderson was headed for the endzone when he burst into open space against the Missouri defense.

Three-star defensive end Cole Mashburn from Norman, Oklahoma, plans to enroll early at Memphis, joining the Tigers in January, according to multiple sources.

Not so long ago, optimism about the 2018 Memphis football season was a given. The Tigers were the pick to win the American Athletic Conference West Division title. And a midseason home game vs. UCF offered the opportunity to make a statement this season while dishing out a little payback for last season.

When quarterback Brady McBride arrived at the University of Memphis, he didn’t want to be a problem or seen as a ‘needy freshman’ so he picked the first number offered to him. That happened to be the No. 4.