Sports Editor
Adam Douglas
With a 2-14 record as the head football coach at The University of Memphis in two seasons – also equivalent to one full season in the NFL, Larry Porter's resume doesn't actually speak for itself. It may be safe to say that he's still learning how to be a head coach and we need to give him time. But how much time does he actually need? After all, it took John Calipari six years to build the basketball program to what it is now – though it only took a few short months to get our national championship runner-up banner revoked. And his successor Josh Pastner, was heralded as a great recruiter like Porter, and hasn't been a head coach before either – like Porter. And we all gave him a pass when in his first season the Tigers failed to live up to expectations and didn't make the NCAA tournament and lost 10 games. So why beat down Porter when he was given a program that has been mediocre at best even when DeAngelo Williams graced us with his Heisman Trophy caliber seasons?
The fact of the matter is that despite what everyone thinks, we should definitely care more about football than basketball. When you really look at it, the only thing that matters today in collegiate athletics is football, not basketball. Not to knock basketball, but with all this shuffling and re-shuffling of football teams and their conferences realigning, The University of Memphis and its administration need to realize that we may be in deep trouble with our football program if we don't do something about it quick. And it's also really hard and frustrating to sit in the press box to watch and report on a team that constantly gets beat by 40 or more points in an empty stadium on what seems like a weekly basis, all the while not being able to say anything positive about it.
Because these guys can't win if we don't have their backs and show that we care. We have to start giving the football program the same treatment as the basketball program gets. Sellout the home games, travel to road contests, be proud to say you're from Memphis, stop cheering for the other team and definitely quit allowing other teams outnumber us in our own stadium. We have to support them no matter what. We have to stop acting like one loss means we're not good enough. Quit being a bandwagon fan and stop waiting for the team to win a few games before you start supporting them. They don't owe us anything – we owe them. If we want to compete against conference and regional powers, we have to come out and pack Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium despite the team's record – that's why we should still care.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Why we should still care about Tiger football
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Woebegone Tigers endure 42-point shutout in front of Liberty Bowl crowd
Sports Editor
David Minkin
Junior linebacker Kenyatta Johnson jars the ball loose from an SMU receiver on Saturday. Despite four takeaways, the Tigers were unable to produce any points through four quarters.
For the 15th time in the last 16 games, The University of Memphis Tigers football team was on the wrong end of the scoreboard, the 10th time in as many games where their opponent has scored 40 points.
In front of a homecoming crowd of 16,748 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, slightly 2,000 people less than last week's win against Austin Peay State University, the Tigers were defeated by Southern Methodist University 42-0. Despite the lopsided loss, head coach Larry Porter said that he saw improvement in his team.
"I thought defensively we started to settle in and play a good brand of football," Porter said. "There are some positives in that we held (SMU) scoreless in the third period and we turned them over four times throughout the game."
Though the Tigers defense held SMU scoreless in the third quarter, they still couldn't capitalize on turnovers. The offense was inept against the Mustangs' defense, accumulating a meager 139 yards of total offense. The Tigers failed to score a touchdown for the second time in the four games this season.
"Offensively, we had a horrible day. There are no excuses," Porter said. "All across the board, all 11 guys and including the coaching staff, we've got to be better."
Freshman Quarterback Taylor Reed, who was pressured all day by the SMU frontline, completed 17-of-32 passes for 153 yards. His new main target was senior Tanner Rehrer, who caught five passes for 51 yards while filling in for injured wire receiver Marcus Rucker. Rucker recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery that will keep him out of action for 4-6 weeks.
Reed said that it is no coincidence that Rehrer has become more a reliable target.
"I've watched a lot of film with Tanner," Reed said. "He's a really intelligent player and sees things really well. So he has a knack for finding spots and getting open."
Without several key players on offense, including injured sophomore running back Jerrell Rhodes, the rushing attack struggled was almost non-existent. The Tigers rushed for a total of 14 yards and couldn't convert on key third downs. The team finished just 2-of-13 on the critical downs, with only 7 first downs to extend drives. They punted 10 times – three shy of an all-time game record.
"Right now we're searching for efficiency within our offense to be able to sustain drives and put points on the board," Porter said. "We couldn't run, couldn't pass, couldn't do anything. Offensively, we've got a lot of work to do."
Friday, September 23, 2011
Men’s basketball TV schedule announced
Sports Editor
Published: Friday, September 23, 2011
With the start of basketball just around the corner, beginning with Midnight Madness on October 14th, The University of Memphis men's basketball team released its 2011-2012 television schedule on Thursday.
Out of the 31 games the Tigers play, 27 will be broadcast on television. Memphis' 17 national televised games will be carried by CBS, CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports Net, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Comcast Sports South will televise the other 10 contests.
The Tigers first regular season game against Belmont is scheduled for an 11 a.m. tipoff as a part of ESPN's College Hoops Marathon. This is the fourth straight year the Tigers are a part of ESPN's college hoops tip-off.
Notable games to be televised in November include The EA Sports Maui Invitational in Hawaii, with games against Michigan and the winner of a matchup between Duke and Tennessee. The tournament will be broadcast on ESPN.
In December, the Tigers have tough road contests against Miami, which will be televised on ESPN2, and Louisville, which will be broadcast on CBS.
Tigers looking to win two in a row
Tommy West was coach the last time the Tigers won back-to-back games.
Sports Editor
Published: Friday, September 23, 2011
David Minkin
Senior wide receiver and running back Billy Foster escapes for a 93-yard touchdown against Austin Peay. The Tigers will need similar big plays to keep up with Southern Methodist University’s high-powered offense on Saturday.
On Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, The University of Memphis Tigers football team will seek its first back-to-back wins since 2008, when the Tigers won three in a row under former head coach Tommy West.
But for that to happen, the Tigers must first sustain longer scoring drives on offense and not allow the potent Southern Methodist University offense to gain more than 400 yards against the new-look Tigers defense. SMU comes into the contest ranked 19th overall in the football bowl subdivision in passing yards per game (390.3), 96th in rushing yards per game and 69th in points per game (27.3).
"A lot of people like to talk about their offense, but I want to start with the defense because I think that the defense is very solid and sound and very capable of confusing you and causing some problems," head coach Larry Porter said. "They like to blitz a lot, which always concerns you when you've got a young quarterback."
Though Porter emphasized SMU's defense, its offense – which is reminiscent of SMU head coach June Jones' high-octane offense at the University of Hawaii – makes SMU the team that it is.
"Coach Jones has done a tremendous job in reviving that program," Porter said. "He went away from one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Kyle Padron and went to J.J. McDermott, who's just as good. He has a very strong arm and is a good decision-maker. We're going to have to make sure, from a secondary standpoint, that we close those windows down and force him to make tight throws because they're very active in the passing game."
Though the Tigers defense last played a team from the lower football championship subdivision, Austin Peay, the team looked much improved on that side of the ball. Led by new co-defensive coordinators Mike Dubose and Galen Scott, the Tigers defense held the Governors to 368 yards of total offense while forcing two interceptions and recovering a fumble.
"I want to compliment Coach DuBose and Coach Scott for the way they stepped in and grabbed this defense and took it forward," Porter said. "The knowledge, the energy and the way they took control and got these players to buy into them made a difference. I have to compliment our players as well. They embraced change, and we moved forward."
Kickoff at the Liberty Bowl is scheduled for 11 a.m. The game will be televised by FOX Sports South/FOX Sports Tennessee.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tigers top Austin Peay 27-6 for Porter’s second win
Sports Editor
It wasn't pretty, but before an announced crowd of 18,808, The University of Memphis Tigers football team ended their 11-game losing streak and defeated the Governors of Austin Peay State University, 27-6. The Tigers (1-2) won for just the second time in their last 15 contests, a dubious feat dating back to the 2010 campaign where they struggled to a 1-11 finish. The revamped Tigers defense, which gave up more than 400 yards of total offense to each their two previous opponents, held the Governors to 368 yards for the game, a notable improvement.
"I want to take my hat off to our defense, under the circumstances, as well as my defensive staff," head coach Larry Porter said. "For them to pick up and almost hold an opponent scoreless the whole game, and overall, despite the circumstances, I'm excited about them."
Freshman quarterback Taylor Reed carved up the APSU defense to the tune of 332 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. One of those touchdowns came on a bizarre play where Reed connected on an 18-yard pass to senior tight end Andrew Ene-inta, who fumbled the ball only to have it recovered by the Tigers for a 22-yard touchdown.
"Things slowed down for me this week, but I have to give credit to those skill players on the outside making plays…It definitely felt good to have things go our way like that," Reed said.
Junior linebackers Akeem Davis and Kenyatta Johnson each had 10 tackles for the re-tooled Tiger defense. But despite the changes on that side of the ball, Tiger players said there's still a lot more work to be done.
"It's a great win – we're going to embrace it, hold on to it and let it soak in – but we have SMU on Saturday," Davis said. "But I have flaws in my game just like we all do. So we have to just keep on practicing, and they say practice makes perfect, but around here at The University of Memphis we believe that perfect practice make perfect."
Not only were players relieved to snap the program's longest losing streak in 25 years, Porter, too, was in better spirits, briefly joking about the state of the program through the last 15 games.
"We've been losing," Porter said, laughing. "Under the circumstances or not, we needed a win."
Former Tiger Williams gives back
By Adam Douglas
Sports Editor
Carolina Panthers running back and former Tigers great DeAngelo Williams presented The University of Memphis with an enormous gift on Monday. The former All-American running back and Heisman Trophy candidate presented athletic director R.C. Johnson with a six-figure donation that will go to the Tiger Scholarship Fund and be used as a part of the Vision for Victory Capital Campaign.
"I am very fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity to give back to a football program and a university that did so much for me during my career as a Tiger," Williams said. "Everyone around me knows I remain loyal to The University of Memphis and am thankful for the close relationships that I made while I was there. It is my hope that this gift will open the door for others to get involved and give back to this program, because this is such a crucial time for showing support to Tiger football."
Williams' donation includes naming rights to the football locker room at the Murphy Athletic Complex.
"We are thankful for the donation from DeAngelo and know that it will make such an impact on this program," Johnson said. "We are proud of what he accomplished while he was here and all that he did for this program during his four-year career. To have him make this donation is a testament to how much he cares for this university. He is such a true ambassador for this program."
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tigers desperate for win against Austin Peay
Sports Editor
Jerald Holiday
Junior kicker Paulo Henriques scored the only points in a 47-3 loss last Saturday against Arkansas State. The Tigers hope to put up more points on Saturday against Austin Peay.
When The University of Memphis Tigers football team takes the field on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the atmosphere will be noticeably different from most games. Sure the Liberty Bowl will probably be more than half empty, but the pressure surrounding this football program, its coaches and players is rising at an alarming rate. Earlier this week, after another humiliating loss, there were questions about the job security of head coach Larry Porter. But after the weekly press luncheon on Monday, athletic director R.C. Johnson quieted the rumors by saying that no changes were imminent.
On Wednesday, however, that proved untrue, as second-year defensive coordinator Jay Hopson was relieved of his duties. Defensive line coach and former head coach of Alabama, Mike Dubose, along with linebackers coach Galen Scott will resume Hopson's duties as co-defensive coordinators. Needless to say, if there is a must-win game in the Bluff City, it is this weekend's game against Austin Peay.
The Tigers go into Saturday's matchup on an 11-game losing streak dating back to last season, with Porter losing 13 out of 14 games to start his head-coaching career at Memphis. The Tigers are led on offense by true freshman quarterback Taylor Reed, who is 36-out-of-64 in completions, 56.3 percent, for 236 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the young season. At running back, freshman Artaves Gibson leads the ground attack with 127 yards on 31 carries. Through the air, junior wide receiver Marcus Rucker, who has 11 catches totaling 107 yards with one touchdown so far on the season, looks to rebound from a disappointing game against Arkansas State where he had 4 catches for 34 yards.
Defensively is where the Tigers need the most help, and the Tigers offense is doing them no favors. By scoring just two touchdowns in two games and failing to sustain lengthy drives, the Tigers defense has spent 71 minutes on the field during the contests, as compared to the offense's 49 minutes.
Fatigue notwithstanding, the Tigers have given up record-setting yardage on defense, allowing 645 yards of offense against MSU and 611 yards of offense against ASU. The Tigers are ranked 118 out of 120 football bowl division (FBS) teams defensively, and if they want to start showing people that they can be competitive on the FBS level, it has to start Saturday against an APSU team who comes into this game on a 9-game losing streak and lost its season-opener to Cincinnati 72-10.
This will be the seventh overall meeting between the two schools, with Memphis leading the all-time series 6-0. Memphis has a 56-31-10 record against current football championship schools (FCS) and a 35-19-9 all-time record against member of the Ohio Valley Conference.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hopson removed as defensive coordinator
Sports Editor
Joe Murphy
Hopson
In an effort to improve the play of the Tiger defensive unit, University of Memphis head football coach Larry Porter removed defensive coordinator Jay Hopson from his current duties and named Mike DuBose and Galen Scott as co-coordinators. Hopson was offered a change in responsibility but chose not to remain on staff.
"This problem was bigger than coach Hopson," Porter said. "He is a fine man, and I thought he gave everything to this program. But at the end of the day, it's us as coaches that have to man up and do a better job at preparing this team."
Porter said that DuBose will continue to handle the entire Tiger defensive front. Scott will coach both the inside and outside linebackers and Shannon Morrison will be responsible for the defensive secondary.
"I think both guys bring something good to the table," Porter said. "Coach DuBose is a veteran guy and coach Scott is a very intellectual guy who understands what we're doing within this system, both in the front end and back end. And in terms of them both working together, they will be a great force moving forward in terms of tweaking some things in which we are doing."
Hopson was in his second season as the Tigers defensive coordinator. Defensively, the Tigers ranked 115 out of 120 football bowl division schools last season. This season, Memphis has given up over 1,200 yards of total offense in the first two games of the season, again ranking near the bottom of the FBS.
The Tigers parting ways with Hopson comes amid increasing scrutiny on Porter, who said two days earlier that he had no plans to change his staff.
Athletic Director R.C. Johnson reiterated last week that Porter's job is safe.
"We're not making changes because that's just ridiculous," Johnson said. "No one is more disappointed than I am over the last two Saturdays. Larry is too, and we both know that we have to get football going."
Questions about Porter's job security began to swirl before the Tigers' game against Arkansas State on Saturday.
"The one thing that's obvious is that we're playing a bad brand of football right now," Porter said. "What we got to fix, I understand. But as far as the chemistry and the defense as a group or core, there's some things that need to change schematically."
Tigers personnel mesh well with new coaches
Tigers personnel mesh well with new coaches
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 16:09
Three weeks into individual workouts, The University of Memphis Tigers men's basketball team is praising their new assistant coaches, Damon Stoudamire and Luke Walton. But what's most important is what the NBA stars are teaching the Tigers.
"Having two pro coaches makes us get after it," sophomore guard Will Barton said. "They've added a pro style, giving us hints that they've used on the next level so that we can be more experienced than our opponents."
The Tigers had a problem last season with a lack of depth in the frontcourt, especially when junior forward Angel Garcia decided to leave the program to play overseas, so the addition of junior college transfer Stan Simpson should be a key to the Tigers' success this season.
"Stan has a lot of talent," Barton said. "I think that once he gets into shape and learns how we do things around here, I think he will be a real good impact on our team."
Simpson has talent, but what the team and head coach Josh Pastner is raving about is his size. The team was highly undersized against most opponents last year, and that in turn caused them to be outrebounded and out muscled. So with Simpson being 6'10 to 6'11, the tigers should have no problem with being the aggressor under the boards this season.
"He's real crucial to our team," Barton said. "He's the tallest person on the team, we already have an enforcer with (Tarik) Black, but with Stan he can block shots, rebound and help keep Black out of foul trouble."
A year ago, these same Tigers were made up mostly freshmen and sophomores. This year they're a little more experienced – sophomores, juniors and seniors. With the experience comes a more defined role of leadership, and some Tigers are poised to take on that role this season – something that some of the elder players were reluctant to do last year.
"I got to lead, I've got to be more vocal this year," senior guard Charles Carmouche said. "I think I could have done a better job of leading last year because we had a lot of freshman. I should have brought my knowledge to the table more last year so that everybody could have been on the same page."
Also in the mix this season for the Tigers is former McDonald's High School All-American and Melrose standout Adonis Thomas. Thomas understands that now as a freshman, he's not ‘the man' any more and that things a very different on the college level.
"The transition has been tough, tougher than I thought," Thomas said. "It's a lot of things that I need to learn, especially defensively, so I just have to listen to the coaches and my teammates because it's a learning process. And with the coaches, you just can't help but to listen to guys that been to where you want to go."
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tigers trounced at ASU, 47-3
Sports Editor
Jerald Holiday
Freshman defensive back Bakari Hollier catches an interception against an Arkansas State receiver.
The University of Memphis Tigers football team headed to Jonesboro, Ark. with hopes of turning things around against Arkansas State on Saturday. They had a new starter at quarterback with true freshman Taylor Reed, and another freshman, Artaves Gibson, showed promise in his first collegiate game.
Freshman wide receiver Keiwone Malone, a transfer from Alabama and former Mitchell High standout, was ruled eligible to play by the NCAA one day before the game.
But the Tigers put up another disappointing effort as their defense allowed 30 points and 336 total yards of offense in the first half en route to a 47-3 loss against ASU.
"It's obvious that we weren't prepared tonight," head coach Larry Porter said. "I truly believe that we've got a locker room full of guys that are better than that."
Though Porter believes the players are better than that, the truth remains to be seen. The Tigers gained just three yards of offense in the third quarter after posting 137 in the first half, finishing with an abysmal 169 total yards of offense for the game. Former Briarcrest High head football coach Hugh Freeze, who is now the head coach at ASU, took his starters out of the game after the first series of the third quarter. Memphis was unable to score against the second and third teams of ASU in the final 20 minutes of the game.
"It's up to us as coaches to get them prepared and we didn't do a good job tonight," Porter said. "It's us as coaches, so we got to stop blaming it on personnel."
Whether the blame is on coaches or a lack of talent, some players still have faith that the season can still be turned around starting with the Tigers next home game against Austin Peay State University.
"I think we just got to step up and compete," senior linebacker Akeem Davis said. "Everybody's down and sad in the locker room. But we're still very optimistic about the season because we still have 10 opportunities to prove ourselves and be competitive in conference play and win Conference USA."
Before a crowd of 29,872, the second largest in ASU history, the Tigers allowed yet another opponent to score over 40 points and amass 600 or more yards on offense for the second straight week. Despite all of this, Tiger players know that there's still a lot to be said about the rest of the season.
"I was very surprised about the outcome of the game," senior wide receiver Tanner Rehrer said. "I would still tell Tigers fans to stick behind us because we have talent – I see it at practice every day."
Davis shared Rehrer's outlook.
"Just like in life, you get shocked," he said. "It's life and adversity. Adversity slapped us in the face Saturday, and what we're going to do is give it our all and go strong in practice this week, and then give everything we have to Austin Peay."
Friday, September 9, 2011
Arkansas State a sure test for Tigers on road
Arkansas State a sure test for Tigers on road
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Friday, September 9, 2011
Updated: Friday, September 9, 2011 12:09
David Minkin
Senior running back Billy Foster, far left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in last Thursday’s game against Mississippi State.
Coming off a loss where they gave up a record-setting 645 yards on defense last Thursday to start the season, The University of Memphis Tigers football team will try to bounce back on Saturday against the Red Wolves of Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark.
"Games like the one against Mississippi State happen like that sometime," junior defensive lineman Dontari Poe said. "I don't want to blame it on any one thing, but as the defensive line, we come first so we have to step up."
Three of the next four games for the Tigers will be at home. The game Saturday against ASU will be the lone contest away from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in the month of September. This will be the 56th overall meeting between the two schools on the field. The Tigers lead the overall series 28-22-5. Memphis won the last encounter in 2008, a 29-17 victory at home. But the Red Wolves posted wins over the Tigers in 2006, a 26-23 victory at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, where they connected on a last second Hail Mary for a touchdown — and in 2007 in Jonesboro, with a 35-31 comeback win where the Tigers led 31-6 at halftime.
The two schools began their 55-game series in 1914. Memphis won that first encounter 18-6 in Memphis. Memphis had won 10 straight (1991-2004) in the series before the heart-breaking 26-23 loss to ASU at home. Arkansas State holds a narrow 11-7-1 series edge in games played in Jonesboro, but Memphis has won two of its last three trips to Jonesboro, notching victories in 2000 and 2004. Prior to the 2000 contest at Arkansas State, the last time a Memphis squad traveled to Jonesboro was in the 1949 season.
Although ASU plays in the Sun Belt Conference, the Tigers know that there can't be a letdown stemming from the loss to MSU – a top-25 team and member of arguably the best college football conference in the country.
"We should be ready for them," Poe said. "It's not about what they do, it's about what we do. If we go out there and handle our business, we should come out victorious."
The Taylor Reed offensive regime will begin Saturday for the Tigers. Head coach Larry Porter named him the starter on Monday. Reed, from El Dorado, Ark. supplanted incumbent starter Andy Summerlin after he went down with an injury to his ankle against MSU. Porter said he has no problems starting the talented true freshman on the road for the second game of the season.
"Just to know where he was, where he is now and where he's headed is good for me," Porter said. "Plus you know when the players start calling you ‘Tebow,' you must have earned some type of respect."
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011
With new QB under center, Tigers look to rebound after loss
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With new QB under center, Tigers look to rebound after loss
True freshman QB Taylor Reed gets nod to start versus Arkansas State
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 10:09
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David Minkin
Newly-named starting quarterback Taylor Reed, right, and the Tigers hope to rebound from Thursday’s 59-14 loss to Mississippi State University against Arkansas State.
After suffering another heartbreaking loss in consecutive season openers to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, The University of Memphis Tigers football team (0-1) will try to regroup when they take on Arkansas State this Saturday in Jonesboro, Ark. In the loss to MSU, the Tigers were led by two standout freshmen in that game, quarterback Taylor Reed and running back Artaves Gibson. While Gibson made an impact with 85 yards on 17 carries, it was Reed that caught head coach Larry Porter's attention enough to name him the starter for the game against ASU during his weekly press luncheon.
"This week we'll go with Taylor Reed," Porter said. "I think based on his performance it warranted him being the starter and he just looked poised out there and settled our offense. So his productivity is the reason why he will be starting."
Starting running back Jerrell Rhodes, who rushed six times for 28 yards, was limited in action during last week's contest due to a bone bruise he suffered in the first quarter. Senior wide receiver and running back Billy Foster will replace him in the starting lineup and share the backfield with Gibson.
"Jerrell will be doubtful, but we'll know more on his injury towards the end of the week," Porter said. "Billy will be ready to roll this week. I don't think there will be any problems there, and Artaves will certainly play early and often."
The Tigers' defense will also see changes. After giving up record-setting numbers against MSU in which the Bulldogs amassed over 600 yards of total offense, Porter vowed to make changes all around on the defensive side of the ball before next week's game.
"Defensively, I was disappointed as I went back and watched the film," Porter said. "I know that we had people out of position, but that's still no excuse for missed tackles and giving up big plays. You will see changes on all three levels of defense – defensive line, linebackers and secondary."
With definite changes on the horizon on defense and a new starting quarterback, the Tigers look to focus on Sun Belt Conference rival Arkansas State. The Tigers hold a 27-22-5 all-time record in the series, but the Red Wolves have won the last two meetings. In 2006, ASU won 36-31 after Memphis led 31-6 by halftime. And in 2007, the Red Wolves won on a last second Hail-Mary to defeat the Tigers 26-23. Both teams are used to dramatic finishes in the series, Porter said.
"You don't have to say much when you mention Memphis and Arkansas State," Porter said. "The players pretty much get fired up on their own and I don't anticipate it being any different this year."
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MSU Bullies Memphis, 59-14
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MSU strikes early and often as Tigers drop opener 59-14
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Friday, September 2, 2011
Updated: Friday, September 2, 2011 13:09
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David Minkin
They came out fired up. They even stopped Mississippi State's offense on the first possession of the game.
But The University of Memphis Tigers football team showed just how young they were as they piled up penalties throughout the first half, allowing MSU to convert on quick touchdown strikes of 44, 46, 36 and 66 yards in a 59-17 rout over the Tigers.
In front of 33,992 fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the Tigers struggled to move the ball, punting throughout the first half and giving up 405 yards of offense to the Bulldogs and yielding 31 first-half points.
"I thought we gave up too much too early," head coach Larry Porter said. "I'm obviously disappointed in our play, but I thought we would play better. You just have to give it up to coach (Dan) Mullin and his kids for a good game out there."
Although the Bulldogs posted 40-plus points against the Tigers for the second straight year, there were bright spots in the game for the Tigers. True freshmen quarterback Taylor Reed and running back Artaves Gibson both saw significant playing time. Both Reed and Gibson came in for injured Tigers, substituting for sophomore quarterback Andy Summerlin in the second quarter after he suffered an undisclosed injury and Billy Foster, respectively. Foster replaced starting running back Jerrell Rhodes earlier in the game.
Gibson gained 85 yards on 17 carries.
"Arteves did some good things tonight," Porter said. "He definitely earned himself some playing time for next week and I can't wait to see him out there."
Reed finished the game 23-for-35 for 149 yards and one interception.
"I was proud of Taylor Reed's play," Porter said. "I thought he came in with tremendous poise and in my opinion he settled our offense and helped sustain our drives – he definitely was a bright spot."
The Tigers gave up 645 yards on defense, the second most in school history and most offensive yardage amassed in MSU history. Coach Porter wasn't ready to throw the towel in on his defense, however, saying the reasons for such a big disparity were due to some missing parts.
"My defense, in my opinion, did a pretty decent job," Porter said. "I don't think we were just getting blown off the line. Our guys fought to the end but we had breakdowns. And I understand where those breakdowns are, but we had some guys that were (out of place) and they have to make tackles."
Though there were only two touchdowns for the Tigers, they did have several opportunities. Junior wide receiver Marcus Rucker missed a few balls that were thrown his way. The offensive line broke down too soon before either quarterback could locate a receiver, and whenever they seemed to be building momentum, the referees took it back by calling procedural penalties.
"It was an unbalanced set that we lined up in and the refs just didn't know what we were trying to do," Porter said. "But when we go back to look at film and take a look, we did everything we were supposed to do – the referees just didn't understand it and I can't wait to send the tape in to the league office."
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Thursday, September 1, 2011
As 28-point underdogs, Tigers look to surprise MSU
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As 28-point underdogs, Tigers look to surprise MSU
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Reporter
Published: Thursday, September 1, 2011
Updated: Thursday, September 1, 2011 02:09
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In November 1996, before a record-setting crowd of nearly 66,000 screaming fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and an audience of millions watching at home, arguably the greatest upset in Tigers football history happened.
Memphis fans rushed the field, tearing down the goal posts as a University of Tennessee team led by All-American Peyton Manning left the field in defeat, upset 21-17 by a Tigers team with a 3-6 record.
It was upset time in Tennessee.
With the Tigers coming into tonight's 7 p.m. game against Mississippi State as a 28-point underdog, they'll try to recapture the spirit of such upsets, which have been more common than the Tigers' recent history suggests.
Here are five reasons why Tigers football is ready to roar back – and give MSU all they can handle in tonight's matchup at the Liberty Bowl.
#5 – Recruiting: In just his second season as head coach, Larry Porter has laid a solid foundation in and around the city of Memphis to keep local recruits in the Bluff City and away from the Southeastern Conference. Even if this season is another bust, continuing such recruiting efforts in the coming years could have the Tigers making a run for the Conference USA crown.
#4 – "Joining the Revolution": The Tigers' 2011 campaign asking fans to "join the revolution" has coincided with the emergence of a more outspoken, relatable and media-friendly Larry Porter. His newfound accessibility should foster a connection between Tigers fans and the team, a necessary relationship for steady attendance at the Liberty Bowl.
#3 – Defensive line: The old adage that football is a game of inches, not yards should bode well for the Tigers. Memphis returns one of the biggest defensive line tandems in C-USA with 6-2, 275-pound senior defensive end Frank Trotter – who Porter predicted will earn all-conference honors this season – and 6-5, 350-pound junior defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Porter had consistent praise for the duo during the preseason, and with the help of 6-2, 310-pound sophomore Johnnie Farms, the Tigers defensive line should have no problem clogging up the middle this season.
#2 – Quarterback Andy Summerlin: Summerlin will lead the Tigers offense after true freshman Ryan Williams transferred to Miami and Cannon Smith moved to defensive back. If he shows the same talent he did last year before going down with a shoulder injury, then the Tigers offense should be in solid hands.
#1 – They've been here before: The Tigers are no stranger to playing the underdog against nationally ranked teams – or any team, for that matter. In September 2003, an Ole Miss squad ranked 18th in the nation came to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium led by Peyton's brother, Eli Manning. The Tigers sent "Hotty Toddy" packing, upsetting the Rebels 44-34 in a matchup where, on paper, Memphis was out-manned in every way. Tonight's game presents the Tigers with a similar challenge – one that could have another surprising finish.
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University of Memphis unveils Athletic Hall of Fame named for Tiger great ‘Penny’ Hardaway
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University of Memphis unveils Athletic Hall of Fame named for Tiger great ‘Penny’ Hardaway
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Updated: Thursday, September 1, 2011 16:09
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David Minkin
University of Memphis President Shirley Raines, former Tigers basketball great Anfernee Hardaway, and athletic director R.C. Johnson cut the ribbon to the new Hall of Building Tuesday evening.
The University of Memphis athletic department, along with former NBA All-Star and Tiger great Afernee "Penny" Hardaway, have officially opened the new Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway/University of Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.
"We are very excited to be able to have the official grand opening of the Athletic Hall of Fame during the same week as our football season opener against Mississippi State," athletic director R.C. Johnson said. "The opening of this facility will certainly add to the ambiance of the week for Tiger fans and we want everyone to come out to take the walk through Memphis athletic history."
Other former Tiger greats including former basketball players Leon Mitchell, Andre Turner and former Central High standout Lester Hudson were on hand, among the 300 people who came out to show support for Tigers athletics, Hardaway and The U of M.
"It's a blessing for the alumni and for Penny," Turner said. "For a player of his magnitude to have a building done in his honor is just an extension to all the former players because we are all integrated together and it means a lot to all of us."
But the man of the hour felt as though it was just the right thing to do – to help the school that helped him launch his career.
"The school has done so much for me," Hardaway said. "When I finally made my dreams come true by going to the NBA, the first thing to do was to give back to the school that meant so much to me. This just goes to show you that God is good, and what I want kids to know is that if I can do it, they can do it too."
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Tigers are geared up for Thursday
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Tigers are geared up for Thursday
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Editor
Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 14:08
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Tigers wide receiver Jermaine McKenzie hauls in a pass during The U of M’s season opener against Mississippi State last September. The Bulldogs bested the Tigers 49-7 in the game.
With just one day remaining until the the University of Memphis Tigers football team open their season against Misssissippi State, the team is confident that they can improve on last season's 1-11 record in Larry Porter's first season as head coach.
"Last year we came up short and it was not expected," junior defensive tackle Dontari Poe said. "But this year is different and we know what to expect from Mississippi State, so we just have to focus at the task at hand and be ready this year."
Being ready is really important for these young Tigers. There will be a lot of new players on both sides of the ball, and preparing for a team like Mississippi State might be a bit hard for this team. But some players relish in the fact that they are taking on such a big opponent to start the season.
"I'm very excited to be getting out there again," senior defensive end Frank Trotter said. "Playing against a team like Mississippi State and them being ranked is huge for us. Plus being on national television gives us a chance to show everyone what we're capable of and what we can do."
But don't think these Tigers are underestimating the competition.
"We know what their quarterback Chris Relf brings to the table," Trotter said. "He's a dual-threat guy that can run and throw, and we know that at any given time he can take off. So in order to stop him, we must not give him lanes and keep a spy on him in the pocket to keep his head moving at all times."
The question is not whether the Tigers defense will be able to stop the Bulldogs Thursday night, but if the offense — led by sophomore transfer Andy Summerlin — will be able to post numbers comporable to Relf and company.
"Andy's very mature and he's been around the college game for a while," senior wide receiver Tanner Rehrer said. "He's a very intelligent man — always studying, watching film and trying to get better — that I think he'll take this challenge on and be good with it."
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