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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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Thursday, September 1, 2011
As 28-point underdogs, Tigers look to surprise MSU
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