What We Know about Memphis Football after Five Games

In the blink of an eye, the first month of the college football season is in the books. Some fanbases throughout the country continue to ride high following strong starts on the schedule while others hope for a second-half resurgence down the stretch. In the midst of it all, though, lies a certain feeling of uncertainty. Deep down, some may ask, “Has my team just played a soft schedule thus far?”, or “Could this finally be that special year?” “Is it time to start Google searching rising offensive coordinators for our next head coaching vacancy?” Nevertheless, there are some early conclusions even Tiger fans can make. With a brief pause in what is the Tiger’s biggest three-game stretch of the season, what better time to go ahead set forth the “knowns” with much more football to be played? First things first —

Blake Watson is the Tigers’ best offensive weapon since Calvin Austin III..

Throughout the offseason, Tiger fans occupied a lot of time debating who would be the leading back in a crowded RB room at Memphis. Five games in, the answer is clear. With 688 all-purpose yards and seven total touchdowns through five games, Blake Watson has been nothing short of amazing in Tim Cramsey’s offense. Perhaps even more important, Watson has emerged as the go-to option in critical moments within games. Averaging 5.9 yards per carry while producing 12 plays of 15 yards or more, Watson is the explosive playmaker the Tigers have desperately needed since Calvin Austin III left for the NFL two seasons ago. Too, having someone who keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at night allows the Memphis coaching staff to scheme plays to other playmakers in the offense. The Tigers will look to continue making Watson the featured piece of the offense in what is on pace to be an all-conference type season for the fifth-year senior.

He, and other additions, have made this the best transfer class under Ryan Silverfield..

This isn’t the first time Ryan Silverfield has hauled in big names via the transfer portal, but no class has gotten close to the on-field production as his latest offseason additions. In addition to Blake Watson, the Tigers feature multiple first-year contributors who emerge from all levels of competition at their previous schools. Chandler Martin, a linebacker transfer from East Tennessee State, leads the team in tackles with 35 through five games. DeAgo Brumfield, a transfer from NAIA school Campbellsville, sits eighth in the country in pass breakups with seven total. Joshua Ellison and Derick Hunter Jr., two defensive linemen who have journeyed to Memphis from the Power 5 level, anchor a Top 5 3rd down defense in the country. DeMeer Blankumsee enters the bye week after having his best performance as a Tiger with 83 yards and a touchdown against Boise State. Simeon Blair, a team captain in his first season at Memphis, serves as the Tigers’ “enforcer” in the secondary. In prior seasons, Tiger fans have gotten their hopes up only to never see certain names perform in a Tiger uniform. This season, however, the 2023 transfer class is playing a major role in a 4-1 start on the year.

The Tigers genuinely believe in their mantras..

“ALL-IN” has been the team’s slogan since Ryan Silverfield took over in the 2020 season. After losing four one-possession games in 2022, the team’s focus shifted to “FINISH” throughout fall camp. While there have been moments this season where Deja Vu looks to be paying a visit, the Tigers have made game-sealing plays on both sides of the ball when it’s needed most. Perhaps the most impressive came against Boise State last week. While nursing a three-point lead with nine minutes remaining in the game, Seth Henigan and the Tiger offense marched 75 yards down the field, taking six-and-a-half minutes off the clock to score and push the lead to two possessions. On that drive, the Tigers converted a 3rd-and-6 with an 11-yard pass completion to Koby Drake and later a 3rd-and-7 with a 21-yard run up the middle by Blake Watson. In the post-game press conference on Saturday, Geoffrey Cantin-Arku asserted a sentiment that’s been frequently expressed by the Tigers through five games — “we never (previously) fought like this. This year is just different; the spirit in the locker room is different”. With the most important matchup of the season a little over a week away, Tiger fans will hope the “all in” persona continues through the season.

So take a deep breath Tiger fans and enjoy a week off after three consecutive nail-biting conclusions. You may need the rest because the biggest stakes yet lie a little over a week away. With Saturday’s victory, Ryan Silverfield moved to 11-3 as a head coach in September. Tiger fans know well, though, that championships are won in the fall. They’ll have the chance to set the tone in another nationally televised game against the defending conference champions on October 13.