Hi there, Memphis Tiger here, living in Dallas. Just wanted to say congratulations on what has been-to this point-an incredible season. Looks like Boise, SMU, Memphis, and UCF are in the driver's seat for a New Year's game. And if Boise, Memphis, or SMU are undefeated, they will at least be in the conversation as "do they belong"...blah, blah, blah. But good to be in the conversation!
We play you in about a month, and it is likely that both teams will be undefeated going into that game. If so, might be the biggest in-season game in league history, other than playoff games. Or close.
We are missing Patrick Taylor, a big, bruising back who is ranked third or fourth on Mel Keiper's NFL Draft List. He got hurt in the Ole MIss game and has not played yet, and I don't see him playing in the game this coming weekend against Louisiana-Monroe. Kenny Gainwell is one of the nation's top running backs, but does not quite have the power and ruggedness of Taylor. We need Taylor back to be at our best against SMU, though Gainwell can carry the load.
My Tigers have had the best of you the last several years, though last year was close. I think we win a very close game this year, with the only difference being home-field advantage. But I am for that going to assume we have Taylor back.
Quarterbacks match up well. Brady White is ranked ninth in the nation in passing efficiency and can generally hold his own with Shane. Going to be a monster game. I'll be back with a prediction the week before the game. Congrats on your team having a great season, and I really hope you can build on this for the future. Talk soon. Again, hope both teams are undefeated going into this game!
Go Tigers
Robert Hyman
Dallas, Texas