Memphis-USF football: Five things to know ahead of Saturday's game

Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield said he didn’t talk to his team about past success in November. It’s understood that for the past four seasons, this is when the Tigers enter another gear.

“They know there is a standard we need to uphold not only because of the Memphis football program but because of our team and what we expect from ourselves,” Silverfield said this week.

Memphis has won 13 consecutive games in November dating back to 2016 and it will need that pride for hosting South Florida on Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN+). USF enters on a five-game losing streak and was off last week.

It’s the right fix for Memphis (3-2, 2-2 AAC) to get over losing to Cincinnati last week. Here are five things to know heading into the game.

Win the first half

The Tigers have started slow in every game and haven't led at halftime since the opener against Arkansas State. USF (1-5, 0-4) has lost eight consecutive AAC games.

As an 18-point favorite, Memphis needs to come out fast and efficient from its first possession. A strong first quarter will be the best response after how bad the Tigers looked against Cincinnati

Win the takeaway battle

If the Memphis defense wants to get right, start with creating takeaways. USF is 95th in the country with 13 turnovers, including seven lost fumbles in its last three games.

For all the Tigers’ struggles, they have forced at least one takeaway in every game. They have a great chance to keep that streak alive against a Bulls team that has the AAC’s second-worst offense.

Who will be USF’s quarterback?

USF is averaging just 18 points and 184.2 passing yards so naturally, it’s caused a revolving door at quarterback. In the Bulls’ last game against Tulsa, Jordan McCloud, Cade Fortin and Noah Johnson each saw reps. Silverfield said Memphis is preparing for all three.

McCloud is mobile, but Memphis faced him last season and he struggled to ignite the offense. Saturday should be a game the Tigers’ pass rush makes life miserable for whoever plays. But can the Memphis’ secondary do its part and not give up big plays?

Defensive back TJ Carter participated in practice this week and will be a game-time decision per Silverfield.

Get your run on

Paging Rodrigues Clark, Kylan Watkins and the Tigers offensive line. Want to make people forget Memphis had just 5 rushing yards against Cincinnati? Here’s your chance.

USF has the AAC’s third-worst rushing defense and gave up 227 yards to Tulsa two weeks ago. It’s just what Memphis needs and it’s where they need to target the Bulls’ defense. USF ranks 18th nationally — and leads the AAC — in passing yards allowed per game.

History on the line

Memphis has won 24 of its last 25 home games and a win Saturday sets a program record with the Tigers’ 13th consecutive home victory. The Tigers haven’t lost at the Liberty Bowl since losing to UCF in 2018.

A win will also be Brady White’s 24th at Memphis and would set a program record. White is tied with Lloyd Patterson.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com