Know your Opponent: UCLA vs Memphis Preview

The Bruins will be looking to get their house in order when UCLA vs Memphis kicks off this Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

After struggling mightily against the Virginia Cavaliers, Brett Hundley and the rest of the Bruin offense will be looking to put a big number on the board against an American Athletic Conference opponent. On the other hand, what could the Bruin defense be looking to improve upon after a game in which they outscored not only the opponent but also their own offense? They will be looking to pitch a shut out, of course, or at least improve on the 20 points the unit gave up to the Cavs (17 after backup QB Matt Johns entered the game). 

“After taking some lumps against an ACC opponent, UCLA will buy a vowel and have a comfortable home game against an AAC team.”

Certainly, with a national spotlight game looming against Texas at the Jerry-Dome in week 3, UCLA has the opportunity to work its kinks out in a game that virtually no one outside the stadium will see (thank you PAC-12 Network). So bring on the Tigers!

First, as I like to do every week on the What’s Bruin Podcast, let me share a few facts with you about the University of Memphis and the culture of its city:

• The University of Memphis was known originally as West Tennessee State Normal School; the institution opened its doors on Sept. 10, 1912. The “Normal” moniker refers to a teachers training college (you learn something new everyday – thanks Memphis fan Brad Bush – @midtownbuck).
• The school went through numerous name changes over the years, and was not called the University of Memphis until 1994 – (according to the University of Memphis)
• The first Piggly Wiggly Grocery store opened in Memphis in 1916 – (pigglywiggly.com)
• Memphis is known as the birthplace of the Blues, and 24 of the 97 artists in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame live within 100 miles of Memphis – (historic-memphis.com)
• The University of Memphis does not have a lot of memorable names in the NFL, but some recent players are DeAngelo Williams and Isaac Bruce – gotigersgo.com
• Like the Bruins, the Tigers play their home games at a historic stadium: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, home of the Liberty Bowl game since 1965.

Now for the game:

Justin Fuente is starting his 3rd season as the Memphis Head Coach. Although he has a losing record over his 1st two seasons (7-17), its obvious that he is laying the groundwork for a competitive program. During his time at Memphis he has guided the Tigers in a conference switch from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference. The Tigers started off the year with an impressive 63-0 win over the Austin Peay Governors.

Memphis Tiger Offense 

The Tigers had a big day against Austin Peay, and in doing so they were able to showcase a lot of different looks and give the ball to a lot of different play-makers. They matched a school record with 7 rushing touchdowns, and the 63 points scored is the biggest number Memphis has put up since 1969. Watching the Tiger offense, one’s eyes are immediately drawn to Memphis Sophomore QB Paxton Lynch (#12) who stands a statuesque 6-7 and 230 lbs (think of  Utah’s Travis Wilson and you’re on the right track).  Lynch really had a chance to showcase his talents against the Governors, as he threw and ran for 2 touchdowns each. He was even able to run the Nebraska style option on occasion through the porous Austin Peay defense. Look for the Lynch to be a gunslinger this Saturday at the Rose Bowl, but I would imagine the game plan will be a little more cautious against the bigger, stronger and faster UCLA defense (I have images of Lynch taking an option off tackle and exploding into a puff of confetti as Myles Jack or Eric Kendricks drills him).

Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch – Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis also showed a potent running game as they rushed the ball for over 300 yards last Saturday, but the carries were spread around. Three different Tigers had at least 10 carries and 5 Tigers had at least 8. Five different players ran for at least 1 TD as well. However, Senior RB Brandon Hayes (#38) and Sophomore RB Doroland Dorceus (#22) carried the ball most often before the game was completely out of hand, so they are probably the backs to watch for this Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The Memphis receiving corp has good talent as well. Senior WR Keiwone Malone (#7) is a transfer from Alabama, and averaged 20 YPC last Saturday. The player I am most looking forward to watching is Sophomore RB/WR Sam Craft (#11). During the 1st quarter against Austin Peay, Craft was all over the field playing seemingly every position except QB. The Tiger offense used multiple formations and shifted from wide open shotguns into I-formations pre-snap or from down to down. As this happened, Craft moves from RB to WR and back again, catching and carrying all over the field.

Memphis Tigers running back Sam Craft -Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the game, it will be tough for the Bruins to focus on one particular weapon that Memphis has to offer because they were able to showcase so many different looks against Austin Peay. The Tigers have some dynamic athletes at the skill positions that could challenge the Bruin defense on any given play. However, the way I see it, the overall speed and power that UCLA brings to the table will short circuit the Tigers offense more often than not.

Memphis Tiger Defense  

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The Tigers D also had a big day against Austin Peay, holding the Governors to less than 150 yards and pitching a shutout. The Memphis defense run fairly conventional 3-4 and nickle formations on most plays, and have some impressive talent on a couple of levels of the defense.

Senior DL Martin Ifedi (#97) is a NFL prospect that can disrupt the middle of any offensive line (which will be a challenge for the patchwork interior of the UCLA offensive line). Fortunately for the Bruins, the rest of the Tiger defensive line is on the small side (mostly in the range of 250 lbs). It will be a priority for the UCLA to establish a better running game then they had working against Virginia, and allow the young linemen to develop some confidence against some smaller opponents.

Also, for the second week in a row, the Bruin’s offense is facing the reigning NCAA interception leader. How is that possible? Last week UCLA faced Virginia Cavaliers All-American Safety Anthony Harris who led the nation with 8 picks in 2013. This week the Bruins have to contend with Tiger defensive back Bobby McCain (#21) who led the NCAA in interceptions/game last year (he averaged 0.7 picks per game, but he missed a few games due to injury).

Although Memphis is coming off an impressive shut out, they will not provide the same challenge that UCLA faced against Virginia. As bad as they looked last week, I expect the Bruin offense to have a bounce back performance against a Tiger team that is stepping up in class and taking a long trip themselves.

Prediction

After taking some lumps on the road against an ACC opponent, I believe UCLA will buy a vowel and make the most of a comfortable home game against an AAC team. Memphis may break a big play or two, but the UCLA offense will get on track and actually outscore its own defense in week 2.

UCLA 48 Memphis 10