Memphis Tigers Football: 2015 Season Preview and Prediction

5 of 5

Nov 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers after the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers beat Connecticut Huskies 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Final Thoughts

If the Memphis Tigers returned as many players on defense as they do on offense, I would be calling for an undefeated season right now and potentially a New Year’s Six berth as the best Group of Five team.

Unfortunately, the defensive losses hurt that significantly. Still, the offense should be even better this year after being a Top 25 offense last year, and the deep rotations used on defense last year should at least keep the unit decent.

As a result, a fall-off should not be expected either, particularly with the schedule.

Prediction

Believe it or not, this season should be an improvement. An 11-win season, a Top 25 finish, and contention for a New Year’s Six Bowl are very fair expectations.

The Tigers are once again lucky enough to avoid playing UCF, who is the best team in the AAC, and East Carolina. Non-conference games against Missouri State, Kansas, and Bowling Green all help.

Sure, Ole Miss on the road is a loss, but the two toughest conference games are Cincinnati and Houston, and Cincinnati is at home. Ole Miss and Houston on the road should be the only two losses for this team, and they will either repeat as AAC Champs or come in second depending on whether or not the Knights lose a game in the conference.

But this team is not going anywhere, and Fuente has succeeded in the most impressive rebuilding job in football.

Next: Top 15 Head Coaches Without a National Championship

More from Saturday Blitz

Home/American