Memphis Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Georgia State

1. The Memphis defense is stepping up big for the Tigers in 2018

Last season, the run by Memphis to the American Athletic Conference championship game was largely predicated on the prolific nature of their offense. The defense was largely an afterthought, as the Tigers lived and died by the shootout.

Among FBS teams, Memphis ranked 116th in average yards allowed as they gave up more htan 465 yards per game. The Tigers defense conceded 32.5 points per game, good for just 102nd nationally. Defensive coordinator Chris Ball had few answers as his group struggled against the run and the pass alike, finishing 84th against opposing ground games and 121st against opponents’ passing attacks.

Against Georgia State, the Tigers continued a trend of playing much-improved defense in 2018. They gave up 174 yards and two scores to the Bears in the season opener, then followed by holding Navy to 316 total yards in the 22-21 loss. Those successes by the defense offered a solid reason to expect more of the same against a Sun Belt opponent, and Memphis didn’t disappoint on Friday.

The Tigers gave up 312 yards and held the Panthers to only two touchdowns and a field goal on offense. The special teams unit blocked an extra point attempt in the third quarter and a field goal try midway through the fourth quarter. Georgia State managed a respectable 4.0 yards per carry — and an anemic 4.1 yards per passing attempt. It was an all-around strong showing by a unit that is doing its part this year to put Memphis in winning positions.