Memphis Football: 2022 Way-Too-Early Game Predictions

Memphis defensive back Quindell Johnson celebrates a tackle on a kick return against Tulane during their game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.W 20220
Memphis defensive back Quindell Johnson celebrates a tackle on a kick return against Tulane during their game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.W 20220 /
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Memphis Tigers defensive lineman O'Bryan Goodson breaks through helmetless for a sack against UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel
Memphis Tigers’s O’Bryan Goodson breaks past the offensive line, losing his helmet in the process, and sacks UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel during their game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.Jrca3186 /

In year one, Gus Malzahn showed that Auburn’s firing of him was a major mistake. The Knights went 9-4 and topped it all off by beating hated power Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl.

When quarterback Dillion Gabriel went down, it seemed as if the season was lost. Yet, Mikey Keene was a good replacement, and his 17 touchdowns to 6 interceptions showed his potential. That offense brings back most of its pieces from last year and can add Auburn transfer Kobe Hudson if need be.

On defense, the loss of Big Kat Bryant and Tatum Bethune is tough. But, the Knights should have enough to hold off Memphis.

Final score: UCF 40, Memphis 31 (Memphis 5-4, 3-3 in AAC)

It’s hard to believe Phil Montgomery has been at Tulsa for nearly a decade now. It’s also hard to believe they’ve never figured out an identity, or grown much at all as a program.

Most of the star standouts from Tulsa are gone. That includes 1,000-yard wideout Josh Johnson and defensive tackle Jaxson Player, who transferred to Baylor in the offseason.

The Memphis Tigers roll.

Final score: Memphis 38, Tulsa 20 (Memphis 6-4, 4-3 in AAC)