2009 College Football Predictions: Memphis Tigers
This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions. Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).
2008 Record: (6-7, 4-4)
Coach: Tommy West, 9th year (47-51)
Off. Coordinator: Clay Helton (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Kenny Ingram (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12, (4 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Arkelon Hall)
Offense: The Memphis Tigers return just four starters on offense, but one of them is senior quarterback Arkelon Hall (6-3, 225). Hall threw for 2,275 yards last season (12 TDs, 7 INTs) after transferring from a California junior college. He dropped 10 pounds, which should help his ability to run. However, he could be pushed by Brett Toney, Byron Ingram and Tyler Bass in the fall. At running back, senior Curtis Steele (6-0, 185) is back after rushing for 1,223 yards, as he was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. The receivers are very strong, led by seniors Duke Calhoun (6-4, 200) and Carlos Singleton (6-8, 220). Calhoun has 144 career catches for 2,058 yards, while Singleton adds 19 career touchdown receptions. The offensive line returns just one starter in RG Dominik Riley (6-4, 315), guards Ronald Leary (6-4, 313) and Malcom Ralws (6-5, 315) have some experience.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters and new coordinator Kenny Ingram, but the defensive brings back just one in junior end Jada Brown (6-2, 265). One impact player could be junior DT Justin Thompson (6-4, 290), who was a big-time juco prospect, who originally signed with Oregon. The linebackers should be a strength of the unit as they return all three starters. Senior OLB Greg Jackson (6-2, 212) is the playmaker, who recorded four sacks last year. They also add two transfers in James Hughes (6-0, 230) from Mississippi State and junior Derrick Odom (6-2, 202) from LSU, who could both be factors. In the secondary, the Tigers return three of four starters including senior safety Alton Starr, who led the team with 90 tackles last year.
Outlook: The Tigers face Ole Miss at home, followed by Middle Tennesse State on the road, Tennessee-Martin at home and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. In conference, games at Houston and a home game against East Carolina will be key. If they can find a consistent running back, they have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game.
Popularity: unranked [?]
