Memphis Tigers coach Charles Huff says his team should ignore the numbers and expect a fight Thursday night at South Florida, The Daily Memphian reported.
"I think the stats are for the barber shop; the stats are for Buffalo Wild Wings," Huff said, according to the Daily Memphian. The paper said Huff has watched the film and believes the Tigers are ready to face the Bulls on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The full story is available to Daily Memphian subscribers.
On paper, Memphis has the edge. The Tigers are 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the American Conference and remain in the hunt for the conference title. According to South Florida Athletics, Memphis has the nation's No. 5 offense at 513.3 yards per game, led by quarterback Marcus Stokes, who has 2,532 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions, and running back Jaylin Carter, who has 929 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
South Florida is 6-3 and 2-3 in conference play, coming off a 20-17 loss at East Carolina on a 55-yard field goal as time expired. But the Bulls have the nation's No. 25 defense, allowing 312.7 yards per game, and their three losses have come by a combined 14 points. USF is also seeking its first win over Memphis since 2016.
Bulls coach Brian Hartline said his team still has plenty to play for. "The film doesn't lie," Hartline said. "It's important for our team to finish strong." USF could start quarterback Luke Kromenhoek for a second straight game.
Memphis closes the regular season against Navy and Temple after this trip. the NCAA's official website predicted this week that the Tigers will win the American Conference title.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Sources: The Daily Memphian; South Florida Athletics; Memphis Athletics; the NCAA's official website