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Running game will be key against Temple

<p>Mike Norvell leads his Tigers onto the field prior to their game against</p>
<p>Kansas. Norvell helped the Tigers go 10-3 in the 2017-18 season.</p>
Mike Norvell leads his Tigers onto the field prior to their game against Kansas. Norvell helped the Tigers go 10-3 in the 2017-18 season.
Tigers prepare to take on Owls in first conference game

Memphis head football coach Mike Norvell leads his team onto the field for their game against Kansas. Norvell went 10-2 in his second season as Tigers head coach.

The Memphis Tigers (3-1, 0-0 AAC) have played against the Temple Owls (3-2, 1-0 AAC) each of the past three seasons, 2013-2015, and the Owls have won the first and the last. Both of Temple’s wins have been by at least 19 points, and the Tigers won by three in 2014.

What’s at Stake

This game is almost a must-win for both teams if an American Athletic Conference championship is the goal. The Houston Cougars, who are in the West division with Memphis, are the No. 6 team in the country and will likely be heavy favorites in every conference game they play the rest of the season. The Tigers need to pile up as many conference wins as possible before their final conference game with Houston.

The east side of the division, however, is wide open. South Florida, Central Florida and Temple are all 1-0 in conference play, and each conference game could be the difference in making the championship game or not. If Temple wants to go to the AAC championship game for the second consecutive year, a win Thursday could make them the favorites in the East division.

Key Matchup

Last week, Ole Miss, a team that had struggled running the ball all season, ran for 263 yards against the Tigers. This week, Memphis’ defense will have to stop the rushing attack of the Owls. Temple is averaging about seven more rushes than pass attempts per game and about 150 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Philip Walker has thrown six touchdowns to seven interceptions on the year. The front seven of Memphis will have to step up and stop the run to force Temple to throw the ball.

Players to Watch

Memphis RB, Doroland Dorceus:

Against the strong defensive front of Ole Miss, Dorceus averaged more than five yards per carry with 72 total rushing yards and a touchdown. Now against a team that allows more rushing than passing yards per game, he has a chance to have a breakout game.

Memphis DB, Arthur Maulet:

The senior defensive back has already tied his 2015 total with two interceptions and is only two passes defended from tying his seven last season. Maulet had an interception and a pass defended against Ole Miss, and now he will try to add to his stats against an inconsistent Temple passing attack.

Temple RB, Ryquell Armstead:

Last week against SMU, Armstead rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 15 attempts. The Tiger defense has allowed running backs to bust big plays, and he has the potential to do the same.

Temple DB, Delvon Randall:

As a sophomore, Randall has a well-rounded stat sheet on the season. He is second on Temple’s defense with 16 solo tackles and 25 total. He also leads the team in interceptions and passes defended with two each. Randall makes plays all over the field and could cause trouble for the Memphis offense.


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