The Daily Helmsman sports staff collectively wrote their thoughts about the Memphis Tigers football team’s first home game against the Mercer Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Frank Ramirez: The football team shouldn’t be, and I’m sure that they aren’t, underestimating this Mercer football team. Mercer comes in having played two SEC giants, Alabama and Auburn, last year. Mercer might have lost 56-0 to Alabama, but they only lost to Auburn 24-10 on the road and forced five turnovers in that game. While most fans expect Memphis to easily start the season 1-0, they should not underestimate their opponents.
We’re all eager to see how the Memphis offense will perform without Riley Ferguson and see how Brady White, a junior transfer from Arizona State University, will lead this Tiger offense.
Although we all hope White will perform well, Paxton Lynch and Ferguson didn’t fare as well in their first starting games. Lynch completed 14 of 24 passes and threw for 148 yards against Duke University in 2013, and Ferguson completed 26 of 40 passes and threw for 295 yards, and scored three touchdowns but was sacked three times and threw two picks.
If White does struggle in his first game, there shouldn’t be cause for panic because he hasn’t played a game since 2016 due to injury.
My prediction: Memphis wins 33-14 over Mercer.
Zach Thompson: In their season opener coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, this year’s team will look to set the tone on Saturday against the Mercer Bears. With an offense that must replace the production left behind by Anthony Miller and Riley Ferguson, there are opportunities to step up for new faces.
At quarterback, Arizona State transfer Brady White hopes to continue the success of those who started before him, and his connection with Mike Norvell before Memphis will certainly help.
Damonte Coxie, who is a redshirt sophomore, figures to play a major role this year after seeing limited time last season and could be in line for a breakout year. Don’t forget about Tony Pollard either, who is a touchdown waiting to happen. While Mercer figures to be tougher than some may expect, I still expect the hometown Tigers to run away with this one in the end.
Final score prediction: Memphis wins 34-17 over Mercer.
Joshua Vinson: Memphis should beat Mercer without any problems. However, college football is harder to predict than the weather. As Frank Ramirez mentioned, this Mercer team caused problems last season for Auburn and lost by only a touchdown.
Memphis has a high powered offense and a strong defense but also has a quarterback who’s only started in one game in his career. Granted, he played well enough for the starter job, even prior to David Moore’s transfer.
This game will give us a sample of what is to come this season. I expect Memphis to win, yet, an upset by Mercer would be a major blemish on Norvell’s record.
My prediction: Memphis wins 34-20 over Mercer.
