Memphis football head coach Ryan Silverfield talked to the media Monday morning ahead of the Tigers matchup against Rice and after his team was reinserted in the national rankings for beating previously ranked South Florida.
Silverfield consistently reiterated his team's game-by-game approach and one-day-at-a-time mindset.
"Immediately on a short week, we have to turn the focus to Rice," Silverfield said. "Great focus, on a great opponent, on the road, on a Friday night."
The Tigers rallied back from a 31-17 deficit Saturday to beat USF in a massive game for positioning in the American Conference. He, however, is telling his players to build on that game, but move forward.
"What happened on Saturday morning was great," Silverfield said. "But, quickly, we've got to turn the page."
Memphis found themselves in a precarious situation two weeks ago at UAB, falling victim to the classic "trap game," but coach Silverfield believes his team can overcome the human nature element of overlooking an opponent.
"I just encourage the guys to have great, great attention to detail," Silverfield said. "From the rest of today and hopefully taking care of their bodies, handling their academics, and then man come back this afternoon and really study the film on Rice."
Rice employs a unique offensive system. They run a run-heavy scheme similar to the triple option attack of Navy which has given Memphis fits for years. The Owls rank top-20 in the country in time of possession and rank top-5 in the country in turnovers lost.
Coach Silverfield discussed the importance of a strong mindset and touched on how his team has improved as the game progressed in many games this season, highlighting the fourth quarter comebacks in both the South Florida game and the Arkansas game as examples. He thinks that will allow his team to handle Rice's ball control offense and get a victory.
"That's a challenge, especially when you're playing this type of offense," Silverfield said "You've got to keep the guys in the right mindset, keeping those guys in rhythm, understanding the ebbs and flows of the game."
As evidenced by their appearance at No. 25 in both rankings, Silverfield's Tigers still control their own destiny when it comes to a potential College Football Playoff bid and a trip to the American Conference championship game. But, their margin for error is razor thin. Memphis' path gets a lot clearer if they continue to win games, and that starts on Halloween, Friday night, in Houston against the Owls.
"This game is the most important game of the season," Silverfield said. "I want our guys to sense that."
I'm a senior journalism major with a sports media concentration. I have been at the Daily Helmsman for three years now, including two years as the sports editor.
