By Ralph Lauro Aug 20, 2006, 17:00 GMT
OFFENSE: Without DeAngelo Williams shouldering much of the workload for the first time in four years, the Tigers will surely see a drop in offensive production in 2006. Williams was one of the top backs in the nation the past few seasons and helped Memphis average a whopping 267.9 ypg on the ground last year.
While Williams is gone, all is not lost as Joseph Doss has the talent to become the next great back at Memphis. Doss, who rushed for 440 yards and two scores last season, will be pushed by T.J. Pitts, the prized recruit of the 2005 class. Handing the ball off to Doss will be a new face in Martin Hankins.
The SE Louisiana transfer has a big arm and that was evident in 2004 when he threw for 4,240 yards at the I-AA school. Hankins should have no problem finding an open receiver in returning starter Ryan Scott, who led the Tigers with 37 receptions for 577 yards and three scores last season. The biggest strength, however, of the offense is the line, which returns four starters. The linemen are big and strong and have allowed just 14 sacks the last two years.
DEFENSE: The UM defense did a good job in keeping opponents off the scoreboard (23.0 ppg) last season, although the unit ranked 80th in total defense (405.4 ypg). The biggest problem for the Tigers was their inability to defend the pass, ranking 107th after giving up 279.8 passing ypg.
However, with five of the group's six returning starters coming from the secondary, this actually may be the strength of West's team. Free safety Wesley Smith, a three-time All-CUSA selection, highlights the group and is coming off another solid campaign in which he racked up 82 tackles. Mike Snyder (44 stops) is the lone returning starter at linebacker, although the team should receive a boost with the return of Quinton McCrary. Injuries forced McCrary to sit out all of last season, but he should help solidify the middle of the field.
As for the defensive line, no starters return, although there is still a good deal of experience and talent to be found. Ole Miss transfers Corey Mills and Jada Brown should add even more depth in the trenches.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Stephen Gostkowski certainly made his mark at Memphis, but his departure leaves a giant hole to fill at placekicker. Incoming freshman Matt Reagan will get the first shot at taking Gostkowski's spot, while last year's backup Trey Adams waits in the wings. While the Tigers may hesitate to kick some field goals, they certainly won't when it comes to punting thanks to the return of Michael Gibson. The punter with the big leg averaged an impressive 44.6 yards per boot last season which was the main reason why the Tigers didn't allow a punt return of more than 15 yards all of 2005.
OUTLOOK: With the loss of several key performers, the Tigers' hopes of a fourth straight bowl appearance appear to be just out of reach. West has worked his magic before and if a few newcomers can step up immediately, Memphis could fight for a .500 finish. However, the Tigers are most likely a year away from getting back to the eight wins it has averaged over the past three seasons.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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