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Published Dec 20, 2016
Five Questions: Memphis Tigers
Sean Williams
Publisher

Western Kentucky is looking to close out the 2016 campaign with their third consecutive bowl win as they take on a very talented Memphis Tigers team in the Boca Raton Bowl.

We take a deeper look at Memphis with TigerSportsReport.com publisher Bryan Moss, who answers some key questions about the Tigers heading into Tuesday night's matchup.

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1. What has new head coach Mike Norvell and his staff brought to the table to help lead the Tigers to another successful eight win season and a bowl appearance?

Coach Norvell brought in a staff that really focuses in on the small details. It's more of a business approach to games and practice. He didn't have to come in and rebuild anything so that helped him to really focus on the details with the players.

2. Talk about the Tigers' offense and who makes them click outside of quarterback Riley Ferguson?

Outside of Ferguson, the first name to know is Wide Receiver Anthony Miller. He broke former Tiger and NFL great Isaac Bruce's single season receptions and yards record at Memphis this year. He'll get a chance to go to the NFL early but I feel 1 more year at Memphis will greatly improve his stock. The Tigers have 3 running backs that will get some playing time. Doroland Dorceus will most likely start, Darrell Henderson is a true freshmen that is super quick, and Patrick Taylor Jr. is another true freshmen that is tall and powerful.

3. How do you see the Memphis defense match-up with Western Kentucky's offense?

This will be something to watch. The Tigers have had their troubles this year. They are 90th in the nation in total defense. I can see Memphis being in for a long night if they don't get pressure on Mike White.

4. What's been the reaction from Tiger fans and getting matched up with Western Kentucky?

Mostly positive. Some fans would rather be playing an SEC team in Birmingham or an ACC team in the Military Bowl but Boca Raton has better weather. When they actually look how Memphis matches up against WKU and see that this game could be high scoring and a wildly entertaining game then they are in a much better place mentally. They feel better that Coach Brohm is gone.

5. Do you see this game being as entertaining as many are predicting it will be?

I do. WKU and Memphis are high scoring teams offensively. Both defenses have had their troubles, so I see this going back and forth all night. Just my opinion but I see this game being one of the best bowl games of the year.

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