Memphis Football: Previewing the Navy Midshipmen

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 14: Running back Darrell Henderson #8 of the Memphis Tigers celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on October 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 14: Running back Darrell Henderson #8 of the Memphis Tigers celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on October 14, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Tigers are looking to build off of their successful Week One win, as they go on the road this Saturday in a matchup against the Navy Midshipmen.

The Memphis Tigers had a very impressive first game of the season, blowing out the Mercer Bears 66-14.

The Memphis offense was hot all game long. The Tigers broke a school record for scoring 56 points in the 1st half alone. They finished with 752 yards of total offense, including 428 yards passing and 324 yards rushing.

Brady White’s first game in a Memphis uniform was impressive, to say the least. He finished with 358 passing yards on 22-28 passing, including five touchdowns, all in the 1st half.

The Tigers had a few guys look impressive running the ball, including Calvin Austin III (83 yards), Darrell Henderson (76 yards), and Patrick Taylor Jr. (52 yards), with each of them finishing with a rushing touchdown.

The Tigers had 12 different players catch a pass during their season opener last Saturday. Demonte Coxie led the team in receiving yards, as he finished with 79 yards on four receptions and a touchdown.

The Tigers defense also looked impressive, only allowing 174 yards of total offense.

Navy, on the other hand, is coming off a depressing season-opening loss to Hawaii, where their defense allowed 59 points. Here is a look at Navy.

Offense

The Navy offense didn’t look half bad in their loss against Hawaii last Saturday, but they weren’t able to keep up with Hawaii’s offense.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Terrence Laster #80 celebrates as quarterback Malcolm Perry #10 of the Navy Midshipmen rushes for a second quarter touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 28: Terrence Laster #80 celebrates as quarterback Malcolm Perry #10 of the Navy Midshipmen rushes for a second quarter touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

With Navy’s triple-option offense, they don’t throw the ball much, so the Tigers defense needs to be ready to stop their rushing attack. Garret Lewis completed only five passes for 66 yards last week against Hawaii. Malcolm Perry had the lone passing touchdown for Navy.

Perry also led the Midshipmen in rushing, as he finished with 108 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Nelson Smith had 10 rushed for 86 yards for Navy. Although Zach Abey had just 17 rushing yards on five attempts, he finished with four rushing touchdowns.

Taylor Jackson had three receptions for 38 yards last week, while CJ Williams had two receptions for 28 yards. Tre Walker had the lone receiving touchdown for the Midshipmen, as he caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Perry.

If the Tigers are able to slow down Navy’s rushing attack, they will have another good win to start the year off 2-0.

Defense

Navy’s defense was less than impressive in their season opener. The Memphis offense should have a fun day this Saturday. The Midshipmen allowed Hawaii to put up 522 yards of total offense, including 436 passing yards.

White should be able to torch the Navy defense this Saturday. The Tigers might not be able to run much on Navy on Saturday, but White should be able to pass all day long.

Elan Nash led all Midshipmen defenders with eight total tackles. Taylor Heflin and Evan Fochtman both finished with six total tackles and a sack each. If Navy wants this game to stay close, their defense will have to be a whole lot better than they were in their lost to Hawaii.

What to Expect

I fully expect the Memphis Tigers to put up a lot of points on the board again. White should have another great day. Navy might be able to hang around for a little bit, as they will likely run off a good bit of the clock with their offense, but that still won’t be enough to beat the Memphis high scoring offense.

Memphis should move on to 2-0 on the year with two routs.