Memphis all-purpose athlete Sam Craft is destined to have a career game against the ailing Southern Methodist Mustangs this coming Saturday. There’s no question about it.
As a completely defeated team in 2014, the Mustangs obviously have a laundry list of weaknesses. I would like to say that an 0-6 team like SMU has something to look forward to, but after taking a look at what the ‘Stangs have managed this season … well, frankly its embarrassing.
This SMU team has been managing just 54.0 yards on the ground and 194.8 yards through the air on average each game, bringing in a 98th-ranked passing game and falling in line at 126th overall for rushing efforts.
Oh, and I implore you: do not get your hopes up. The Mustangs’ defensive efforts are even more miserable. They have allowed a whopping 307.2 yards (No. 123) on average through the air each weekend, which is nicely complimented by their average allowance of 241.7 rushing yards (No. 121) for each team they find themselves up against.
Okay, so you get it. SMU is less than a productive team this year. And that is exactly why I believe that this coming weekend, when Memphis invades Gerald Ford Stadium, it will be Craft’s time to shine.
Last week we talked about the devastating injury to Doroland Dorceus and the lack of contribution from sixth-year tailback Brandon Hayes in his absence. Thankfully, this vacuum was identified and quickly filled before it had the chance to multiply and invade the spirit and performance of this Memphis team. Enter Sam Craft.
The blaring, overarching weaknesses of this Mustang defense intertwined with the confidence being instilled by head coach Justin Fuente onto Craft is the perfect recipe for a career high game for Craft – a ground assault, if you will.
Craft’s performances since the absence of Dorceus have placed him atop Fuente’s roster, building quite the young and impressive resume of 78 rushes for 301 yards and three touchdowns during this, his sophomore season. This is the game where Craft becomes the star of Memphis nation.
Now do not misunderstand; me saying this does not mean that I am discounting the efforts of the likes of Paxton Lynch and Tank Jakes, both of whom are irreplaceable resources on this Tiger squad. I simply mean to say that at the moment, Memphis has identified the leader of its ground assault, and so now is his time – his ideal opportunity – to step up and perform like Fuente knows he can.
Between SMU’s lacking defensive structure and dwindling pride and motivation, this should be a Craft performance for the record books.
As Memphis’ offense stands right now, it has a shot to really exhibit its power. An opportunity to showcase what it has evolved into throughout the past two months – and this effort has honed in on Craft. A career day for him could mean a 100-plus yard game; it could mean moving into the slot and becoming a dual-threat (he’s listed as the starting “s-back” this week); it could even mean being the sole player who puts points up on the board this Saturday.
One thing is for certain, though: Craft will play the game of his life on Saturday.
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