Learn from the past so at to avoid repeating mistakes, they say. But what if history tells us nothing?
The Memphis Tigers are eagerly awaiting their first contest in two weeks, deucing it out against the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee. Coming off of an impressive 50-47 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, MTSU would enjoy nothing more than earning a 3-1 record. There is one problem with this plan, though: its history with the Tigers.
Looking all the way back in the history books, Memphis has met with the likes of Middle Tennessee 26 times. Of those 26 games, the Tigers have emerged victorious just eight times, falling to the Blue Raiders in 17 different performances and tying with them once. What’s more, Memphis has only won one of its five matchups with Middle Tennessee since 2007.
Right out of the gate, this doesn’t look all that great for Fuente’s warriors, as the past would indicate that a loss sits on Memphis’ horizon this weekend. However, upon examining the Tigers’ home record against Middle Tennessee, it is easily seen that historically and statistically speaking, this Liberty Bowl-hosted football game has not been decided. When playing at home against Middle Tennessee, Memphis sits at 6-6-1.
A perfectly even split.
This means that we absolutely have to check in to see how Middle Tennessee has been playing thus far in the 2014 season in order to determine if Memphis has a chance to win their first game in a handful of weeks, coming off of a heartbreaking loss against UCLA and a recuperating bye week.
MTSU sophomore quarterback Austin Grammer has just three touchdowns through the air in as many games (with three interceptions). In contrast, the Blue Raiders’ running game seems to be a great deal more successful than their passing game, putting up 13 scores from seven different players.
No doubt about it, Memphis needs to put an emphasis on run defense this Saturday. If it can stop movement on the ground, then Middle Tennessee, according to its season statistics from ESPN.com, will have little success via the passing game, leading to an overwhelming margin of victory for Fuente and his well-rested Tigers.
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