Tennessee @ Memphis preview

Tennessee at Memphis

Last Meeting ( Nov 7, 2009 ) Memphis 28, Tennessee 56

Tyler Bray gets his first start as a Tennessee Volunteer on Saturday and he couldn’t have picked a much better opponent. Tennessee (2-6, 0-5) travels to Memphis (1-7, 0-5) in a matchup of rebuilding teams.

A true freshman, Bray last week rallied the team from a 24-10 deficit and tied the score at 24-24 before South Carolina pulled away for a 38-24 victory. But Bray connected on two touchdown passes and made some big-time throws in his most extensive playing time this season. Although the comeback failed, it was a positive sign for the Vols, who have collapsed in the second half in many games.

Bray will see a Memphis team that statistically is one of the worst in the country.

The Tigers are 117th in points scored (14.3) and 118th in points allowed (41.5). They’ve allowed at least 48 points in five of their seven losses. Last week in a Conference USA game, Memphis lost to Houston 56-17 and the Cougars’ freshman quarterback threw for 292 yards and five touchdowns. Memphis mustered only 92 passing yards in the game, 47 of which came on one play.

The Tigers are somewhat of a reprieve for the Volunteers, who have faced one of the toughest schedules in the FBS. Five of their six losses have been to teams currently ranked in the Top 20 (the only exception being Georgia). The good news for the Vols is that they’ve competed in just about every game and that experience should bode well for them on Saturday — and the rest of the season. Tennessee has three SEC games remaining and its opponents have won a combined three conference games. Despite all of their growing pains, the Volunteers will be bowl eligible if they win their final four games.

The team last week certainly responded well to Bray, who took over for Matt Simms after he fumbled twice. Coach Derek Dooley had said that both quarterbacks would play, but Simms is now listed as out with a neck injury. Dooley and the players like how Bray has improved with increased playing time. Due to its inexperienced line and Simms’ tendency to hold on to the ball, Tennessee has been sacked 31 times this season, ranking 118th in the country. Bray reportedly gets rid of the ball faster than Simms.

Regardless of who's throwing, Denarius Moore will be a primary target. Moore caught six balls for 228 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown from Bray. Moore, whose yardage was the second highest total in Tennessee history (Kelley Washington) and Gerald Jones could have a big day against the Tigers. Tauren Poole (125 carries for 628 yards) leads the Volunteer ground game.

For Memphis, Gregory Ray rushed for 176 yards on 23 carries last week. Quarterback Ryan Williams has completed 96 of 166 passes for 1,153 this season. Marcus Rucker is the top receiver with 23 catches for 412 yards and four touchdowns.

Tennessee CB Nyshier Oliver (knee), CB Marsalis Teague (toe) and K Daniel Lincoln (quad) are questionable.