Memphis will close out its non-conference schedule with its most crucial matchup of the season.
The Tigers (9-3) will face a regional rival for the second straight outing when they play host to No. 16 Ole Miss on Saturday, Dec. 28, (1 p.m., ESPN2) at FedExForum in their final game before the start of American Athletic Conference play next month.
Coach Penny Hardaway’s team, ranked No. 42 in KenPom and No. 46 in the NCAA’s NET rankings, is coming off a 79-66 home loss to Mississippi State on Dec. 21.
With Memphis also having lost to Arkansas State 85-72 at home Dec. 8, the program is looking to avoid its first three-game home losing streak since the 2017-18 season. (Former coach Tubby Smith’s Tigers dropped back-to-back-to-back home games to Cincinnati, Wichita State and UCF then.)
The Rebels (11-1), No. 30 in KenPom and No. 31 in the NET, are riding a five-game winning streak since losing by 2 points on Nov. 29 to then-No. 12 Purdue at the Rady Children’s Invitational Championship in San Diego. But coach Chris Beard’s team has only faced three opponents so far this season that are in the top 100 of the NET, picking up wins over BYU (No. 44) and Louisville (53) to go with its loss to the Boilermakers (36).
Memphis has played nine top-100 NET teams.
This matchup represents a Quadrant 2 opportunity for Memphis and likely is its final chance of the season to put itself in contention for a top-four NCAA Tournament seed, which Hardaway has stated openly is his goal. The Tigers, who were projected as a No. 5 seed in ESPN’s latest Bracketology update and are a combined 7-2 in Quads 1 and 2, have zero Quad 1 opportunities and just five Quad 2 chances through their 18-game AAC schedule.
Memphis and Ole Miss most recently met last season, when the Tigers fell to the Rebels 80-77 on Dec. 2, 2023, in Oxford, Mississippi. The Tigers own a 22-10 all-time series lead.
As Memphis fans gear up for the highly anticipated matchup against Ole Miss, here are some key things to watch for in the game:
1. Quarterback battle: Keep an eye on Memphis quarterback Brady White as he goes head-to-head against Ole Miss’ talented signal caller. White has shown poise and accuracy in the pocket, but will need to be on top of his game against a tough SEC opponent.
2. Memphis’ running game: The Tigers have a strong stable of running backs, including Kenneth Gainwell and Kylan Watkins. Watch for Memphis to establish the run early and often to keep the Ole Miss defense on their toes.
3. Defensive standouts: Memphis linebacker Austin Hall and defensive back T.J. Carter will be key players to watch on the defensive side of the ball. Look for them to make big plays and disrupt the Ole Miss offense.
4. Special teams impact: Special teams can often be a game-changer, so keep an eye on Memphis kicker Riley Patterson and punter Adam Williams. Their performances could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
Overall, Memphis fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup against Ole Miss. Be sure to tune in and cheer on the Tigers as they look to secure a big win on the national stage.
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