MEMPHIS (3-3) vs. Louisville (2-2): Four things to watch
1. Louisville's run defense
Although the Cardinals allowed UConn to gain 157 yards on the ground two weeks ago, the Huskies averaged only 3.7 yards per rush. Three other UofL opponents were limited to 63, 33 and 30 yards rushing. The Cardinals are ranked ninth nationally in rush defense, allowing 70.8 yards per game.
2. Memphis' run offense
The Tigers' success during their three-game win streak has been because of an improved run game, averaging 237 yards in victories over Nicholls State, Arkansas State and UAB. Tailback Curtis Steele has had three straight 100-yard games, the best stretch by a UofM back since 2005.
3. Louisville RB Victor Anderson
Much like Steele, Anderson is running at a clip not seen at Louisville in three years. Anderson, a redshirt freshman, has had three straight 100-yard rushing games -- a first since Michael Bush had five straight in 2005 -- and averages 105.2 per game.
4. Memphis and the deep ball
For the Tigers to have success against Louisville's ninth-ranked defense, they'll have to be accurate on their deep throws. And 6-9 wideout Carlos Singleton and 6-4 wideout Duke Calhoun may need to find the end zone. After combining for 16 touchdowns in 2007, Singleton and Calhoun have caught only two scoring passes this season.
1. Louisville's run defense
Although the Cardinals allowed UConn to gain 157 yards on the ground two weeks ago, the Huskies averaged only 3.7 yards per rush. Three other UofL opponents were limited to 63, 33 and 30 yards rushing. The Cardinals are ranked ninth nationally in rush defense, allowing 70.8 yards per game.
2. Memphis' run offense
The Tigers' success during their three-game win streak has been because of an improved run game, averaging 237 yards in victories over Nicholls State, Arkansas State and UAB. Tailback Curtis Steele has had three straight 100-yard games, the best stretch by a UofM back since 2005.
3. Louisville RB Victor Anderson
Much like Steele, Anderson is running at a clip not seen at Louisville in three years. Anderson, a redshirt freshman, has had three straight 100-yard rushing games -- a first since Michael Bush had five straight in 2005 -- and averages 105.2 per game.
4. Memphis and the deep ball
For the Tigers to have success against Louisville's ninth-ranked defense, they'll have to be accurate on their deep throws. And 6-9 wideout Carlos Singleton and 6-4 wideout Duke Calhoun may need to find the end zone. After combining for 16 touchdowns in 2007, Singleton and Calhoun have caught only two scoring passes this season.
