Memphis
• 2012 record: 4-8, 4-4 C-USA
• How it looks: Justin Fuente enters his second season as head coach as the Tigers make the move to the American Athletic Conference (formerly the Big East). They ended 2012 on a strong note, winning their last three games for the program’s best record since 2008. Quarterback Jacob Karam set a school record by completing almost 65 percent of his passes with only three inteceptions, but he is facing competition from redshirt freshman Paxton Lynch. With five offensive linemen who started last season, the quarterback should have solid protection, and Martin Ifedi – who led the team with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss – will head a solid defensive unit. The Tigers return eight starters on both offense and defense but will face tougher competition in the AAC than they saw in Conference USA. Being in the same conference as longtime rival Louisville (if just for one season) should excite the Memphis fans, but facing the likes of Duke and Cincinnati will make it hard for the Tigers to build on the momentum from last season’s strong finish.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 7 vs. Duke, 4:30 p.m.