Why Memphis football believes the First Responder Bowl can build momentum for next season
How will this Memphis football season be remembered? Most fans have already decided either positively or negatively, but the players believe there’s still time to affect perception.
The Tigers see Tuesday’s First Responder Bowl (2:15 p.m., ESPN) as a chance for a final positive statement. Perhaps even a way to convince fans to have hope that 2023 will be better.
“It’s the same urgency (as before) but we know that it’s a reason for that urgency,” defensive lineman Jaylon Allen said. “We’re going for a reason. We’re not just practicing to practice, we’re practicing for next year.”
Yes, the Tigers (6-6) want to beat Utah State. The goal is still getting a bowl win after last year’s Hawaii Bowl was cancelled. A win, however, also can be a stepping stone after the roughest two-year stretch for the program since winning seven games in 2012-13.
Allen is among five notable players, including quarterback Seth Henigan and tight end Caden Prieskorn, who announced they’ll be back next season. The Tigers could return as many as eight starters on offense. The AAC loses three of its powerhouse teams after this season.
A 7-6 record looks better than 6-7. Maybe a win in Dallas won’t change every fan’s mind, but it can be a good sign for Memphis to build on for a critical fourth offseason under coach Ryan Silverfield.
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“The biggest thing is going to get this win. It’s finishing the season strong and it’s the No. 1 deciding factor,” Silverfield said. “But I think if you’re able to come away with a win and bring home a trophy, all it does it set up momentum. It leaves a positive feel to everybody’s brain. Not the best season, not what everybody wanted, but finished the right way.”
For the players, they could’ve done things differently. Had the Tigers gotten a fourth down stop against Houston or scored on a two-point conversion against ECU in overtime, they’d have two more wins.
Henigan and cornerback Davion Ross said the players are aware of their responsibility for being 0-4 in games decided by seven points or less. They also feel they’re close to figuring out how to get better.
“We know the formula we have as a program is the right formula. We know we’re right there,” center Jacob Likes said. “We just got to clean it up a bit for next season.”
Utah State (6-6) is a team with similar hopes. The Aggies rebounded from a 1-4 start to win five of their last seven games. Like the Tigers, Utah State also lost its regular season finale.
Memphis doesn't need as much motivation for the bowl game. There's plenty of that knowing this season didn't go as expected and neither the program, or fans are satisfied with it.
Tuesday, however, still represents a chance to show why next season can be different. A win can both be a solid ending and the start of hope for a better 2023 campaign.
“It wasn’t just a detrimental season. We could have not made a bowl game and been blown out (in losses) but we weren’t,” Henigan said. "So hopefully, we go out and put a good performance on TV against Utah State and go into the offseason with a high note, get some good pieces and go from there."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football believes First Responder Bowl will build momentum for 2023 season
