Iowa State opens Big 12 slate vs. Kansas State

The Memphis Tigers were chosen for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, because the usual conference partner, the SEC, didn’t have enough eligible teams.

Six of the 10 teams in the Big 12 are now ranked in the AP Top 25 poll, and two more are receiving votes. More importantly, a win would set a single-season record for Memphis.

“The fact that we can come here and leave a legacy like that, it means everything to us and our fans and the community as well”, quarterback Riley Ferguson said. Levi Stockard had three first-half fouls and Mawdo Sallah played only two minutes, forcing coach Bruce Weber to go with a small lineup.

The Liberty Bowl will take place at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis Tennessee, giving the hometown Tigers a decided homefield advantage.

Yes they can. Memphis has been bad this year in the defensive backfield, giving up nearly 300 passing yards a a game.

The Lowdown: Kansas State and Iowa State both enter Big 12 play high on victories, but low on quality wins.

“There are so many of them in this game, and I think that’s what makes it a fascinating matchup”, Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said.

The Wildcats rank 41st in steals per game (8.0) while the Cyclones rank 151st (5.5). As a graduate transfer, Park will be eligible to play immediately with his new school come the start of the 2018 season. Contrary to Kansas State, games including the Cyclones tend to go over the total (55.6 percent).

During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (3.4 below their season average). The two-year starter is just 29 yards away from a 4000-yard passing season, and he could easily get that on the opening drive. “That’s something that’s really important to us-the ability for us and our football program to win in the inches and win in the margins”. They’ll have trouble stopping David Montgomery in the run game as they’ve given up almost 200 yards per game on the ground (196.3).

Memphis already made one Power Five statement this season against UCLA in the Liberty Bowl. They intercepted the ball 16 times and recovered 14 fumbles.

Kennedy-Hopotae netted the next four points for the Cyclones with a layup and a pair of baskets from the charity stripe to give Iowa State a 25-20 lead. “I think (Ferguson) is going to be a great asset in terms of when you watch Memphis play and their success”. Peavy proved himself to be one of the Big 12’s best cover cornerbacks and Miller leads the American with 1,407 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns. Helping the offense run smoothly through all of the QB switches was RB David Montgomery (234 carries 1,095 yards 11 TD) and WR Allen Lazard (61 catches 799 yards 9 TD).