Memphis vs South Alabama football: 5 things to know for Saturday's game

Memphis' final non-conference home game will be Saturday against South Alabama at 7 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl. The Tiger Walk is set for 4:30 p.m. on Tiger Lane.

Memphis (2-1) was listed as a 31-point favorite according to Vegas Insider. It will be the Tigers' second consecutive game against a Sun Belt team and fans should also prepare for colder weather and rain according to the forecast.

Here's five things to watch:

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Will Memphis score over 50 points again?

The Tigers have thrived on home cooking this year, having scored 66 and 59 points in their wins. South Alabama is 117th in the country in points allowed per game (38.7) and gave up 55 in its lone road test at Oklahoma State.

It adds up to a recipe where Memphis should light up the scoreboard before returning to AAC play. But the Tigers need to keep an eye on South Alabama's Jalen Thompson, who had two interceptions last week against Texas State.

Can RB Darrell Henderson have a third straight 200-yard game?

De’Angelo Williams had a three-game streak of rushing for over 200 yards in 2005. Darrell Henderson can tie that on Saturday after his 233-yard effort against Georgia State.

The Jaguars will likely crowd the box and force Tigers quarterback Brady White to beat them. Of course, White did throw five touchdowns last week so it's another game of pick your poison for the Jaguars defense.

How will Memphis overcome possible absences?

Starting tight end Sean Dykes will miss the game due to a violation of team rules. Safety La’Andre Thomas did not practice this week and is questionable after an injury suffered last week. Fortunately, the Tigers have experience at both positions.

Joey Magnifico will likely get the start at tight end and freshman Tyce Daniel could see more snaps if Memphis goes into a double-tight end set. While White developed a strong connection with Dykes in fall camp, Magnifico has proven himself as a reliable pass catcher and excellent blocker, which bodes well for the Tigers running game.

If Thomas can’t play, look for Josh Perry to step in his place. Perry started against Navy and has played in every game so Memphis won’t lose a step.

South Alabama’s strength is its defensive line

There’s a reason why Mike Norvell has said the Jaguars’ defensive line will be the best Memphis has seen so far. South Alabama had four sacks in its loss to Oklahoma State and is tied for 11th in the country with 10.

Defensive lineman Chason Milner has three sacks and Jeremiah Littles has two. It will be a great test for the Memphis’ offensive line, which has owned the line of scrimmage in every game so far.

Don’t let South Alabama have right of Way

Memphis’ defense did a stellar job shutting down Georgia State’s passing game but now it has to contend with Jamarius Way, who had 11 catches for 173 yards last week.

At 6-foot-4, he has a size advantage over both cornerbacks TJ Carter (5-foot-11) and Tito Windham (5-foot-9). Of course, neither Carter nor Windham have let size stop them in past matchups.

Just like Memphis' front seven did against Georgia State, they'll need to pressure  quarterback Evan Orth to make sure he doesn't get into a rhythm with Way.

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