Depth charts are set, tickets are purchased, and tailgate parties are planned–it’s game week baby! After an 8-month hiatus, Ryan Silverfield and the Tigers will officially take the field.
When: September 2nd, 6 P.M CT
Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Who: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
TV: ESPN+
What You Need to Know About the Wildcats
Bethune-Cookman is a division 1 program competing in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) facing significant turnover from seasons past. Wildcat’s Athletic Director, Reggie Theus, made the decisive move to remove head coach Terry Sims, whose seven-year tenure concluded with a 2-9 record last season. The Wildcats also lost dynamic Quarterback Jalon Jones along with their top 5(!) skill position players from last season.
What to Expect
The bright side of hosting a lesser opponent in the season opener is:
1) It gets the fans and city excited and talking about this team.
2) It gives Coach Ryan Silverfield and Memphis an excellent chance for a tune-up game before heading over the bridge to Jonesboro to face the infamous Butch Jones and the Arkansas State Red wolves.
3) You can start off on the right side of the win-loss column. I don’t expect the rebuilding Wildcats to put up much of a fight. Additionally, look for transfer running back Blake Watson to make a significant impact, along with third-year signal caller Seth Henigan, both 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
Score Prediction
Memphis Tigers: 45, Bethune-Cookman Wildcats: 14
Furthermore, after a first half of dominating trench play and moving the ball at will, Silverfield calls off the dogs making the final score look closer than the actual game at hand.
What is Coach Silverfield Saying?
Via @memphisfb on X:
“An exciting week, with opening day on Saturday. We’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to this upcoming weekend. We know that this Saturday’s game is something special. I’m very proud of these guys, their mindset, and their approach with all of this leading up to Saturday, where we know we’re going to have a big crowd.”
