Huff proved he cares more about development than running up the score

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Memphis secured a comfortable win over UT Martin on Saturday by 24 points, but some people were concerned that they only beat the Skyhawks by 24 points. The game never seemed in doubt, and Huff made a decision before the game even started that he would put more of an emphasis on playing younger guys rather than running up the score.

After the game, Huff said that his team could’ve scored 70 points or more, but he feels like it’s more important to get some of the younger guys involved.

“We could’ve kept the ones in and scored 70 or 97 points,” Huff said. “I think that’s what people are scoring now, but to me, for us and for our program, we need to know how many guys we have that can play winning football because at some point down the line we’re going to need as many of these players to perform as possible. So, the only way to get true live reps is to try to get them in a game. It was a really good opportunity for that.”

Huff was impressed with the way the younger players responded, and running back Jordan Thompson was one of the most impressive younger players who got a shot on Saturday. The running back ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on six carries and had two rushes for more than 20 yards.

“A lot of guys stepped up today and showed us that they have some ability that we can continue to build on,” Huff said.

This isn’t a new idea for Huff. Early in fall camp, Huff talked about how the new five-for-five rules would require teams to find roles for players earlier because those players wouldn’t be able to redshirt.

It appears he views these as opportunities to get younger guys game experience without putting them in a crucial situation.

“With only five-for-five, you’ve got to find a role for those guys fast,” Huff said during fall camp. “Whether that is special teams. Whether that’s ‘hey, you’re in the rotation.’ Whether that’s ‘hey you’re a three with working ability.’ But, you done’t really have time to redshirt anymore, so it forces our coaches to kind of force them into the fire.”

The Tigers turned to backup quarterback Air Noland late in the third quarter, and after a few drives, they inserted third string quarterback Denzel Gardner.

There were other players who made an impact late in the game, including receiver Joshua Joseph. The receiver recorded two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown.

It will be interesting to see if Huff continues to play young players later in the season if the game is in hand, but he showed on Saturday that he cares more about getting the young guys in than running up the score.

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