Where does Memphis football rank in conference stats?

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Memphis is getting ready for its sixth game of the season, and it will host UAB on Saturday in the Battle for the Bones. With the season nearly half way done, it’s a good time to look at where the Tigers sit among the American in different conference statistics. 

Charles Huff’s offense has rolled through the first five games of the year, and they rank No. 4 in nationally in yards per game and No. 2 in yards per play.

Memphis ranks high in nearly every offensive category in the American, but it ranks a little lower in the defensive categories. 

Here’s where the Tigers stand in the conference in several categories.

Points per game: No. 2

Memphis is averaging 38.6 points per game, which puts them behind North Texas. The Mean Green are averaging 40.6 points per game.

The Tigers’ offense has been rolling, especially in the last two games, but the 20-point performance against Boise State is pulling them down slightly. 

Huff’s team has scored 42 or more points in three games this year.

Total offense: No. 1

While the Tigers are second in points per game, they lead the conference in total offensive yards per game. Memphis is averaging 541.2 yards per game, and it’s being helped by the 674 yards they had on Saturday against the 49ers.

Kevin Decker’s offense has shown that they have a balanced attack and can hurt opponents through the air or on the ground.

Rushing yards: No. 3

The Tigers average 250.4 yards on the ground, and they’re behind only Army and Navy, who rely on the triple option for most of its production. Rice, who also has a heavy run attack, is the closet to Memphis, averaging 243.8 yards on the ground. 

Passing yards: No. 3

Like rushing, the Tigers rank No. 3 in the conference in passing yards per game, averaging 290.8 yards through the first five games. Quarterback Marcus Stokes has been impressive over the last two games, and both Stokes and Huff said the quarterback is getting much more comfortable and confident in the offense.

Scoring defense: No. 4

Defensively, Memphis allows 22.4 points per game, which is good for fourth in the American. South Florida leads the conference, allowing only 17.3 points per game, and it’s followed by Army and Tulsa.

Total defense: No. 10

While the Tigers are high in scoring defense, they rank No. 10 in the conference in yards allowed. Memphis is giving up 394.4 yards per game, and it’s proving that it’s a “bend but don’t break” defense.

Rushing defense: No. 9

Lance Guidry’s defense is allowing 176.2 rushing yards per game, and the Tigers are giving up 5.2 yards per rush, which is the second worse in the conference. Memphis has given up some chunk plays on the ground, including the 75-yard touchdown run last week against Charlotte.

Passing defense: No. 9

The Tigers also rank No. 9 in passing defense, allowing 218.2 yards through the air. The secondary has had issues throughout the first five games of the year, and it will be interesting to see how it fares throughout the rest of the season.

Interceptions: No. 3

While they rank No. 9 in passing defense, the Tigers are third in interceptions with five on the year. Memphis recorded four interceptions in the win over Arkansas State, and it grabbed another one on Saturday against the 49ers.

Sacks: No. 2

The Tigers have recorded 12 sacks this season, which puts them two sacks behind Tulsa. Elijah Kinsler leads the team with 3.5 sacks, while J’Mond Tapp has added 2.5 sacks.

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