Today brings us to Memphis, which enters its first year in the Big East.
Spotlight: Secondary
Why: Quarterback is obviously the most important position, but Jacob Karam has a 14-touchdown, three-interception campaign under his belt from 2012 as he tries to hold off redshirt freshman Paxton Lynch. The Tigers, winners of their final three games of 2012, are a young team that won't feature much turnover outside of the defensive backfield, as they lose cornerback Robert Steeples and free safety Cannon Smith. Steeples, a Missouri transfer, recorded 42 tackles in his only season with Memphis, adding two tackles for loss, five pass breakups, five passes defended, one quarterback hurry and three fumble recoveries. Smith started 21 games over the past two seasons, notching 101 total tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and eight passes defended. Bakari Hollier and Anthony Watson figure to be the next in line at corner and safety, respectively. Hollier, a rising junior, saw action in every game last season, notching 20 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and three passes defended. In nine games last season, Watson recorded nine tackles and blocked a kick.
