Strange to hear Tiger coach Tommy West speak so highly of his team’s defensive effort in the wake of a lopsided loss to Tennessee, but West, who assumed control of the unit two weeks ago, is seeing progress in specific areas.
He didn’t like the coverage busts that led to big-play touchdowns, or the 3.9 yards-per-carry Tennessee had, but he’s building a foundation for a run at a fourth straight bowl. He’s moving players around to where they can best execute his defensive style and he’s using young, athletic players like true freshman Josh Weaver, defensive tackle Greg Terrell and linebacker Greg Jackson.
Expressing confidence that few others outside the Tiger camp see, West sounds a little like he did in 2003 after a loss at Mississippi State. Memphis dropped a 35-27 decision at Starkville, Miss., to fall to 3-3, but West detected subtle signs of improvement. In 2003, the Tigers won five of their last six to earn a New Orleans Bowl invitation.