Memphis returns to New Orleans for the first time since its 2003 New Orleans Bowl appearance.
After playing the Green Wave in Memphis in 2004, Tulane rotated off the Tiger schedule in 2005 and 2006.

On to the one-liners:

*** Memphis is averaging 42.6 points in its last three games against Tulane.

*** Close games have not been the hallmark of this series. The last seven games have been decided by an average of 24.6 points.

*** Memphis used to have a larger contingent of Louisiana natives on its roster, but will go into Saturday’s game with only two: Baton Rouge products Taz Knockum, a seldom-used senior receiver and freshman offensive lineman Ronald Leary.

*** The Tigers have forced 13 turnovers in their past five games and committed only two.

*** Memphis ranks 116th nationally (of 119 teams) in third-down efficiency defense.

*** The combined record of the three teams the Tigers have beaten is 6-16; 1-AA Jacksonville State’s 5-3 mark keeps the record from being worse.

*** Saturday’s attendance at the Louisiana Superdome could be in the same range as last weekend’s announced crowd of 11,122 at Rice, a number that was somewhat generous.