Here are some notes in advance of Thursday night’s Memphis-UAB game, which will be carried by CBS College Sports:

*** On the road, big plays generate momentum. Memphis needs to become more effective throwing the deep ball. Only one receiver has caught a pass for more than 44 yards (53 by Maurice Jones).
And the Tigers would benefit from a huge return on special teams. Memphis, however, ranks 114th nationally (of 119 Division 1-A teams) in kickoff returns with an average of 16.1 yards per return. Punt returns haven’t been much more effective: 5.43 average, which ranks 99th nationally.

*** In each of the team’s past two losses at UAB, the Tigers have allowed 35 points. Both games were decided by a touchdown or less.

*** UAB’s rush defense is ranked ninth in Conference USA and its total defense is ranked 11th, allowing 466 yards per game.

*** Memphis likely will activate freshman running back Brandon Ross for the game with Charlie Jones, Curtis Steele’s backup, slowed by an ankle injury. Ross (6-0, 205) is from Alabama.

*** With solid back-to-back weeks running the ball, expect the Tigers to do more of the same against UAB. The Tigers are ranked second in C-USA in rushing at 190.2 yards per game. Steele, on whom a front-page feature appears in Thursday’s sports section, has had back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, including a 203-yard effort last weekend against Arkansas State.