Memphis starting out eager to produce better finish

FILE -- In this Dec. 1, 2018, file photo, Memphis running back Patrick Taylor Jr. carries against Central Florida during the American Athletic Conference championship NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. Taylor’s presence has Memphis confident it can improve upon last year’s 8-6 season even as it replaces Darrell Henderson, the nation’s second-leading rusher in 2018. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

FILE -- In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Missouri wide receiver Jalen Knox, left, runs down the sideline chased by Memphis defensive end Bryce Huff (55) during an NCAA college football game in Columbia, Mo. Memphis is confident its defense can improve this season, thanks in part to the return of a couple of big-play performers. Huff had 19 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks last season. T.J. Carter has 23 pass breakups and seven interceptions over the last two years. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2018, file photo, Memphis coach Mike Norvell watches the scoreboard during the American Athletic Conference championship NCAA college football game against Central Florida, in Orlando, Fla. Norvell has produced explosive offenses at Memphis. The Tigers ranked seventh in scoring (42.9) last season and second (45.5) in 2017. But they haven’t been as good on the other side of the ball. Memphis ranked 94th in scoring defense (31.9) last year and 102nd (32.5) in 2017. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)