It could be an entertaining game when Nichols opens the season at Memphis. Both teams have a tradition, and both are in somewhat of a rebuilding stage. Memphis is looking for a new quarterback but has all the pieces to have a really good offense once again, and they could contend in the AAC. Nichols stumbled in the Spring, going 4-3 after being the preseason pick to win the SLC. Nichols was an FCS playoff team in 2019, and Memphis was a bowl team.
Memphis' offense was good, if not spectacular as it had been in recent years. Gone is quarterback Brady White, but transfers Grant Gunnell and Peter Parish should be able to produce well enough in this offense. Last season, Memphis averaged 453 yards and 31 points with the new coaching staff. With a group of receivers and backs returning, those offensive numbers should be matched or surpassed.
Memphis has some work to do, and Nichols could make the game interesting if it can click on all cylinders.
Though Nichols struggled in the spring, quarterback Lindsey Scott was a bright spot. He passed for 1684 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 557 yards and six more scores. In the spring, Scott averaged 320 yards of offense. Nichols should have a potent offense, just as Memphis should, but the Colonels have had trouble on defense. Twice in the spring, they scored 31 or more points and still lost.
Nichols should be a contender in its conference and is ranked 23rd in the FCS going into the season.
