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Memphis Football Focuses on Running Game in Spring Scrimmage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, April 5th 2026 at 15:48 GMT by on3.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Memphis, TN - April 5th, 2026 - The University of Memphis football team concluded its first scrimmage of spring practice on Sunday, with a key focus on evaluating the offensive line and establishing a potent running game. Offensive Coordinator Ryan Silverfield addressed reporters following the session, painting a picture of a productive, albeit preliminary, step in the team's preparation for the 2026 season.

Silverfield characterized the scrimmage as primarily an evaluative exercise. "It was good. Got a lot of work done," he stated. "Really, it's about evaluation. You get a lot of film in and you get to see what your guys look like moving forward." This emphasis on film study isn't new to the program, but Silverfield highlighted its crucial role after live play, stressing that performance isn't solely judged on the field, but also on a player's ability to learn and adapt from their mistakes.

Offensive Line Performance a Bright Spot

The scrimmage appeared to yield positive results, particularly in the trenches. Silverfield specifically praised the work of the offensive line and the emerging effectiveness of the running game. "Really good work from the offensive line, seeing the run game be able to be effective, which is good," he noted. "We're looking for that."

This is a significant development for the Tigers. In recent seasons, establishing a consistent and powerful running attack has proven challenging. The team has often relied heavily on the passing game, and improving the ground game will be crucial for balancing the offense and controlling the clock, particularly in the increasingly competitive American Athletic Conference (AAC) - soon to be the American Collegiate Conference (ACC) in 2027.

The offensive line's performance suggests potential progress in this area. While Silverfield didn't name specific players, the implication is that both returning veterans and newcomers are showing promise. Key questions remain about who will solidify the starting positions, but the initial showing suggests a healthy competition and a rising level of play.

Beyond the Scrimmage: A Broader Look at Memphis Football in 2026

The Tigers are entering a pivotal season. The move to the ACC in 2027 adds significant pressure to build momentum now. The 2026 season will act as a crucial stepping stone, allowing the team to prove its competitiveness against tougher opponents and lay the groundwork for success in the new conference.

Silverfield's focus on the running game aligns with a wider trend in college football. While passing offenses continue to dominate headlines, teams with a strong running attack often prove more resilient and capable of winning in adverse conditions. A balanced offense forces defenses to account for multiple threats, creating more opportunities for explosive plays.

The Tigers' spring practice schedule includes a total of 14 sessions. This provides ample time for coaching staff to refine the offensive and defensive schemes, evaluate talent, and identify areas for improvement. Each scrimmage, like the one held on Sunday, serves as a valuable data point in the ongoing process.

The Importance of Film Review

Silverfield's emphasis on film review is more than just coaching jargon. In the modern game, film study is a critical component of player development. It allows coaches to provide targeted feedback, identify weaknesses, and reinforce positive habits. Silverfield articulated this perfectly: "We're going to come back and watch the film. It's not just about how you perform, but how you respond to the film. We're going to go through the film with them and make sure they understand what they need to do moving forward."

This approach suggests a strong emphasis on accountability and continuous improvement. The coaching staff isn't simply looking for players who can make plays; they're looking for players who are willing to learn and grow. This is particularly important for a team transitioning into a new conference, where the margin for error will be even smaller.

The coming weeks will be critical as the Tigers continue their spring practice. The focus will likely remain on refining the offensive line, establishing a consistent running game, and developing the passing attack. The team's performance in the upcoming scrimmages will provide further clues as to its potential for the 2026 season and beyond. Fans are eager to see if the early positive signs translate into a more formidable team capable of competing at the highest level.