WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:02.903  (female announcer)    Production funding    for Sports Files is made 00:02.903 --> 00:04.271  possible in part by... 00:04.271 --> 00:07.140  (male narrator)    Infiniti of Memphis has    moved to Germantown 00:07.140 --> 00:10.611  road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 00:10.611 --> 00:14.081  to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service to our 00:14.081 --> 00:15.082  community. 00:15.082 --> 00:17.150  Quality and service -- No wonder   Infiniti of Memphis feels at 00:17.150 --> 00:19.152  home on WKNO. 00:27.661 --> 00:30.297 - Today on Sports Files it's a discussion on the state of the 00:30.297 --> 00:32.299 Memphis Tigers Football program. 00:32.299 --> 00:33.534 What does the future hold? 00:33.534 --> 00:36.970 And to break it down, I'll be joined by former Tigers star, 00:36.970 --> 00:39.172 turned local television sportscaster, 00:39.172 --> 00:42.910 Marcus "Doc" Holliday, and it's next on Sports Files. 00:42.910 --> 00:59.693 [theme music] 00:59.693 --> 01:00.794 As we join you today, 01:00.794 --> 01:03.697 the Memphis Tigers Football team already played Temple earlier 01:03.697 --> 01:06.333 today, and since we taped earlier in the week, 01:06.333 --> 01:07.834 we don't have that result. 01:07.834 --> 01:10.804 Of course after last week's heartbreaking loss to Houston, 01:10.804 --> 01:13.373 and the prior week's home drubbing by Navy, 01:13.373 --> 01:16.243 the Tigers were trying to avoid a third straight defeat in their 01:16.243 --> 01:17.811 game with the Owls. 01:17.811 --> 01:21.081 At one point this season the Tigers were ranked 13th in the 01:21.081 --> 01:23.483 first week of the College Football Playoff Selection 01:23.483 --> 01:25.285 Committee's Top 25. 01:25.285 --> 01:28.922 It was national recognition the program had never received. 01:28.922 --> 01:31.458 There were even numerous "National Columnists and 01:31.458 --> 01:36.296 Broadcasters" who felt 13 was extremely low for a Tigers squad 01:36.296 --> 01:40.267 that was unblemished and had beaten SEC foe Ole Miss. 01:40.267 --> 01:42.602 Aside from the attention the team was receiving, 01:42.602 --> 01:45.872 Head Coach Justin Fuente and star Quarterback Paxton Lynch 01:45.872 --> 01:48.475 were also garnering well deserved recognition. 01:48.475 --> 01:51.845 Fuente's name surfaced for seemingly every open job in 01:51.845 --> 01:55.015 college football and the name Paxton Lynch shot up the boards 01:55.015 --> 01:58.618 after draft guru Mel Kiper Junior rated the redshirt junior 01:58.618 --> 02:00.620 as a top prospect. 02:00.620 --> 02:02.622 But as soon as the Tigers started to gain all the 02:02.622 --> 02:05.258 attention, they dropped back to back games, 02:05.258 --> 02:08.929 and the talk of a New Year's 6 bowl game was over. 02:08.929 --> 02:11.865 With that said, the Tigers still have an opportunity to post back 02:11.865 --> 02:13.600 to back ten win seasons. 02:13.600 --> 02:15.869 And that is something to get excited over. 02:15.869 --> 02:18.138 So with the success of the past two seasons, 02:18.138 --> 02:20.374 what can Memphis do moving forward? 02:20.374 --> 02:23.043 Where can this program be in five years? 02:23.043 --> 02:26.346 And have they done enough in the eyes of a power five conference 02:26.346 --> 02:28.382 that may be looking to expand? 02:28.382 --> 02:31.151 These are just some of the topics we'll discuss today as 02:31.151 --> 02:34.454 I'm joined by former Tigers great Marcus "Doc" Holliday. 02:34.454 --> 02:37.657 It's a progress report on Memphis Tigers football and it's 02:37.657 --> 02:39.092 next on Sports Files. 02:39.092 --> 02:49.703 [theme music] 02:49.703 --> 02:50.937 Doc, great to have you on the show. 02:50.937 --> 02:52.005 - Glad to be here, Greg. 02:52.005 --> 02:53.040 Appreciate it, my man. 02:53.040 --> 02:55.042 - Thank you so much for your time. 02:55.042 --> 02:57.044 So, let me ask you this before we dive into what's been going 02:57.044 --> 02:59.446 on with Tiger football in 2015. 02:59.446 --> 03:03.450 What was the perception of Memphis football around the 03:03.450 --> 03:05.886 country when you played for the Tigers? 03:05.886 --> 03:07.454 - I think people knew.. 03:07.454 --> 03:09.856 I take that back because I remember when we went to play 03:09.856 --> 03:12.225 USC, Southern Cal, in 1991. 03:12.225 --> 03:13.627 They had no idea who we were. 03:13.627 --> 03:16.596 They were like: "Oh, Memphis." 03:16.596 --> 03:18.799 In Laguna Beach they were like: "Memphis? 03:18.799 --> 03:19.800 "Memphis State? 03:19.800 --> 03:21.802 "I didn't know you all had a football." 03:21.802 --> 03:23.804 See, but that was on the West Coast. 03:23.804 --> 03:26.239 Teams down South, they knew that we played football and we played 03:26.239 --> 03:27.240 good, tough football. 03:27.240 --> 03:29.309 They knew we had a lot of talent. 03:29.309 --> 03:30.977 So, we have respect down South. 03:30.977 --> 03:33.146 But nationwide, they didn't really know too much about us. 03:33.146 --> 03:35.215 - Again, regionally, it was fine. 03:35.215 --> 03:37.951 But from a national standpoint, who was Memphis? 03:37.951 --> 03:38.952 - Exactly. 03:38.952 --> 03:41.321 That's exactly the comments we would get. 03:41.321 --> 03:44.091 Like I told you when we went out to USC and played a team like 03:44.091 --> 03:45.092 that. 03:45.092 --> 03:47.094 But anytime we played Tennessee, Mississippi State, 03:47.094 --> 03:49.262 Ole Miss, or Arkansas, of course they knew who we were because, 03:49.262 --> 03:51.598 you know, we had some success against those teams. 03:51.598 --> 03:52.866 - Here we are in 2015. 03:52.866 --> 03:56.303 A couple of weeks ago the first rankings come out for the 03:56.303 --> 03:58.472 play-off selection committee or by the play-off selection 03:58.472 --> 03:59.473 committee. 03:59.473 --> 04:01.241 Memphis is there at number 13. 04:01.241 --> 04:05.512 You can't get better exposure than be a top 25 team in the 04:05.512 --> 04:07.747 play-off committee's first top 25. 04:07.747 --> 04:09.216 You're Memphis football. 04:09.216 --> 04:10.784 What does that mean? 04:10.784 --> 04:14.821 To have Memphis' name called out there on the graphics for people 04:14.821 --> 04:17.657 now who maybe did not know what Memphis football was all about. 04:17.657 --> 04:19.659 Now they see it in black and white. 04:19.659 --> 04:21.661 (Doc) I think it's just absolutely unbelievable and 04:21.661 --> 04:24.498 incredible what this football program has come to under Coach, 04:24.498 --> 04:25.999 you know, under Justin Fuente. 04:25.999 --> 04:28.702 He's done an incredible job and not only that. 04:28.702 --> 04:31.238 The players that he has, they've done an incredible job. 04:31.238 --> 04:34.274 So, just to see Memphis rank 13 and being in the discussion 04:34.274 --> 04:36.276 nationally, college football playoffs, 04:36.276 --> 04:40.013 even now where they are, I think is just an unbelievable season. 04:40.013 --> 04:43.450 I think Fuente is turning this into a great football program, 04:43.450 --> 04:45.085 not just having great teams. 04:45.085 --> 04:47.754 So, to see them ranked 19th in the college football play-off 04:47.754 --> 04:50.257 poll, man, it was absolutely incredible. 04:50.257 --> 04:52.492 Not only being a journalist here but being a former player, 04:52.492 --> 04:53.793 just nothing but pride. 04:53.793 --> 04:55.795 - After winning their first date, 04:55.795 --> 04:57.797 they got shellacked at home by Navy. 04:57.797 --> 05:01.101 They lost the heartbreaker at Houston where they had a 05:01.101 --> 05:02.302 20-point lead. 05:02.302 --> 05:05.672 So now all of a sudden it's back to back losses. 05:05.672 --> 05:07.908 I can't ask you to get into the minds of fans. 05:07.908 --> 05:12.646 But generally, what do you think the reaction should be when you 05:12.646 --> 05:14.648 look at the perception of the program, 05:14.648 --> 05:16.683 what they achieved, 8 and 0 start, 05:16.683 --> 05:18.151 which maybe overachievement. 05:18.151 --> 05:21.488 And then lose two in a row and come back a little to reality. 05:21.488 --> 05:23.890 How should they look at Memphis football this season? 05:23.890 --> 05:25.892 - I think they should still be happy. 05:25.892 --> 05:27.961 They should still be grateful for where this football program 05:27.961 --> 05:31.231 is because I'm pretty sure just like no one expected them to 05:31.231 --> 05:32.566 start the season off 8 and 0. 05:32.566 --> 05:35.368 I know I didn't expect them to start the season off 8 and 0. 05:35.368 --> 05:38.505 I guarantee you those players in that locker room didn't expect 05:38.505 --> 05:40.507 to start the season off 8 and 0. 05:40.507 --> 05:42.509 Now did they think they can win every game? 05:42.509 --> 05:43.510 Of course they did. 05:43.510 --> 05:45.645 But in order to start off 8 and 0 even though they went on a 05:45.645 --> 05:48.315 little losing streak, fans should be extremely happy and 05:48.315 --> 05:51.051 grateful for what this program is and what's going on. 05:51.051 --> 05:53.787 It shouldn't take away any of the fun, 05:53.787 --> 05:56.456 any of the good times and good emotions that they have been 05:56.456 --> 05:59.059 able to experience from this football season just because 05:59.059 --> 06:01.061 they, you know, went on a losing streak. 06:01.061 --> 06:03.063 - Doc, they won ten games, as you know, 06:03.063 --> 06:04.064 last year. 06:04.064 --> 06:05.065 They have a chance. 06:05.065 --> 06:06.066 They play Temple earlier today. 06:06.066 --> 06:08.068 We're taping obviously before they play. 06:08.068 --> 06:09.069 So, we don't know that result. 06:09.069 --> 06:11.271 But they can win ten again. 06:11.271 --> 06:13.473 They got a couple of regular season games with the temple 06:13.473 --> 06:14.474 game included. 06:14.474 --> 06:15.575 Then they have a bowl game. 06:15.575 --> 06:18.979 Is this what we're going to start to see? 06:18.979 --> 06:22.282 Maybe not ten wins a season but this success, 06:22.282 --> 06:25.652 is this what we're going to start to see as a norm or is 06:25.652 --> 06:26.653 this an anomaly? 06:26.653 --> 06:28.655 This is Fuente and Paxton Lynch. 06:28.655 --> 06:31.625 Everything was perfect and they have a couple of good years and 06:31.625 --> 06:33.627 then they'll go back to mediocrity. 06:33.627 --> 06:35.629 - You know, I certainly hope not. 06:35.629 --> 06:37.631 You know, I don't want to.. 06:37.631 --> 06:38.965 I'm like a perpetual optimist. 06:38.965 --> 06:42.369 I've been waiting for this football program to turn around 06:42.369 --> 06:43.370 for years. 06:43.370 --> 06:45.372 You know, when I played, we were good but we were never like 06:45.372 --> 06:46.373 this. 06:46.373 --> 06:48.508 We have a lot more talent than this team has. 06:48.508 --> 06:52.012 But we never had seasons like the seasons that Fuente is 06:52.012 --> 06:53.446 having with these Tigers. 06:53.446 --> 06:56.650 So, I mean, keeping Fuente and getting another coach like him 06:56.650 --> 06:59.619 and holding on to him is key whether we have Paxton Lynch or 06:59.619 --> 07:00.620 not. 07:00.620 --> 07:01.621 He's an incredible quarterback. 07:01.621 --> 07:03.923 But just I think the foundation that he's laying with those 07:03.923 --> 07:06.693 young men and the attitude that he has in that locker room, 07:06.693 --> 07:08.762 because those guys work. 07:08.762 --> 07:09.763 They're humble. 07:09.763 --> 07:11.765 I never see them get excited when they're down. 07:11.765 --> 07:14.668 I never see them get upset when they're winning. 07:14.668 --> 07:16.670 I never see them get too excited. 07:16.670 --> 07:19.172 So, to keep that kind of mindset and to keep a bunch of guys that 07:19.172 --> 07:21.741 believe in you and believe in whta you're doing and believe in 07:21.741 --> 07:24.477 the system, that's going to be key and paramount to see if they 07:24.477 --> 07:26.479 can continue these winning ways. 07:26.479 --> 07:27.480 But I sure hope they do. 07:27.480 --> 07:29.482 - As you know, you also need the support of the administration, 07:29.482 --> 07:30.550 the support of the school. 07:30.550 --> 07:34.854 Tommy West famously left after he was relieved of his duties 07:34.854 --> 07:38.491 and went out guns a blazing talking about the program that 07:38.491 --> 07:40.493 they'll never get to where they want to be if there's not a 07:40.493 --> 07:41.561 commitment. 07:41.561 --> 07:43.096 Now there seems to be. 07:43.096 --> 07:46.066 They have not yet broken ground but they will soon on the indoor 07:46.066 --> 07:47.067 facility. 07:47.067 --> 07:49.069 They've been raising millions of dollars for this capital 07:49.069 --> 07:50.070 campaign. 07:50.070 --> 07:52.472 It seems like with Dr. Rudd, it seems like with Tom Bowen who 07:52.472 --> 07:56.176 was brought in as a football guy that they know where there's 07:56.176 --> 07:57.177 bread, there's butter. 07:57.177 --> 08:01.181 It was basketball for years but now it has to be football to 08:01.181 --> 08:02.215 take that next step. 08:02.215 --> 08:05.752 So, you believe that they are in a good position with the 08:05.752 --> 08:08.655 administration to get the type of support that Tommy said they 08:08.655 --> 08:09.756 always needed. 08:09.756 --> 08:11.791 - I think most definitely they are because you hit it. 08:11.791 --> 08:13.326 You hit the nail on the head. 08:13.326 --> 08:15.695 Dr. Rudd loved the football program. 08:15.695 --> 08:17.697 He's investing in the football program. 08:17.697 --> 08:19.699 He believes in the football program. 08:19.699 --> 08:20.700 Tom Bowen, football guy. 08:20.700 --> 08:21.735 He believes in Fuente. 08:21.735 --> 08:23.737 He believes in the football program. 08:23.737 --> 08:25.739 So, to have those two guys going out, 08:25.739 --> 08:28.375 getting with the boosters and being the voice for the football 08:28.375 --> 08:29.442 program because it is. 08:29.442 --> 08:32.645 You know, this is a basketball town but football does pay the 08:32.645 --> 08:33.646 bills. 08:33.646 --> 08:34.647 It does bring in the deals. 08:34.647 --> 08:35.682 It does bring in the money. 08:35.682 --> 08:39.386 So, to have Bowen and Rudd both on board trying to do something 08:39.386 --> 08:42.756 with this football program and build these new facilities, 08:42.756 --> 08:45.358 which you really need in order to compete with all these other 08:45.358 --> 08:46.993 schools is huge. 08:46.993 --> 08:49.028 It's big and I think they're going to continue to do that 08:49.028 --> 08:52.232 because Memphis football can be where we are wanting to be, 08:52.232 --> 08:56.636 which is on the national level and continue to be nationally 08:56.636 --> 08:57.637 respected. 08:57.637 --> 08:59.639 - I always wondered if basketball could do, 08:59.639 --> 09:00.640 why not football. 09:00.640 --> 09:02.976 You need a lot more players for football to fill a roster. 09:02.976 --> 09:05.545 Fifty-five thousand fans showed up for the Navy game, 09:05.545 --> 09:07.180 55000 fans. 09:07.180 --> 09:09.582 Which kind of tells people out there, 09:09.582 --> 09:12.252 especially from other conferences who may be looking 09:12.252 --> 09:16.089 to expand, Big 12, that it's capable. 09:16.089 --> 09:17.090 It's possible. 09:17.090 --> 09:21.961 Memphis can bring that type of fandom to their football games 09:21.961 --> 09:23.963 as long as they have a good product. 09:23.963 --> 09:26.266 But especially if they can get to another level playing in a 09:26.266 --> 09:27.600 Power Five conference. 09:27.600 --> 09:30.270 Although the Americans had a terrific year. 09:30.270 --> 09:32.939 It just shows how high the ceiling can be for Memphis 09:32.939 --> 09:33.940 football. 09:33.940 --> 09:34.941 No doubt about it. 09:34.941 --> 09:37.877 And it was absolutely great like you said to see 55000 people in 09:37.877 --> 09:38.878 there for the Navy game. 09:38.878 --> 09:39.879 It's not.. 09:39.879 --> 09:42.215 You know, Navy is good for football program but it's not 09:42.215 --> 09:46.252 one of those high level elite football programs for the 55000 09:46.252 --> 09:49.155 Tigers fans top come out and support them the way they did. 09:49.155 --> 09:51.458 Win, lose or draw, it was good to see them in there. 09:51.458 --> 09:54.027 Because you normally only see crowds like that when Tennessee 09:54.027 --> 09:55.028 and Ole Miss come to town. 09:55.028 --> 09:56.162 - And that's a great point. 09:56.162 --> 09:58.164 When Ole Miss came to town earlier in the season, 09:58.164 --> 10:00.600 of course the Tigers biggest victory of the year against Ole 10:00.600 --> 10:01.601 Miss. 10:01.601 --> 10:04.103 And when you looked at that crowd, 10:04.103 --> 10:05.205 it was, what? 10:05.205 --> 10:07.507 -- 90% Memphis fans. 10:07.507 --> 10:08.508 And you're right. 10:08.508 --> 10:12.612 We normally see maybe even 50-50 when they play the big boys like 10:12.612 --> 10:13.813 Tennessee and Ole Miss. 10:13.813 --> 10:16.516 So, that says an awful lot about these Memphis fans that they 10:16.516 --> 10:17.817 will support a winner. 10:17.817 --> 10:19.819 - And I was surprised that happened to see that. 10:19.819 --> 10:22.689 Because I just knew it would probably be 70%, 10:22.689 --> 10:23.756 speaking of the Ole Miss game. 10:23.756 --> 10:25.758 I just knew it would probably be 70% of Tigers fans, 10:25.758 --> 10:26.759 30% Ole Miss. 10:26.759 --> 10:28.761 But like you said, it was 90 or 95% Tigers, 10:28.761 --> 10:29.762 blue and grey. 10:29.762 --> 10:31.764 Just a little small portion of Ole Miss fans. 10:31.764 --> 10:33.766 So, Tigers football fans and Tigers fans have always been 10:33.766 --> 10:35.768 hungry for a winner in football. 10:35.768 --> 10:37.770 And now we're seeing that because they're starting to come 10:37.770 --> 10:39.772 out on Tiger Lane before the kick off. 10:39.772 --> 10:44.777 When the team arrives to the Liberty Bowl and they're getting 10:47.046 --> 10:48.047 to the Liberty Bowl. 10:48.047 --> 10:50.650 So, that's starving for the football program to do something 10:50.650 --> 10:53.486 and fortunately for them, the football program is doing 10:53.486 --> 10:54.654 something right. 10:54.654 --> 10:57.390 - The hiring of Justin Fuente was a home run. 10:57.390 --> 10:59.025 Was not made by Tom Bowen. 10:59.025 --> 11:01.728 I think most people know there was a committee. 11:01.728 --> 11:03.730 Brad Martin was on that committee. 11:03.730 --> 11:07.500 A number of the movers and shakers in the city. 11:07.500 --> 11:10.336 And it came down to Jim and Justin Fuente. 11:10.336 --> 11:12.572 And they couldn't go wrong either way. 11:12.572 --> 11:14.407 It worked out perfectly. 11:14.407 --> 11:16.876 When Justin Fuente leaves, I'm going to ask you about that in a 11:16.876 --> 11:17.977 second. 11:17.977 --> 11:22.048 The next hire, which will be Tom Bowen's first as a football 11:22.048 --> 11:25.552 coach, is going to be extremely important. 11:25.552 --> 11:27.554 - Yeah but you know, like I said, 11:27.554 --> 11:28.555 I'm a perpetual optimist. 11:28.555 --> 11:29.556 So, I only want to talk.. 11:29.556 --> 11:30.690 I hope he doesn't leave. 11:30.690 --> 11:32.692 You know, we don't know if he's going to leave. 11:32.692 --> 11:33.693 We don't know. 11:33.693 --> 11:37.764 And people always say just because a coach has success at 11:37.764 --> 11:40.867 Memphis football, he's automatically gonna jump ship. 11:40.867 --> 11:42.869 People say it's not a destination job. 11:42.869 --> 11:44.904 I know it's not a destination job for a lot of coaches. 11:44.904 --> 11:47.073 But I don't know what Fuente is going to do. 11:47.073 --> 11:49.075 I know he's an incredible coach. 11:49.075 --> 11:51.277 I don't know if it's a destination but I know he's not 11:51.277 --> 11:52.278 high profile. 11:52.278 --> 11:54.814 He's not Hollywood like some of the other coaches we have in 11:54.814 --> 11:55.815 basketball. 11:55.815 --> 11:58.751 - But you don't have to be Hollywood to take a job that 11:58.751 --> 12:02.221 offers much more money, much more support from the 12:02.221 --> 12:04.724 university, a power five job. 12:04.724 --> 12:05.925 But your point is well taken. 12:05.925 --> 12:09.028 I think in this day and age, where a lot of schools have to 12:09.028 --> 12:11.698 pay to get quality coaches, including Memphis, 12:11.698 --> 12:15.134 I mean, 1.7 whatever he's making now is nothing to sneeze at. 12:15.134 --> 12:17.136 But then again, it's not four or five, 12:17.136 --> 12:19.038 six million dollars. 12:19.038 --> 12:20.607 Can you retain a guy like that? 12:20.607 --> 12:24.544 I still think Memphis right now in some regards, 12:24.544 --> 12:26.746 most regards is a stepping stone job. 12:26.746 --> 12:27.780 But I think you're right, Doc. 12:27.780 --> 12:30.850 It doesn't necessarily mean with all the offers that may come 12:30.850 --> 12:33.119 Justin's, that he necessarily takes it. 12:33.119 --> 12:36.556 Family commitment, you know, all that has to come into play now. 12:36.556 --> 12:39.792 - And that's just the way I like to think about it because I 12:39.792 --> 12:42.228 would love for Fuente to stay here. 12:42.228 --> 12:46.399 Nothing against others but I would have loved to play for a 12:46.399 --> 12:49.602 coach like Justin because he instills the confidence and a 12:49.602 --> 12:50.870 belief in those guys. 12:50.870 --> 12:52.772 And let's be honest about it. 12:52.772 --> 12:56.609 He doesn't have the most talent out there on that field with 12:56.609 --> 12:57.877 these teams he's facing. 12:57.877 --> 13:01.514 But he's getting the most out of the young men that he has. 13:01.514 --> 13:03.516 And they're giving him the most. 13:03.516 --> 13:05.518 So, I would love for him to stay around. 13:05.518 --> 13:07.520 I hope he does stay around here. 13:07.520 --> 13:10.556 So, I try not to entertain him leaving because I hate for us to 13:10.556 --> 13:12.759 start back over because we have something good going. 13:12.759 --> 13:14.460 And they'll give him a raise. 13:14.460 --> 13:16.462 - But it'll eventually happen, Doc. 13:16.462 --> 13:18.464 That's why I'm saying that the Tom Bowen hire, 13:18.464 --> 13:21.034 the next hire, whenever it is, after this year or five years 13:21.034 --> 13:23.202 from now, is going to be extremely important because 13:23.202 --> 13:25.204 you've picked up all this momentum. 13:25.204 --> 13:26.205 You want to continue. 13:26.205 --> 13:29.442 You don't want to have all of the sudden a coach that comes 13:29.442 --> 13:33.212 in, the momentums lost and you regress back to what you used to 13:33.212 --> 13:34.213 have. 13:34.213 --> 13:36.382 Why can't they keep the momentum going with another guy? 13:36.382 --> 13:38.951 - I mean, they can. 13:38.951 --> 13:43.056 If you came down to two choices with Fuente the last time, 13:43.056 --> 13:45.958 I'm pretty sure if you get that same search group going they can 13:45.958 --> 13:47.960 come up with some other candidates. 13:47.960 --> 13:49.962 Because apparently they had a good formula going. 13:49.962 --> 13:51.964 They came down to those two guys. 13:51.964 --> 13:53.966 So, in case he does leave, hopefully they'll do the same 13:53.966 --> 13:54.967 thing. 13:54.967 --> 13:55.968 We can keep it going. 13:55.968 --> 13:57.970 But you have to invest in the football program like they're 13:57.970 --> 14:00.239 doing whether you keep him or not. 14:00.239 --> 14:02.809 And that also means a lot as far as getting players in here. 14:02.809 --> 14:04.243 - Alright, let me ask you this. 14:04.243 --> 14:07.814 Having played the game, son who played the game or still 14:07.814 --> 14:12.618 playing, if you were in Paxton Lynch's shoes, 14:12.618 --> 14:14.754 you are climbing up the draft boards. 14:14.754 --> 14:17.056 All of the sudden now, you're a first rounder, 14:17.056 --> 14:23.629 maybe the highest potential quarterback draftee. 14:23.629 --> 14:24.630 You're a junior. 14:24.630 --> 14:25.631 Red shirt junior. 14:25.631 --> 14:28.401 You could come back for a senior year. 14:28.401 --> 14:30.036 You have to go, don't you? 14:30.036 --> 14:31.037 (Doc) No. 14:31.037 --> 14:32.205 I love Paxton Lynch. 14:32.205 --> 14:33.706 And I love my Memphis Tigers. 14:33.706 --> 14:35.875 You go to college, you play football, 14:35.875 --> 14:37.076 hopefully to get drafted. 14:37.076 --> 14:41.080 And you want to get drafted as high as you can get drafted. 14:41.080 --> 14:43.683 You go to college to get a degree, 14:43.683 --> 14:45.685 hopefully get the best job you can get. 14:45.685 --> 14:47.687 I don't think he can be any higher than where he is. 14:47.687 --> 14:48.921 He's been here four years. 14:48.921 --> 14:50.923 Like you said, he's a red shirt junior. 14:50.923 --> 14:51.924 He's incredibly athletic. 14:51.924 --> 14:54.227 He has an incredibly strong arm. 14:54.227 --> 14:55.228 Everybody knows him. 14:55.228 --> 14:56.295 Everybody loves him now. 14:56.295 --> 14:58.397 So, I would tell Paxton, "Hey look man, 14:58.397 --> 15:01.100 go make your money, start your professional career." 15:01.100 --> 15:03.102 Appreciate what you've done for us. 15:03.102 --> 15:05.371 We'll continue to follow you and to keep up with you. 15:05.371 --> 15:07.740 But man, go out and live your dream man. 15:07.740 --> 15:10.510 Because you've done a lot for this university. 15:10.510 --> 15:13.813 - Doc, with the exposure that Memphis has received this year 15:13.813 --> 15:15.815 and over the last couple of years putting together the 15:15.815 --> 15:19.018 season they have, the Paxton Lynch exposure, 15:19.018 --> 15:22.421 the Fuente exposure and now some national recognition, 15:22.421 --> 15:25.024 what do you think that will do on the recruiting trail? 15:25.024 --> 15:26.025 - Oh, it's huge. 15:26.025 --> 15:27.126 It means a lot. 15:27.126 --> 15:29.729 Not only that, the atmosphere at Tigers games. 15:29.729 --> 15:31.597 You've been there with the DJ. 15:31.597 --> 15:33.599 I mean, even opposing teams come in. 15:33.599 --> 15:35.701 And they're pumped because they're not necessarily. 15:35.701 --> 15:37.837 I heard dozens of Ole Miss players, 15:37.837 --> 15:40.473 when they came to the Liberty Bowl with the DJ playing and the 15:40.473 --> 15:43.176 atmosphere that's so exciting and it's looking the way it's 15:43.176 --> 15:44.177 looking. 15:44.177 --> 15:46.179 And it's feeling the way it's feeling. 15:46.179 --> 15:47.547 Recruits love that. 15:47.547 --> 15:52.151 And now playing on national television every week whether 15:52.151 --> 15:55.621 it's ESPN or ESPN 2 or ESPNU or so many channels. 15:55.621 --> 15:57.657 So, you can be seen by family and friends and you can be seen 15:57.657 --> 16:00.159 by NFL scouts who are just clicking and watching on 16:00.159 --> 16:01.160 television. 16:01.160 --> 16:03.963 Because a lot of times they do that and they hear about you and 16:03.963 --> 16:04.964 they see you. 16:04.964 --> 16:06.966 And they come watch you and that means a lot. 16:06.966 --> 16:10.803 That means a great deal to recruits and players coming to a 16:10.803 --> 16:12.905 university and to a program. 16:12.905 --> 16:15.575 - We all expect a landscape of college football to change once 16:15.575 --> 16:17.577 again, maybe in a couple of years. 16:17.577 --> 16:19.645 Maybe five, ten years down the road that there'll be more 16:19.645 --> 16:23.249 expansion possibly with the Big 12. 16:23.249 --> 16:25.785 Where will Memphis be five years from now? 16:25.785 --> 16:28.321 - Hopefully a part of one of those power five conferences. 16:28.321 --> 16:29.789 I mean, we deserve it. 16:29.789 --> 16:30.857 They deserve it. 16:30.857 --> 16:33.059 I know everybody, the Big 12 is looking to expand. 16:33.059 --> 16:36.162 I think that's what everybody has their sights set. 16:36.162 --> 16:37.430 We can give up on the SEC. 16:37.430 --> 16:40.566 They're not messing with us for a number of reasons. 16:40.566 --> 16:43.836 But I think we will be a part of the Big 12. 16:43.836 --> 16:46.205 Because with the way this football program is playing now 16:46.205 --> 16:49.075 and the things they're doing and the look they have an support 16:49.075 --> 16:53.212 they have, you're putting 55---, 50000 fans. 16:53.212 --> 16:56.115 And just think if you had those other teams from a Big 12 16:56.115 --> 16:58.117 conference coming into the Liberty Bowl, 16:58.117 --> 17:00.119 Baylor and Oklahoma and Texas, think about. 17:00.119 --> 17:02.121 You'd probably sell out every week. 17:02.121 --> 17:05.324 So, five years from now, see us if not in the Big 12, 17:05.324 --> 17:07.326 a part of a power five conference. 17:07.326 --> 17:10.029 I'm not sure which one because I think this university and this 17:10.029 --> 17:13.799 program is going in the right direction and going exactly 17:13.799 --> 17:14.800 where it's supposed to go. 17:14.800 --> 17:15.902 - I like that thinking, Doc. 17:15.902 --> 17:17.904 - Perpetual optimist, my friend. 17:17.904 --> 17:20.072 - Twenty seconds, what should the perception.. 17:20.072 --> 17:22.642 I'll go full circle from how we started this interview. 17:22.642 --> 17:25.244 What should the perception moving forward be about Memphis? 17:25.244 --> 17:26.245 - Happiness. 17:26.245 --> 17:27.246 Be grateful. 17:27.246 --> 17:28.247 Optimistic. 17:28.247 --> 17:31.217 Continue to support these Tigers because what they're doing is 17:31.217 --> 17:32.785 incredible. 17:32.785 --> 17:33.953 Amazing run so far. 17:33.953 --> 17:35.955 And they're still going on a run. 17:35.955 --> 17:38.691 They still in a position to do some amazing things this season. 17:38.691 --> 17:39.692 - Alright. 17:39.692 --> 17:41.694 We like to end all our interviews with something we 17:41.694 --> 17:42.728 call Five for the Road. 17:42.728 --> 17:45.231 Quick answers to simple questions. 17:45.231 --> 17:47.633 We're going to learn a little bit more about Marcus Doc 17:47.633 --> 17:48.634 Holliday. 17:48.634 --> 17:51.203 Alright, we start off with your favorite professional sports 17:51.203 --> 17:53.372 team of all time. 17:53.372 --> 17:54.407 - Man, Oakland Raiders. 17:54.407 --> 17:56.676 But it has to be the St. Louis Rams since I played for them. 17:56.676 --> 17:57.710 But the Raiders. 17:57.710 --> 17:59.712 - But you grew up a Raiders fan. 17:59.712 --> 18:01.714 And then when you became a member of the Rams. 18:01.714 --> 18:03.716 - Love the black and silver, man. 18:03.716 --> 18:04.717 Love it. 18:04.717 --> 18:06.719 - Favorite professional athlete of all time, 18:06.719 --> 18:08.754 any sport. 18:08.754 --> 18:10.022 - Hershel Walker, Bo Jackson. 18:10.022 --> 18:11.257 It's a tie. 18:11.257 --> 18:12.558 Hershel Walker, Bo Jackson. 18:12.558 --> 18:14.560 - Can't differentiate between the two. 18:14.560 --> 18:16.195 - Two powerful running backs. 18:16.195 --> 18:18.364 - Who do you think was the better player? 18:18.364 --> 18:19.365 - Oh my gosh. 18:19.365 --> 18:21.834 (Greg) I asked you the favorite but who was the better? 18:21.834 --> 18:23.903 - College or pro? 18:23.903 --> 18:27.239 Just overall. 18:27.239 --> 18:29.008 Hershel. 18:29.008 --> 18:30.009 It's close. 18:30.009 --> 18:34.146 - Favorite music or musician or group or what type of music do 18:34.146 --> 18:35.314 you like to listen to? 18:35.314 --> 18:36.315 - Temptations, man. 18:36.315 --> 18:38.017 (Greg) You're going Motown. 18:38.017 --> 18:40.319 - Love the Temptations and the Temptations Movie, 18:40.319 --> 18:41.821 my kids grew up. 18:41.821 --> 18:42.822 We had cable. 18:42.822 --> 18:44.824 They would watch that movie over and over again. 18:44.824 --> 18:45.825 Temptations, best group. 18:45.825 --> 18:47.626 Jackson 5, Temptations. 18:47.626 --> 18:49.662 - You're '60s, early '70s Motown. 18:49.662 --> 18:50.730 Good stuff. 18:50.730 --> 18:53.766 Favorite movie of all time? 18:53.766 --> 18:54.767 - Friday. 18:54.767 --> 18:55.768 - No question. 18:55.768 --> 18:56.769 How about a sports movie? 18:56.769 --> 18:57.770 What would it be? 18:57.770 --> 18:58.771 - I don't like sports movies. 18:58.771 --> 18:59.772 - No, get out of here. 18:59.772 --> 19:00.773 - I don't like sports movies. 19:00.773 --> 19:02.775 - You don't like one sports movie? 19:02.775 --> 19:03.776 - They always exaggerate. 19:03.776 --> 19:04.777 They always exaggerate. 19:04.777 --> 19:06.779 I don't like sports movies, man. 19:06.779 --> 19:08.781 You know, I just don't like sports movies. 19:08.781 --> 19:09.882 - Too mushy at the end. 19:09.882 --> 19:11.984 - Exaggerate what happens on the field, 19:11.984 --> 19:13.119 they exaggerate. 19:13.119 --> 19:14.120 I know it's a movie. 19:14.120 --> 19:15.121 They have to script. 19:15.121 --> 19:16.122 So, I try not to watch them. 19:16.122 --> 19:17.289 I try not to watch them. 19:17.289 --> 19:19.325 - You mean the Blue Chips, they didn't really get cars and 19:19.325 --> 19:20.326 things like that. 19:20.326 --> 19:21.560 - But Love and Basketball. 19:21.560 --> 19:23.963 My wife, she loves Love and Basketball. 19:23.963 --> 19:25.097 I'll say Love and Basketball. 19:25.097 --> 19:26.132 - Okay, final 30 seconds. 19:26.132 --> 19:28.167 I'll hit you up with favorite television show. 19:28.167 --> 19:30.603 When you're kicking back, you're not doing your work over at 19:30.603 --> 19:34.206 Channel 24 and 30, you're just watching the tube. 19:34.206 --> 19:35.608 - How the Universe Works. 19:35.608 --> 19:38.878 (Greg) Is that with.. the doctor? 19:38.878 --> 19:40.946 - Yeah. 19:40.946 --> 19:42.381 It's How the Universe Works and it's Through the Worm Hole with 19:42.381 --> 19:43.382 Morgan Freeman. 19:43.382 --> 19:44.650 It's really cool, the wormhole. 19:44.650 --> 19:45.451 I love Through the Worm Hole. 19:45.451 --> 19:46.419 - Doc, always a pleasure. 19:46.419 --> 19:47.753 Keep up the great work. 19:47.753 --> 19:48.654 That's Doc Holliday. 19:48.654 --> 19:49.889 We'll take a break. 19:49.889 --> 19:51.657 Overtime is next. 19:51.657 --> 20:27.526 [theme music] 20:27.526 --> 20:29.662 -The Mississippi Riverkings are off to a sizzling 20:29.662 --> 20:33.632 start to the season winning six of their first eight games 20:33.632 --> 20:36.502 heading into last night's contest against Knoxville at the 20:36.502 --> 20:37.503 Landers Center. 20:37.503 --> 20:39.772 That's good enough for first place in the Southern 20:39.772 --> 20:41.507 Professional Hockey League. 20:41.507 --> 20:44.276 Recently the Riverkings honored Head Coach Derek Landmesser for 20:44.276 --> 20:46.712 his time as a player with the Riverkings. 20:46.712 --> 20:50.216 Landmesser's #55 became the third number retired in Kings 20:50.216 --> 20:53.953 history after numbers worn by Don Parsons and the late Scott 20:53.953 --> 20:54.954 Brower. 20:54.954 --> 20:57.656 Landmesser is the franchises' all-time leader in games, 20:57.656 --> 20:59.558 points and assists. 20:59.558 --> 21:03.262 He's also second in penalty minutes and third in goals. 21:03.262 --> 21:05.331 And here are some highlights from the ceremony. 21:05.331 --> 21:09.535 - For ten seasons, you knew him as one of the most standout 21:09.535 --> 21:10.769 defensemen. 21:10.769 --> 21:14.473 Along the way he racked up individual accolades including 21:14.473 --> 21:17.910 seven CHL All-Star appearances. 21:17.910 --> 21:22.348 In the 2009-'10 season, Mess was named to the CHL All-Decade 21:22.348 --> 21:23.415 team. 21:23.415 --> 21:29.054 On top of that, a UHL championship in 2002 and in 2003 21:29.054 --> 21:34.393 CHL Presidents Cup Championship right here in this building. 21:34.393 --> 21:38.097 It's not a bad playing career. 21:38.097 --> 21:41.100 In addition to all this here, there are a few other people 21:41.100 --> 21:44.069 from around the world who have something they'd like to say to 21:44.069 --> 21:45.070 you. 21:45.070 --> 21:46.071 - Good evening, Derek. 21:46.071 --> 21:48.073 Just wanted to say congratulations on having your 21:48.073 --> 21:49.375 jersey retired. 21:49.375 --> 21:53.245 Not only does this show all of the things you did on the ice 21:53.245 --> 21:55.714 but more importantly everything that you've done off the ice to 21:55.714 --> 21:59.518 represent the Riverkings, yourself and your family and the 21:59.518 --> 22:00.519 community of Southaven. 22:00.519 --> 22:05.424 On behalf of board of governors and everybody with the SPHL, 22:05.424 --> 22:08.260 enjoy this night and congratulations. 22:08.260 --> 22:10.896 - Brian Tucker here. 22:10.896 --> 22:12.898 What a special night for Dereck and his family. 22:12.898 --> 22:15.668 I had the privilege of playing with Mess for four years in 22:15.668 --> 22:16.669 Memphis. 22:16.669 --> 22:18.671 You know what you're getting from him every night. 22:18.671 --> 22:19.672 A hundred percent. 22:19.672 --> 22:22.007 He was the guy on the ice in any situation. 22:22.007 --> 22:24.944 If you wanted to score a goal or defend against a goal, 22:24.944 --> 22:26.946 this couldn't happen to a better guy. 22:26.946 --> 22:27.947 Congratulations, Mess. 22:27.947 --> 22:30.349 Have a great night. 22:30.349 --> 22:31.717 - Yeah, congratulations, Mess. 22:31.717 --> 22:33.452 It's a huge honor. 22:33.452 --> 22:36.322 You were one of my favorite teammates my first year of pro. 22:36.322 --> 22:38.557 We won a championship together so I wish you all the best. 22:38.557 --> 22:40.559 It sounds like you're doing great. 22:40.559 --> 22:41.560 So, good job. 22:41.560 --> 22:43.562 (male announcer) Derek Landmesser's ten year playing 22:43.562 --> 22:46.699 career with the Riverkings ended after the 2010-'11 season. 22:46.699 --> 22:51.337 He finished as the franchises all-time leader with 627 games 22:51.337 --> 22:56.075 played, 563 points and 462 assists. 22:56.075 --> 22:59.845 He is one of four Riverkings to score 100 goals finishing with 22:59.845 --> 23:02.381 101 goals in his Riverkings career. 23:02.381 --> 23:05.684 He was the CHL's Most Outstanding Defensemen in 2000- 23:05.684 --> 23:10.823 2001, was a member of the All CHL team three times and won a 23:10.823 --> 23:13.192 Presidents Cup in 2003. 23:13.192 --> 23:16.729 All that success on the ice was matched with contributions off 23:16.729 --> 23:18.731 the ice in the Mid-South community. 23:18.731 --> 23:19.932 [applause] 23:19.932 --> 23:25.704 - I got a phone call 15 years ago. 23:25.704 --> 23:30.042 It was the summer of 2000. 23:30.042 --> 23:33.646 And by then Head Coach. 23:33.646 --> 23:38.651 He was just signed on as the first year head coach here. 23:42.521 --> 23:45.424 And he called to recruit me that summer and said, 23:45.424 --> 23:47.426 "Hey, Mess, I'd like you to join our team. 23:47.426 --> 23:51.463 "We're rebuilding our team down in Mississippi. 23:51.463 --> 23:53.465 Are you interested in coming down?" 23:53.465 --> 23:55.467 He's like, "We're starting from scratch." 23:55.467 --> 23:58.070 The team won nine games the year before. 23:58.070 --> 24:01.407 So, that was kind of a stumbling block for me. 24:01.407 --> 24:06.312 And I talked to my girlfriend at the time who is now my wife. 24:06.312 --> 24:09.214 And I said to her, you know, what do you think about, 24:09.214 --> 24:11.383 you know, going down to Mississippi to play hockey. 24:11.383 --> 24:14.553 And she kind of looked at me a little weird and she said, 24:14.553 --> 24:18.090 you know," They got hockey down in Mississippi?" 24:18.090 --> 24:21.660 So, you know, we talked it over and obviously I had a lot of 24:21.660 --> 24:22.661 trust. 24:22.661 --> 24:23.662 He's a phenomenal coach. 24:23.662 --> 24:26.498 He had a great track record everywhere he went. 24:26.498 --> 24:27.599 He had won. 24:27.599 --> 24:31.603 So, we made the trek for our first year down here. 24:31.603 --> 24:35.641 And like I said, you know, over the next ten years, 24:35.641 --> 24:37.976 I played with some unbelievable players. 24:37.976 --> 24:39.978 Guys that made me better every night. 24:39.978 --> 24:44.016 You know, those bonds and friendships I made with those 24:44.016 --> 24:45.017 guys. 24:45.017 --> 24:47.019 Some of those guys I haven't seen in, 24:47.019 --> 24:48.320 you know, ten plus years. 24:48.320 --> 24:53.325 So, you make those friendships and I'll cherish those forever. 24:56.662 --> 24:59.131 [inspirational music] 24:59.131 --> 25:01.567 [applause] 25:01.567 --> 25:04.169 - Great night. 25:04.169 --> 25:05.371 Congratulations to Derek. 25:05.371 --> 25:07.373 Here's some news about our upcoming schedule. 25:07.373 --> 25:08.374 You'll want to take note. 25:08.374 --> 25:10.843 With special programming connected to our pledge drive on 25:10.843 --> 25:14.046 the way, we will not air Sports Files on Saturday's over the 25:14.046 --> 25:15.247 next three weeks. 25:15.247 --> 25:17.950 The other normally scheduled airings will still take place 25:17.950 --> 25:20.185 including Sunday's at 9:00 AM. 25:20.185 --> 25:23.222 Again that will affect the next three Saturday airings 25:23.222 --> 25:24.690 of Sports Files. 25:24.690 --> 25:25.791 And that will do it for now. 25:25.791 --> 25:28.160 Have a great week, Happy Thanksgiving, 25:28.160 --> 25:33.165 and we'll see you next time. 25:37.569 --> 25:42.574 [theme music] 26:09.368 --> 26:10.569  (female announcer)   Production funding for Sports 26:10.569 --> 26:13.772  Files is made   possible in part by... 26:13.772 --> 26:17.376  (male narrator)    Infiniti of Memphis has    moved to Germantown 26:17.376 --> 26:20.879  road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 26:20.879 --> 26:24.416  to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service to our 26:24.416 --> 26:25.417  community. 26:25.417 --> 26:27.486  Quality and service -- No wonder   Infiniti of Memphis feels at 26:27.486 --> 26:32.024  home on WKNO.