Memphis discussing series with Vanderbilt, has verbals with Kansas & Ole Miss

By Kevin Kelley -

Memphis TigersThe Memphis Tigers are in discussions to play a future football series against the Vanderbilt Commodores, The Commercial Appeal has reported. Memphis also has verbal agreements to play Kansas and Ole Miss.

Memphis Athletics Director R.C. Johnson said that the Tigers could play Vanderbilt as early as 2013 if one of their currently scheduled non-conference opponents cancels. Those opponents are Arkansas State, Duke, Louisville and Middle Tennessee.

The Tigers and Commodores haven’t met since a 1989 contest in Memphis. Vandy leads the overall series 7-5.

The Commercial Appeal also reported that Memphis has verbal agreements to play two games each against the Kansas Jayhawks and the Ole Miss Rebels. UM would face Kansas in 2015 and 2016 and Ole Miss possibly in 2016 and 2017.

Memphis’ future schedules are now littered with big time BCS programs. In 2014, Memphis is slated to travel to Miami (FL) and host Louisville. In 2015, the Tigers will host Miami (FL) and Missouri, travel to Louisville and face Kansas either home or away.

Then in 2016, Memphis returns the game at Missouri, hosts Louisville and then if the contracts are signed could face Kansas and Ole Miss.

The Tigers would then face Ole Miss again in 2017 and will host in-state foe Tennessee.

Last week, Memphis announced their 2012 football schedule. The Tigers open the season on Sept. 1 at home against the UT Martin Skyhawks.