BYU vs. Memphis in Monday’s college football bowl game

Miami Beach Bowl

Brigham Young (8-4) vs. Memphis (9-3)

Date: Monday, 11 a.m. PST

Location: Miami

TV: ESPN

The Buzz: Few teams have delivered as big of a turnaround as the Memphis Tigers, who went from three wins in 2013 to nine wins and a share of the American Athletic Conference crown in 2014. It marks the first time the program has won nine games in a season since 2003. The Tigers also qualified for their first bowl game since 2008. Much of Memphis’ success has been fueled by its stout defense. The team ranks No. 5 nationally in points allowed per game (17.1) and No. 22 in yards allowed (343.3). BYU is coming off its third consecutive season with at least eight wins and is looking to win nine games for the first time since 2011. Coach Bronco Mendenhall’s team struggled early after losing talented quarterback Taysom Hill to injury in the fifth game of the season. The Cougars lost four straight games before bouncing back with four straight wins heading into the postseason. Christian Stewart has settled into his role leading the Cougars’ offense and the late-season surge, with the team ranking No. 20 nationally in points per game (36.2).