HUNTINGTON -- Last year it was the one that got away.

Looking to reverse a winless start, Marshall University confidently entered the Liberty Bowl, seeking to save a season. Memphis, meanwhile was equal parts shaken and spurred by the loss of a teammate who was killed less than three days prior to kickoff.

Memphis managed an emotionally-fueled 24-21 victory on national television behind Martin Hankins' 346 passing yards and two touchdown tosses.

This year's edition of the Tigers, who visit Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Sept. 13, features a much different look. Gone is Hankins, along with tailbacks with a semblance of experience.

Also new is Tim Walton, hired as defensive coordinator by veteran head coach Tommy West. From schematic and personnel perspectives, Marshall coaches are preparing for a new-look Conference USA rival.

Ideally for Memphis, a definitive replacement for Hankins will be identified by Sept. 13 (the Tigers open at Ole Miss followed by their home debut Sept. 6 against Rice). Arkelon Hall and Matt Malouf separated as top candidates during spring practice, but competition will continue into August preseason camp.

Hall, a junior college transfer, threw for 60 yards and added 51 rushing in Memphis' spring game. He accounted for three touchdowns overall.

Malouf is equally versatile, accounting for touchdowns in each of the Tigers first four 2007 games.

Best case scenario, a proven running game would lessen the load on the new starting quarterback. Memphis' top three candidates, however, never have taken a handoff for the Tigers.

The glass is half full for the remainder of West's offense. Memphis' top six wide receivers return, headed by 6-foot-8 Carlos Singleton, who totaled 11 touchdowns, three two-point conversions and 767 receiving yards in '07. The offensive line also is experienced, led by Rimington Award candidate Philip Beliles at center.

Despite obvious questions on offense, the other side of the ball likely will decide Memphis success. The Tigers allowed more than 32 points and 441 total yards last year, prompting the coordinator switch (Lytrel Pollard also was hired during the offseason as cornerbacks coach).

Clinton McDonald will counted on as a playmaking defensive lineman after leading the team with four sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss last season. Greg Terrell started all 13 games along the line, totaling 38 tackles, including 5.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and two forced fumbles.

Repeated injuries led to seven different starters at linebacker last year. Greg Jackson and Winston Bowens missed significant time but are expected to return to form this season.

The real test, both during spring drills and looming this August, will play out in the secondary. With a complete coaching overhaul (Pollard oversees corners and Walton coaches safeties), a change is sought from a unit that allowed 25 passing touchdowns last year.

"I want to challenge these guys to play to win," West said. "You have to understand that when you play as aggressive as I like to play in the secondary, you are going to get beat every now and then, but you are going to make some big plays.

"That's what has been the problem lately is that we get beat some, but we are not making the big plays."

Memphis is predictably sound in special teams with placekicker Matt Reagan back along with punter Brent Sutherland. Reagan connected on four field goals against Marshall last year, and Sutherland averaged 40.7 yards a punt with a long of 70 for the season.