Five things to watch for in Birmingham Bowl between Memphis and Auburn

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tailback Sony Michel (1) is tackled by Auburn Tigers defensive back Blake Countess (24) and linebacker Kris Frost (17) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

5. Lance Thompson

It has been announced that linebackers coach Lance Thompson will be the interim defensive coordinator for the Birmingham Bowl. Unless someone is hired for the vacant defensive coordinator position in the next two weeks, this very well could be Thompson’s interview for the job.

He’s expressed interest in taking over the positon going forward, but all reports indicate that he’s yet to be given a formal interview. If Thompson can get this defense to respond to him in the bowl game and shutdown the best passing quarterback in the nation, you would have to think he’d be considered for the defensive coordinator position full-time.

Thompson has plenty of experience in the SEC working for LSU, Georgia and Tennessee in the past. He also coached at Georgia Tech for 11 years. His only stint as a defensive coordinator came at the University of Central Florida when he was there from 2001-06.

The names for possible candidates to fill the defensive coordinator position at Auburn are dwindling as the offseason progresses. Thompson certainly has the coaching experience, albeit very limited as a defensive coordinator, and he’s definitely a great recruiter so it would be wise to keep him on staff. He’s only been with Auburn for one year, but he’s made it known that he’d like to stay. He’ll have a chance to prove why he’s the man for the job in this bowl game.

These are just a few of the things that fans can look forward to when Auburn takes on Memphis in this year’s Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field on December 30 at 11 a.m. Central.