The (24) Memphis Tigers try to stay unbeaten at home when they get ready to rumble with the Tulane Green Wave in an AAC Conference showdown this Friday. The game is set to go off on Friday, October 27th at 8:00 p.m. EST. The inner-conference battle can be seen on the CBS Sports Network for your viewing entertainment. Las Vegas has the Tigers as a -10.5 point favorite and the contest’s total currently sits at 66.
The Tulane Green Wave ride into the Liberty Bowl after losing a competitive match against the 16th-ranked South Florida Bulls 34-28. In that game, the Green Wave scored 14 fourth-quarter points in an attempt at a late comeback. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to overcome their 12 penalties and the 384 rushing yards their defense gave up. As a result, they now sit 2-2 in the conference and 3-4 overall.
The Memphis Tigers return to the friendly confines of the Liberty Bowl after traveling into Houston and beating the Cougars. Unlike Tulane, the Tigers’ fourth-quarter comeback was successful. Memphis scored 42 second-half points, including 21 in the last frame to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
In 2016, the Tigers walked into Tulane and handed the Green Wave another 24-14 loss. The Tigers have won the last 10 meetings between these two programs and are 3-1 in conference action.
Tulane Green Wave (3-4)
The Green Wave faced the 25th-ranked Bulls last week and now get the 24th-ranked Tigers on the road. Instead of protecting against the run, Tulane will need to rely upon on their pass defense as they face one of the best throwing teams in the country.
Offensively, Tulane will try to use their rushing attack to keep Riley Ferguson and company on the sidelines. Coming into this game, the Green Wave sit 12th in the nation running the football for 266 yards a contest.
Leading the way for Tulane on the ground is an outstanding tailback, Dontrell Hilliard. So far, Hilliard has been spectacular while rushing for over 700 yards on 115 carries and nine touchdowns. He also has six catches out of the backfield for 114 yards and two more scores. Three other runners have pitched in with another 112 carries for almost 750 yards and seven trips to glory.
Quarterback Jonathon Banks is a dual-threat signal-caller that is dangerous when tucking the ball and running. Banks compliments the above backs nicely, rushing for 286 yards on 70 carries and three more touchdowns. Although the Green Wave prefer to run the pigskin first, Banks will throw to move the chains. This year, he has connected on 46 passes for over 700 yards with six scores and two picks.
Four Tulane wideouts have breached the century mark in receiving this season. Even so, only one of them has double-digit catches. Terren Encalade leads the group with 17 grabs for 311 yards and three trips to the end zone. Two others have found a way to score for the Green Wave’s offense.
Defensively, Tulane really struggles to stop the run. In fact, they are tied for 115th in the nation. The front seven is yielding 224 yards a game to opposing rushers. Fortunately, their secondary has played much better. They will be tested by the best passing offense they have faced in 2017. Overall, the back half sits 29th in the country, giving up 190 yards through the air.
(24) MemphisTigers (6-1)
The Tigers have only one defeat on their record and that was a 40-13 road loss at Central Florida three weeks ago. Currently, they are 3-1 in the West Division of the American Athletic Conference. If things hold, they would end up playing South Florida or the Knights in the title game.
A huge reason why Memphis is collecting wins is quarterback Riley Ferguson. Against Houston, Ferguson went 33 out of 52 for 471 yards and a score. The All-AAC under center has been consistent and leads the nation’s 10th-ranked passing attack. In 2017, he has completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,285 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.
It was the Tigers’ running back Patrick Taylor Jr. that came up big against the Houston Cougars last weekend. After leading rusher Darrell Handerson went down to injury, Taylor Jr. picked up the slack with four touchdowns on the day. Henderson still leads Memphis with 71 attempts for almost 550 yards and four trips to pay-dirt.
Riley Ferguson likes to spread the ball around to a plethora of wide receivers. Even so, his favorite wideout happens to be one of the best in Division I football. Anthony Miller was instrumental in the Tigers comeback against the Cougars. Although he didn’t score, he did reel in 10 catches for 178 yards. Overall, number three has been a stud, catching 55 passes for 784 yards and nine touchdowns.
On defense, Memphis struggled against a Houston offense that produced 554 yards including 315 in the air. All year long, the secondary has been horrible. The Tigers’ back half gives up 275 yards a game (118th). Similarly, the front seven can’t seem to stop anybody either, allowing 212 yards a contest (109th). In all, Memphis lets other offenses put up 34.4 points a game on them (105th). Yuck.
Prediction
Oddsmakers have the Tigers as a 10.5 point favorite because of the amazing play of Riley Ferguson and their passing attack. The problem is that the defense gives up almost as many points as their offense scores. Memphis did buckle down against the Navy Midshipmen who are the nation’s top running team. Still, they gave up plenty of yards but capitalized on three Midshipmen fumbles.
Tulane is going to try to run the ball and keep Memphis’ powerhouse offense watching from the sidelines. There is a good possibility that could happen if the Tigers don’t get their act together on defense. For these reasons, I’m suggesting that my readers stay away from the Tigers to cover. Likewise, skip playing the Green Wave to cover because of their defensive play.
Instead, bet on the offenses to find ways to cut through the others club’s defenses like butter. Memphis through the air and Tulane on the ground. I can’t foresee a game where the Tigers don’t score in the high 30’s or low 40’2. Also, I can’t imagine Tulane not getting to the 30 mark against the porous Memphis defense. Take the over 66 and enjoy some high-paced college football action on Friday night in the Liberty Bowl. #moneytreesgrow @EriktheHun
Trends
The Green Wave are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
The Green Wave are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Over is 9-4 in the Green Wave last 13 games following a straight up loss.
The Tigers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
The Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The Over is 8-1 in the Tigers last 9 home games.
Green Wave are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
