Memphis vs. Bowling Green Prediction, Game Preview


Memphis vs. Bowling Green prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the battle between the Tigers and Falcons.


Memphis vs. Bowling Green Game Preview


When:
Saturday, September 24 – 8:00 p.m. ET

Where:
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN

TV Broadcast:
ESPNEWS

Memphis is 2-0 on the young season, but those wins have come over Southeast Missouri State and Kansas: not exactly a murderer’s row. Bowling Green could be a tougher opponent, especially with the chance that the Tigers could be looking ahead to next week when they travel to Oxford to take on Ole Miss.

The Falcons’ lone victory of the season came in a 27-26 win over FCS North Dakota. That victory was sandwiched by blowouts against Ohio State and Middle Tennessee State. Can Bowling Green get its first FBS win of the season?

What To Know About Memphis

Can the offense find a rhythm? Sure, losing quarterback Paxton Lynch was a big deal, but the Tigers have been mediocre on offense, averaging a mere 399.5 yards per game. They have been able to put points on the board, though, with quarterback Riley Ferguson throwing for five touchdowns so far this season.

The Memphis defense has been solid, allowing 283.5 yards per game and only 12 points per game so far this season. Granted, the opposition wasn’t up to par in those two games, but the Tigers should be able to shut down a turnover-happy Falcons offense.

What to Know About Bowling Green

The quarterback situation is a nightmare for the Falcons, but they seem to be sticking with James Knapke at the position. Knapke has thrown for 554 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his six interceptions have killed Bowling Green’s offense. Wide receiver Scott Miller has been the star, catching 15 passes for 227 yards, but only has one touchdown to show for it.

Defensively, the Falcons have been shredded for 48.0 points per game, next to last in the FBS. Of course, two of their opponents (Ohio State and Middle Tennessee) are both in the top 13 of yards per game. Memphis is not even close to being that productive with the ball.

Advantages

Offense: Memphis. They haven’t been clicking yet, but it will come with time.

Defense: Memphis. Bowling Green gives up more points than anyone in the country save Hawai’i; Memphis only allows 12 points per game.

Special Teams: Memphis. Kicker Jake Elliott boomed a 50-yard field goal earlier this season.

Coaching: Memphis. Taking over for Justin Fuente is a challenge, but Mike Norvell is a man who can live up to that challenge and more.

Intangibles: Memphis. Get this game over with early, and they can set their sights on the Rebels.

Matchup To Watch

Linebacker Genard Avery vs. Bowling Green offensive line.

Avery has been a major reason why Memphis’ defense has been so good. He’s second on the team in tackles, first in tackles for a loss and has a forced fumble to boot. 

Memphis vs. Bowling Green Betting Odds

Spread: Memphis -16.5

Over/Under:
68.5

Memphis vs. Bowling Green Prediction

As stated before, the minds of Tigers players could easily be on the big matchup in Oxford next week, so they could start off slow. Norvell will get their attention, though, and the defense will smother the Falcons. Riley Ferguson will be able to hook up with Anthony Miller for a couple of touchdowns and the Tigers will roll to a 3-0 record.

Memphis vs. Bowling Green Score Prediction: Memphis 41, Bowling Green 20

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