Memphis vs. Kansas prediction and game preview for Saturday's game between the Tigers and Jayhawks in Lawrence.
The Memphis Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks meet in Lawrence this weekend. We break down the battle of the basketball powers below in the Memphis vs. Kansas prediction and game preview.
Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Network: ESPN3
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Just how well will Memphis adjust to a two-deep featuring so many new faces? It’s too early to tell if the Tigers are ready to defend their shared American championship, but they did little wrong in last week’s 63-7 demolition of Missouri State. Kansas, on the other hand, did plenty wrong by losing at home to South Dakota State, 41-38. It was an inauspicious debut for new Jayhawk coach David Beaty.
The defense is way behind the offense in Lawrence these days. And the Tigers will pounce on the opportunity to further pad the numbers. South Dakota State slapped the Jayhawks around for 463 yards. Memphis will surpass that number off the arm of QB Paxton Lynch and the legs of Sam Craft and Jarvis Cooper.
While there aren’t many silver linings to becoming a program’s first-ever FBS victim, the Jayhawks did move the ball well in Beaty’s system. QB Montell Cozart spread the ball around to 10 different receivers, while JUCO transfer Ke’aun Kinner debuted with 161 rushing yards and two scores. Memphis, remember, has a whole new look on D.
Memphis must contain Kinner, who looks as if he can be a productive Big 12 back. Without ground support, Cozart will make mistakes, because he’s more of a complement than a signature player. Tiger linebackers Noah Robinson, Leonard Pegues and Wynton McManis will be tasked with maintaining lane integrity and wrapping up in space.
Beaty might get there, but he has a long way to go with this Kansas team. Justin Fuente, meanwhile, has his Tigers eyeing American contention once again. A more polished Memphis squad will keep the Jayhawks reeling with four total touchdowns from Lynch.
Without further ado, the Memphis vs. Kansas score prediction is …
Prediction: Memphis 41, Kansas 21
Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2