Memphis vs. Tulane Prediction, Game Preview
Memphis vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Tigers and Green Wave.
Memphis vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Tigers and Green Wave.
Memphis vs. Tulane Game Preview
When: Friday, October 14 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Memphis is making a run at the AAC West division title, but a string of tough games is coming up for the Tigers. A defensive stand sealed the victory for Memphis this past Saturday against Temple in a 34-27 win. Quarterback Riley Ferguson was okay in the win, but he will have to play better if the Tigers want a shot at the AAC title.
Tulane had a surprise bye week after its game against UCF was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. The Green Wave will try to wear the Memphis defense down with the run game and a little passing from quarterback Glen Cuiellette to keep the ball moving and control time of possession.
What To Know About Memphis
The Tigers defense was torched for 445 passing yards against Temple last week, but luckily, the Green Wave do not throw the ball often. Memphis is No. 37 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 134.2 yards per game, and will try to keep Tulane from getting the ball rolling on the ground and make Cuiellette beat them with his arm.
The offense wasn’t up to par in the win against Temple and will have to take advantage of the opportunities against the Green Wave who do not give up many yards, ranking No. 13 in the nation with 309 yards per game.
What to Know About Tulane
Déjà vu! Tulane will run the ball down your throat until you want to give up, and then they will run it some more. The Green Wave averages 246.6 yards per game on the ground, good for No. 16 in the nation. They will go against a Memphis defense that is good at stuffing the run.
The Tulane defense has been a surprise, with linebacker Nico Marley leading the way with 38 total tackles and three sacks.
Advantages
Offense: Tulane. They know what they want to do – run the ball – and do it well.
Defense: Tie. Both teams are solid at stopping the run.
Special Teams: Memphis. Kicker Jake Elliott hit a 50-yard field goal earlier this season and is 7-for-9 on FG attempts.
Coaching: Memphis. Mike Norvell has the Tigers in the AAC hunt in his first season in charge.
Intangibles: Tulane. The Green Wave are coming off a bye and will have home-field advantage on their side.
Matchup To Watch
Tulane rushing attack vs. Memphis rushing defense
Tulane can throw the ball when needed, but it lives by the run. If Memphis can shut the rushing attack down, this game will be a blowout by the Tigers.
Memphis vs. Tulane Betting Odds
Spread: Memphis -11.5
Over/Under: 54
Memphis vs. Tulane Prediction
Looking at the performance of the two defenses so far, you would expect a defensive battle. That could very well happen, but the two offenses have enough firepower to put some points on the board as well. Ferguson will have to play much better than he did last week, and I expect him to, as Memphis runs its record to 5-1 and starts to put pressure on Navy in the AAC West.
Memphis vs. Tulane Score Prediction: Memphis 28, Tulane 21
