---

What do the Memphis Tigers (6-0) have for an encore after shocking Ole Miss a week ago? They’ll look to remain unbeaten with this Friday’s trip to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-3). Check out the Memphis vs. Tulsa prediction and game preview.

Memphis vs. Tulsa Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 23
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Network: ESPN

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

Now that No. 18 Memphis has exploded onto the national scene with an upset of Ole Miss, can it remain focused with a gigantic target on its chest?

Beating the Rebels was not only one of the greatest moments in Tiger football history, but it also propelled the program to the head of the Group of Five class. If Memphis can avoid a stumble in an American Athletic Conference becoming increasingly tougher, it’s going to win a title and partake in a marquee January bowl game. For Tulsa and new head coach Philip Montgomery, a visit from the trending Tigers provides an opportunity to make its own splash. The Golden Hurricane can use a spark after dropping three of its last four games.

Why Memphis Will Win

The Tigers just outclassed Ole Miss, the team that snapped Bama’s 17-game home winning streak in September, so confidence is soaring. And the way QB Paxton Lynch is distributing the ball, Memphis should have few problems solving a Tulsa defense allowing almost 35 points per game. The Hurricane has been especially soft against the run, which might compel the Tigers to work between the tackles a little more than normal.

Why Tulsa Will Win

This is uncharted waters for Memphis and head coach Justin Fuente, so the team is clearly facing the potential for a letdown. Plus, as well as the Tiger D played last Saturday, it’s still a unit ranking last in the league in pass defense. And that’s a particular concern when facing Tulsa, which is second in the league in passing. If there’s even a whiff of a hangover, the Hurricane is capable of taking advantage with a fast-paced attack averaging more plays per game than any FBS squad.

Player Who Matters

The Tigers don’t have a true No. 1 receiver, which has actually been one of the myriad hurdles to stopping Lynch. The junior seemingly has a different favorite target each week, and he’s comfortable feeding anyone from TE Alan Cross to receivers Anthony Miller, Mose Frazier or Phil Mayhue. Tulsa safeties Michael Mudoh and Matt Linscott are thumpers, but the Hurricane corners are beatable over the top.

What’s Going To Happen?

On the road. The week after making national headlines by beating Ole Miss. Yeah, Memphis will be slow out of the gate. The Tigers have already been tested away from the Liberty Bowl by Bowling Green and South Florida, so Tulsa is a legitimate threat … for a half. Sure, Memphis could start slowly, like it did against the Rebels. But the Tigers will finish strong, like they did against the Rebels.

Memphis vs. Tulsa Prediction

Final Score: Memphis 38, Tulsa 28, Line: Memphis -11, o/u: 75
Must See Rating: 5: Bridge of Spies – 1: Rock The Kasbah … 2.5

MORE: Bold Midseason College Football Predictions