Memphis vs. Temple Prediction, Game Preview


Memphis vs. Temple prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Tigers and Owls.


Memphis vs. Temple Game Preview

When: Thursday, October 6 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN
TV Broadcast: ESPN

Memphis suffered its first loss of the season last weekend against a good Ole Miss squad in Oxford, 48-28. Quarterback Riley Ferguson had a rough game, throwing for three interceptions and no touchdowns, although he did rush for two scores.

The Owls responded to a loss to Penn State in Week 3 with two straight wins, including a 45-20 victory over SMU last Saturday. The rushing duo of Ryquell Armstead and Jahad Thomas has combined for 12 touchdowns on the ground so far this season.

What To Know About Memphis

Taking out last week’s performance, Ferguson has filled in nicely after the departure of Paxton Lynch to the NFL. Finding wide receiver Anthony Miller has been a big help, as Miller has caught 27 passes for 405 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Doroland Dorceus has been able to pound the ball into the end zone four times so far this season.

The Tigers are holding opponents to 18.8 points per game, good for 25th in the nation. Linebacker Genard Avery is second on the team with 26 total tackles, and leads the Tigers with four tackles for a loss.

What to Know About Temple

Temple’s offense has yet to find its groove, ranking 106th in the nation by averaging just 350.2 yards per game. Quarterback Phillip Walker has struggled, throwing seven interceptions to just six touchdowns while the Owls have relied on the legs of Armstead and Thomas to provide some punch to the offense.

The Owls aren’t giving up much on defense, allowing only 319.4 yards and 20.4 points per game. Linebackers Stephan Marshall (barring injury keeping him out) and Avery Williams lead the way for the Temple defense, recording 53 combined tackles.

Advantages

Offense: Memphis. Ferguson will need to put the poor outing against Ole Miss out of his head.

Defense: Tie. Both are pretty stout on defense, and can make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Special Teams: Temple. Kicker Austin Jones is a perfect 8-for-8 in field goal attempts.

Coaching: Memphis. Mike Norvell has kept the Tigers humming along in his first season.

Intangibles: Memphis. After the beat down by Ole Miss, the Tigers want to prove that they are still one of the teams to beat in the AAC.

Matchup To Watch

Riley Ferguson vs. Temple linebackers

Both Marshall and Williams will try to read Ferguson’s eyes when he drops back and pick up on where he is going with the ball. The duo can also put pressure on in the backfield.

Memphis vs. Temple Betting Odds

Spread: Memphis -10
Over/Under: 60.5

Memphis vs. Temple Prediction

Both teams have a defense that has the ability and skill to shut down the opponent, but only one side has an offense that can overcome that effort, and that is Memphis. The Tigers will come out with a vengeance after last week and put points on the board early, putting the Owls in a position where they have to come back. That is not something Temple thrives in. Memphis wins big.

Memphis vs. Temple Score Prediction: Memphis 34, Temple 14

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