Tulane vs. Memphis Prediction
Can No. 24 Memphis cruise to a big win at home over Tulane when the two conference foes meet up at 8PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Memphis is favored at home, as the Tigers are getting odds of -10.5 points against Tulane. The over/under total has been set at 64 points. Memphis has won 10 straight meetings in this series, but the Green Wave have covered the spread in their last two encounters. The public is currently putting 80 percent of the wagers on Memphis at home. Tonight’s game takes place from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. The game airs live on the CBS Sports Network.
Memphis is coming off a 42-38 win at Houston last Thursday to improve to 6-1 on the season and 3-1 in the AAC. The Tigers are 3-3-1 against the spread this year and just 1-2-1 ATS on the road. Memphis is averaging 40.6 points and 492.1 yards per game on offense this year, including 333.4 passing yards per game. Riley Ferguson has thrown for 2,285 yards and 20 touchdowns this season to lead the team while Anthony Miller is the leading receiver with 55 catches for 784 yards and nine touchdowns. Leading rusher Darrell Henderson, who has 541 yards and three touchdowns, is questionable for this game with an undisclosed injury. Defensively, Memphis is allowing 34.4 points and 488.4 yards per game. Their run defense is giving up 212.7 yards per game.
Tulane is coming off a 34-28 loss at home to South Florida on Saturday. The Green Wave are now 3-4 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. Tulane is 5-2 against the spread this season and 1-2 ATS on the road. The Wave is putting up 28.4 points and 385.3 yards per game on offense this year while the defense is allowing 27.9 points and 415.4 yards per game. Dontrell Hilliard is leading the offensive charge with 701 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Jonathan Banks is adding 723 passing yards with six touchdowns. Terren Encalade has 17 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
Tulane hasn’t been an easy out this year, so Memphis could have its hands full tonight. However, I think things are shaping up for a nice win. The trends aren’t necessarily behind Memphis, but Tulane is playing on a short week after a tough loss to USF last week. The Green Wave probably won’t be real crisp on offense and the defense may not be quite as prepared. Memphis has had a few extra days to get ready for this game and should be eager to put on a show at home.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: MEMPHIS -10.5