South Alabama @ Memphis preview

Memphis looks to stay unbeaten at home this season when it welcomes South Alabama for a non-conference contest Saturday night. The Tigers have averaged 62.5 points in two wins at home this year compared to tallying 21 points in a road loss, while the Jaguars are hoping to build momentum off last week’s 41-31 win over Texas State for their first victory of the season.

Memphis’ explosive offense is run by junior quarterback Brady White, who has already thrown for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns against one interception in his first season with the Tigers after being a graduate transfer from Arizona State. But the Tigers aren’t just explosive through the air as junior running back Darrell Henderson has rushed for 521 yards and six scores through three games, putting him on pace for a 2,000-yard season. The Tigers rank fourth in the country in rushing yards per game (322.3) and total yards per game (603), making it difficult for teams to focus on just one aspect of the offense. The Jaguars have had trouble stopping anyone this season, allowing 38.7 points and 476.3 yards per game.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Memphis -31

ABOUT SOUTH ALABAMA (1-2): The Jaguars may have found themselves a permanent quarterback after senior Evan Orth led a come-from-behind win over Texas State, one day after opening-game starter Cole Garvin was suspended from the team following a public intoxication arrest. Orth finished with 266 yards and two touchdowns -- both in the final 2:02 -- as the Jaguars scored the final 25 points. Garvin started the opener before Orth started and played a majority of time in the team’s second contest, then Orth exceeded his season totals in yards and touchdowns against Texas State.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (2-1): While the Tigers’ offense has been making the headlines, the defense has also played strong in the season’s first three contests, allowing 19.3 points per game and ranking ninth in the country in total defense at 267.3 yards. The pass defense has been the team’s strength, as Memphis has given up only 101.7 yards per game, good for second in the nation. Linebacker Bryce Huff leads the team with three sacks while four others have recorded a sack, and the Tigers have also notched three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown by sophomore defensive back TJ Carter.

EXTRA POINTS

1. South Alabama WR Jamarius Way had 11 catches for 173 yards against Texas State, both totals being the most by any Sun Belt Conference player this season.

2. Memphis will be without junior TE Sean Dykes (three catches, 34 yards, one TD), who will sit out for a violation of team rules.

3. The Tigers have won 10 straight regular-season games at home and are 14-2 at home in three seasons under coach Mike Norvell.

PREDICTION: Memphis 55, South Alabama 20