SMU @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 25, 2014 ) Memphis 48, Southern Methodist 10

SMU tries to build off the momentum of its second victory of the season when the Mustangs visit Memphis in their season-finale on Saturday. The Tigers have dropped three straight games since winning their first eight of the season after losing 31-12 at Temple, while SMU halted an eight-game skid with a 49-21 victory over Tulane last week.

A grueling stretch of three games against stiff competition in the American Athletic Conference stole momentum from the once red-hot Tigers. And even though his team routed SMU 41-10 last season, coach Justin Fuente isn't taking the Mustangs lightly. "They are explosive offensively with a bunch of good, young skill players," Fuente told reporters during his weekly press conference. "They are scoring points by the bunches and are improving defensively. We will certainly have our work cut out for us." SMU has won three of the last four meetings against Memphis, averaging 40 points in the wins.

TV: Noon ET, ESPNews. LINE: Memphis -21.5

ABOUT SMU (2-9, 1-6 AAC): The Mustangs logged season-highs for rushing yards (323) and rushing touchdowns (six) against Tulane. Xavier Jones set an SMU freshman record with 10 rushing touchdowns on the season after collecting three scores on the ground to go along with 117 yards rushing. Matt Davis has had five of the top six rushing totals by an SMU quarterback all-time, including a 156-yard outing against Tulane that ranks third.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (8-3, 4-3): The Tigers struggled offensively at Temple as they were held without a touchdown for the first time in 19 games, but SMU should present an easier challenge on defense. The Mustangs allow 44.1 points per game - third-most in the nation - and opposing teams convert in the red zone 94.1 percent of the time. Star quarterback Paxton Lynch was held in check with 156 passing yards at Temple but should rebound against an SMU defense yielding 236.7 yards through the air.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Memphis needs 23 points to surpass last season's school-record total of 471.

2. The Tigers are looking for their first home win over SMU since 2007, when they beat the Mustangs 55-52 in triple overtime.

3. Davis has been the leading rusher for SMU in 13 of the last 18 games dating back to last season. He ranks first on the Mustangs with 738 rushing yards.

PREDICTION: Memphis 42, SMU 28