Middle Tennessee @ Memphis preview
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 14, 2013 ) Memphis 15, Middle Tennessee 17
Memphis returns to the field after a bye week, looking to rebound from a loss to nationally-ranked UCLA when it hosts Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The Tigers lost by just seven to the Bruins in their last outing and have had some extra time to prepare for the Blue Raiders. Offense hasn't been a problem so far, with Memphis averaging 49 points through two games.
But the Blue Raiders aren't going to make it easy on the Tigers, bringing an offense that has reached the 50-point mark twice in its first three contests. Defense will be a key for both teams, as Middle Tennessee allowed 47 in its triple-overtime win over Western Kentucky last week, while Memphis gave up 42 in losing to UCLA. Both teams rely on sophomore signal callers — the Blue Raiders have Austin Grammer while the Tigers have Paxton Lynch — who are dangerous offensively but also have to avoid costly turnovers.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Memphis -11.5
ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE (2-1): In his first season as a starter, Grammer continues to learn on the job. While some coaches might try to calm a player by giving him confidence that he won't lose his job because of one mistake, Blue Raiders coach Rick Stockstill wants Grammer to feel the pressure. “Austin has made a mistake or two already in his first three games and I haven't pulled him,” said Stockstill. “I told him that I want him looking over his shoulder as well as all of our players because I love competition.”
ABOUT MEMPHIS (1-1): Knowing how explosive Middle Tennessee's offense can be, the Tigers want to be more aggressive defensively to try to cause mistakes by the Blue Raiders. Memphis is hoping to limit what the Raiders can do offensively to make them a little more predictable. “It's definitely important to get after them,” said cornerback Bakari Hollier. “In that aspect, we have to take away part of their game; either their running game or passing game. We really just want to focus on taking away part of their game and making them one-dimensional.”
EXTRA POINTS
1. Middle Tennessee is a perfect 17-for-17 in the red zone this season, tying the Blue Raiders for first nationally.
2. Memphis has 10 rushing touchdowns through two games, compared to a total of 14 touchdowns on the ground in 2013.
3. The Blue Raiders lead the all-time series 17-8-1, winning five of the team's last six meetings, including the last three in a row.
PREDICTION: Memphis 38, Middle Tennessee 28