Two weeks ago, this looked like one of the most anticipated games in college football. Now Saturday’s matchup between South Florida and Memphis has lost a little luster but is still extremely important.
Just last week, the two teams tied for the No. 1 spot in the HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 Media Poll.
What a difference a week makes.
This past week, Memphis lost 31-24 at UAB, which was playing its first game since firing head coach Trent Dilfer.
So this week there won’t be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup, but it is still a game with great significance.
First off, if Memphis rebounds and wins, it would leave only two unbeaten American Conference teams – Tulane, which is idle this week, and Navy, which hosts Florida Atlantic on Saturday.
This game still has plenty of ramifications at the top.
How to Watch USF-Memphis
The South Florida-Memphis game will be at noon ET Saturday, Oct. 25, and televised on ESPN2.
USF-Memphis Betting Odds
As of this writing, South Florida is a 3.5-point college football betting favorite via BetMGM. The Over/Under is 65.5.
USF-Memphis Records
South Florida (6-1, 3-0 American Conference)
Memphis (6-1, 2-1)
USF-Memphis Coaches
South Florida: Alex Golesh (20-13)
Memphis: Ryan Silverfield (48-21)
USF-Memphis Last Meeting
On Oct. 12, 2024, Memphis won 21-3 in a game staged at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The game was moved due to the impact of Hurricane Milton around the Tampa Bay area. It was the first game started by USF reserve quarterback Bryce Archie, after starter Byrum Brown suffered what would be a season-ending leg injury the week before.
USF-Memphis Preview
For USF
The Bulls, who are ranked No. 18 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 Poll, have won four in a row since a 49-12 loss at Miami. Last week, South Florida defeated visiting Florida Atlantic 48-13. The Bulls rushed for 259 yards, the fourth consecutive game they have been over 250.
Brown has returned from last year’s injury in stunning fashion. He has completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,695 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Brown also leads the Bulls in rushing with 475 yards and six touchdowns.
The big-play Bulls have two receivers averaging more than 20 yards per catch. Chas Nimrod has 23 receptions for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Jeremiah Koger has 12 receptions for 259 yards and four scores.
The Bulls are second in the American Conference and seventh nationally in scoring offense, averaging 41.7 points per game.
South Florida is fifth in the American in scoring defense, allowing 23 points per game. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler is third in the American with 61 tackles.
South Florida began the season by beating two ranked teams, Boise State and Florida. Another impressive win was a 63-36 victory two weeks ago at North Texas, providing the Mean Green with their lone loss of the season.
For Memphis
During last week’s loss at UAB, Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis left the game early in the third quarter due to injury and was replaced by freshman AJ Hill. Making his collegiate debut, Hill went 13-for-25 passing for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He threw a 37-yard TD pass to Christian Ross with 2:19 left that got the Tigers to within seven points.
On Monday, Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield listed Lewis’ status as day to day, according to the Daily Memphian.
Of little consolation, the Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 47 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. Memphis is third in the American in scoring (38.1 points per game) and second in scoring defense (18.3 PPG allowed).
If Lewis is limited or can’t play, it would be a big blow to the Memphis rushing game. Lewis has rushed for 435 yards and seven touchdowns. Sutton Smith leads the team with 480 yards on the ground and six touchdowns.
The 31 points allowed against UAB was tied for the worst this season by Memphis, which also allowed that many in a 32-31 win over Arkansas.
Regardless of the quarterback, Memphis will likely have to rely on its strong rushing game. The Tigers are third in the American in rushing, averaging 221.6 yards per game, although Lewis has been a big part of that.
South Florida is second in the American in rushing defense, allowing 112.9 yards per game.
Memphis’ rushing defense leads the American, allowing 106.7 yards per game. That defense will surely be tested by Brown and company, who average 215.6 rushing yards per contest.
Memphis plays good team defense. The Tigers have six players with 36 or more tackles, led by linebacker Drue Watts with 42.
USF-Memphis Prediction
I like South Florida laying the points. Regardless of who is at quarterback for Memphis, I think USF will have a major edge with Brown posting numbers that should give him some Heisman consideration.
In his last three games, he has rushed for 355 yards and four touchdowns on 52 carries.
When he has the running game going, I believe USF is nearly unstoppable. During their four-game win streak, the Bulls have averaged 57 points. Even though Memphis has a strong defense, I think Brown should continue his spree.
With a win, the Bulls can see a clear path to the American Conference Championship, although a Nov. 15 meeting at Navy will also be a major challenge as well. Still, the Bulls are going strong, Memphis is coming off a tough loss, and despite South Florida being on the road, this has a chance to be a comfortable victory for the Bulls.
