This game has massive implications for the American Conference and the Group of Five.
Memphis is the No. 1 team in this week’s HERO Sports G5 Top 25 Media Poll. The Tigers are also the top G5 team in this week’s College Football Playoff Selection Committee’s rankings – though they were outside of the top 25.
Memphis is 8-1 and 4-1 against teams in the American. The Tigers started the year with six consecutive wins but then suffered their only loss of the year at UAB, which is 3-5 overall.
But the Tigers are still near the top of the conference standings. Tulane, though, also has just one conference loss and is also vying for the league championship.
The Green Wave arguably had the best beginning of the season in the G5. They won three straight, including two wins over Power Four foes Northwestern and Duke. Then Tulane fell at Ole Miss 45-10.
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Tulane won its next three games over Tulsa, East Carolina, and Army. But then the Green Wave (6-2, 3-1) lost again, this time in an unexpected fashion. They fell 48-26 at UTSA.
Both have strong resumes, but both would want to win today if they want to get closer to winning the American and making their case for the CFP.
Tulane vs. Memphis Betting Odds
Memphis is a 3.5-point college football betting odds favorite against Tulane, with the Over/Under being 54.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Tulane is +145, while it’s -175 for Memphis.
Tulane vs. Memphis On TV
The matchup between Tulane and Memphis will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 7. The contest is taking place at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tulane vs. Memphis Prediction
I predict Memphis will win and cover the 3.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 54.5 total points.
If the Green Wave were hosting this game, maybe my pick would be different. I think Memphis finds a way to win this matchup, but with so much at stake between two talented teams, I also expect this game to be close.
Memphis is the better squad in several statistical categories. The Tigers are in the top three in the American in scoring offense (37.7 points per game), scoring defense (19.2 PPG allowed), and total defense (346.9 yards per game allowed) while ranking fifth in total offense (429.8 YPG).
Tulane, meanwhile, is outside of the top six in all of those areas. In fact, the Green Wave are 10th in scoring offense (25.9 PPG) and total defense (402 YPG allowed).
Tulane is also dealing with some uncertainty at quarterback. Jake Retzlaff, who’s been the Green Wave’s quarterback most of the year, was benched last week against UTSA for Brendan Sullivan. We’ll have to see how much either passer plays.
But considering what Tulane has done this season, the Green Wave undeniably have a talented roster. And after losing to UTSA, I anticipate they will compete with an exceptionally high level of urgency.
But I also expect Memphis’ stars to step up to the occasion.
Tigers quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,869 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions on a 69% completion rate while rushing for a team-high 562 yards and eight touchdowns.
Sutton Smith has rushed for 515 yards and six TDs, while Greg Desrosiers Jr. has 450 yards and seven TDs on the ground. Cortez Braham Jr. has caught a team-high 39 passes for 632 yards and seven touchdowns, and Jamari Hawkins is second with 25 receptions for 450 yards.
Linebacker Sam Brumfield (66 tackles and 4.5 sacks), defensive back Kamari Wilson (59 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles), and DB Chris Bracy (54 tackles and seven passes defended) are among the Tigers leaders on defense.
Tulane is a great team. But I think Memphis will find a way to win in this moment.
