A fun American Athletic Conference battle is set for Saturday, October 3, 2020, when the #25 Memphis Tigers (1-0) face the SMU Mustangs (3-0). The SMU offense has come out firing on all cylinders and Memphis is set to play their first game in nearly a month. This game will air live on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. EST.
They have played just one game, but Memphis is averaging 37.0 points per game and 502.0 total yards, 280.0 through the air and 222.0 on the ground. On defense, the Tigers are allowing 24.0 points and 424.0 yards, 299.0 passing and 125.0 rushing. Memphis has had two games canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
The SMU offense has been clicking to start 2020 as they are averaging 48.7 points per game and 562.0 total yards, 294.3 through the air and 267.7 on the ground. On defense, the Mustangs are allowing 22.0 points and 383.0 yards, 232.3 passing and 150.7 rushing.
Below is my pick for the #25 Memphis Tigers at SMU Mustangs. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
#25 Memphis Tigers (-1.5) at SMU Mustangs: O/U 74.5 (-110/-110)
Memphis hasn’t played since they hosted Arkansas State on September 5th and came away with a 37-24 victory. Arkansas State put up a good fight in this one as they led at the end of the first quarter and were within four points midway through the third. Memphis QB Brady White was 27/37 for 280 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Wide receiver Sean Dykes hauled in 10 passed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rodrigues Clark rushed 20 times for 105 yards and one touchdown. The Memphis defense forced three Red Wolves turnovers.
SMU hosted the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and cruised to a 50-7 win in their home opener. The Mustangs scored the first 36 points of the game, they led 29-0 at the half, and were able to get the backups in to get some playing time on the second half. QB Shane Buechele passed for 141 yards and two touchdowns as it was the ground game that led the way for SMU in this one. Ulysses Bentley IV rushed six times for 104 yards and two touchdowns, while TJ McDaniel added 17 more rushed for 104 yards. The SMU defense allowed just 216 total yards and forced one Lumberjacks turnover.
Series History: Memphis has won the last six meetings between these two and now leads the all-time series 9-3.
Free Football Picks: I am worried about the rust on Memphis, so I am going to back SMU +1.5.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 9-4