A great Group of Five matchup is on the schedule for Saturday, October 31, 2020, when the Memphis Tigers (3-1, 2-1) visit the #7 Cincinnati Bearcats (4-0, 2-0). This is strength vs strength as the Memphis offense is elite and the Cincinnati defense may be the best in the country. Cincinnati is currently in a three-team tie at the top of the American Athletic Conference, and Memphis is currently tied for fourth. This game will air live on ESPN at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Through four games, the Memphis offense is averaging 38.8 points per game and 548.8 yards per game, 343.8 through the air and 205.0 on the ground. Defensively, the Tigers defense is allowing 33.0 points and 567.8 yards, 440.3 passing and 127.5 rushing.
The Cincinnati offense is averaging 37.3 points per game and 406.8 yards per game, 195.0 through the air and 211.8 on the ground. Defensively, the Bearcats are allowing just 12.5 points and 302.5 yards, 182.5 passing and 120.0 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Memphis Tigers at #7 Cincinnati Bearcats. All odds are from BetRivers Sportsbook.
Memphis Tigers at #7 Cincinnati Bearcats (-6.5): O/U 59.5 (-114/-107)
Last time out, the Memphis Tigers hosted the Temple Owls and came away with a 41-29 victory. This game was back and forth most of the night, as Memphis led 7-3 after the first and Temple led 15-10 at the half, but Memphis scored 17 unanswered points to start the second half and pulled away a bit. The Tigers ended up winning the second half 31-14. Quarterback Brady White went 17/36 for 313 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Running back Rodrigues Clark rushed the ball 22 times for 106 yards and wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in six balls for 184 yards and one touchdown. Fellow wide receiver Tahj Washington had five catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
Cincinnati visited the then #16 SMU Mustangs, who are facing serious injury concerns, and came away with a dominant 42-13 victory. The Bearcats started the game with a 14-0 run, but SMU was able to make it a ball game by winning the second quarter 10-0. Cincinnati pulled away with a 14-0 third quarter and sealed the win with a 14-3 fourth quarter. Quarterback Desmond Ridder went 13/21 for 126 yards, one touchdown, and exploded on the ground for 179 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries.
Series History: Memphis is currently on a five-game winning streak against Cincinnati and leads the all-time series 23-13.
CFB Predictions: Give me Cincinnati -6.5 on Saturday.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 21-14