COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Memphis enters with one of the more productive offenses in the group, led by 290.6 passing yards per game and 222.8 rushing yards per game, while South Florida’s offense is more modest at 166.6 passing yards and 148.0 rushing yards per game. The Bulls’ best case is their defense, which has allowed only 14.5 points per game and 306.62 yards per game, but Memphis has enough balance to challenge that unit in both phases. South Florida has kept games controlled by limiting yards per play allowed to 4.81, yet Memphis has been too efficient offensively and has the better scoring profile to trust as the side most likely to separate late.
Memphis should control the game with its more efficient and explosive offense, and the better side for value is Memphis Tigers -5.5. South Florida’s defense can keep the game from getting out of hand early, but the Bulls’ offense has not matched Memphis’ production, so the Tigers are projected to pull away late in a 35-28 result. That outcome fits a Memphis cover and a total that lands well above the low-50s range, driven by Memphis’ scoring ceiling and South Florida’s need to trade possessions rather than shorten the game.