Memphis Football: Liberty Bowl Preview

Tomorrow, Memphis will stay home and play in their 10th straight bowl game in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State.

This marks the second time that the Tigers have participated in the Liberty Bowl, and on both occasions, they faced Iowa State in the matchup. In 2017, the Cyclones reigned supreme, but Memphis looks to avenge their loss.

Memphis will also aim to reach the 10-win mark for just the fifth time in program history.

Game Information

When: Friday, December 29th, 2:30 PM

Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

TV: ESPN

Spread: Memphis +10.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): 57.5 (-110)

About Iowa State

Iowa State will enter this matchup with a 7-5 record. Despite starting the year off at 1-2, the Cyclones had a strong performance in conference play and finished 4th in the Big 12.

Memphis’ defense will have its hands full with true freshman running back Abu Sama III, who averages 8.5 yards per carry and is coming off a monster game against Kansas State in which he had 276 yards.

Due to the transfer portal, Iowa State will be without 13 of its players tomorrow, most notably TJ Tampa, Cartevious Norton, and Eli Sanders.

Who’s Out for Memphis

Luckily, this bowl game won’t be completely diminished by opt-outs and players in the portal. However, like Iowa State, Memphis will have a few players absent. The two key players not taking the field for the Tigers include Davian Carter and Makylan Pounders, both of whom have committed to Power 5 schools — Carter with Texas Tech and Pounders with Mississippi State.

Thoughts from Coach Silverfield

“It’s an honor and a privilege for our football program to be able to play in our home stadium. We’re excited about the matchup and what Iowa State brings to the table as a Big 12 team. We know how important this bowl game is and the excitement it brings.”

Prediction

While Iowa State has a strong defense, I believe this will be a high-scoring affair. The game will likely come down to which team can put together crucial stops in the fourth quarter.

With the crowd on their side, I predict the Tigers to win the Liberty Bowl for the first time.

Memphis 38 Iowa State 31.