In a primetime matchup, Memphis will host Tulane in one of the biggest games of the year. With massive implications for the Tigers’ season and the American Athletic Conference as a whole, this contest serves as a must-win for Memphis.
Game Information
When: Friday, October 13, 6 PM
Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (Memphis, TN)
TV: ESPN
Betting Odds: (Per BetMGM)
Spread: Tulane -4.5 (-112)
Money Line: Memphis (+155), Tulane (-192)
Over/Under: 54.5 (-110)
About Tulane
Senior signal caller Michael Pratt leads a talented Tulane roster that spent the first two weeks of the season ranked in the AP Top 25. Currently, mock drafts project Pratt as a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The reigning AAC champions enter the game with a record of 4-1. Their lone loss came in a challenging home game against Ole Miss, a ranked SEC opponent. On the box score, a 37-20 loss does not look great. However, when you consider how good of a team Ole Miss is and pair that with the fact that Pratt did not play due to a left knee injury, you see that beating Tulane will be a tough task for the Tigers.
Reasons For Optimism
In last year’s matchup against Memphis, the Green Wave jumped out to a commanding 35-0 halftime lead. Tulane was on cruise control for the rest of the contest, eventually winning by a score of 38-28. The most significant difference coming into this year? The Green Wave lost their most explosive player to the NFL draft on each side of the ball. Tyjae Spears, who ran for 125 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the Tigers last year, was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Linebacker Dorian Williams, who finished last year’s contest with eight tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round.
Reasons For Pessimism
Slow starts have been a significant theme for the Tigers in 2023. Beginning with Navy and most recently going down 17-0 to Boise State, these lethargic beginnings will be a death sentence against a well-balanced Tulane team. Another reason for concern about the matchup is the Green Wave run defense. Tulane’s 88.0 PFF run defense grade is good for 12th in the nation. So far, the Tigers’ most consistent offensive weapon has been superstar running back Blake Watson. If the Memphis offensive line can’t get anything going in the run game, it might be a long night for the Tigers.
Coach Silverfield’s Thoughts
“A huge focus and a tremendous amount of effort on this Friday night, a national televised game versus Tulane on ESPN…It’s going to be a tremendous game in front of a great atmosphere,” Silverfield said. “So we’re excited to get them on our home turf.”
A common theme for Silverfield in his press conferences this year has been stressing the importance of the home crowd. Expect a difference-making 33,000+ fans at the Liberty Bowl for the biggest home game of the year.
Score Prediction
Tulane 30, Memphis 17. In another slow start for Memphis, Seth Henigan and the Memphis offensive line disappoint against an excellent Tulane defense. The Tigers can’t string together enough stops, thanks to the efficient play of Michael Pratt.
