Memphis Tigers vs. Navy Midshipmen Betting Preview
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
When: Saturday, October 22, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Memphis Tigers (-2.5) vs. Navy Midshipmen (+2.5);total: 56.5 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
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Betting on the Memphis Tigers (-2.5)
The Tigers are looking to make a splash in their first-ever appearance in Annapolis. For that to happen, Memphis will largely rely on its explosive offense, particularly through the air.
In their recent game, the Tigers took down Tulane 24-14 in which they outgained the Green Wave, 399-313. Quarterback Riley Ferguson had a solid outing against Tulane, passing for 236 yards with a touchdown on 21 of 34 completions.
Ferguson is the central figure of the Tigers’ offense that produces 274.0 passing yards per game, 31st nationally. Still, the better path to victory for the Tigers could be on the ground, where running back Doroland Dorceus is making a living this season. Dorceus, who had 81 rushing yards on seven carries in the Tulane game, can expect a good showing against Navy’s defense that ranks just eighth in the AAC with 158.0 rushing yards allowed per game.
Defensively, the Tigers are capable of weathering most of their opponents’ attacks, as evidenced by their 19.3 points allowed per outing, which is 23rd in the nation thus far this season.
The over is 3-1 in Memphis’ last four games overall.
Betting on the Navy Midshipmen (+2.5)
Things are looking up for Navy after slaying a giant in the form of Houston back in Week 6. The Midshipmen’s 46-40 win over the Cougars was enough to put the team No. 24 in the current AP Poll. What’s more, they got an extra week of rest after their scheduled game against ECU was postponed.
With a newfound confidence and a crushing ground attack, Navy will look to tame the Tigers this Saturday at home. It’s been a while since Navy lost in Annapolis, having won all of its last 13 games there, so expect the Midshipmen to put up a fight.
As for the tangibles, the Midshipmen could give Memphis a dose of its own medicine. Navy is among the elite in rushing the ball with four players coming into the game with at least 164 rushing yards on the season. The backfield unit includes the pair of fullback Chris High and quarterback Will Worth, who have 320 and 288 rushing yards, respectively, to go with a combined 11 rushing touchdowns. Overall, Navy is 13th in the nation with 262.4 rushing yards per game.
As for their defense, the Midshipmen will try to slow down Ferguson. They did a good job of slowing down the more talented Greg Ward Jr. the last time out, picking the Houston QB twice, so expect Navy’s secondary to step up again this Saturday.
Writer’s Prediction
Memphis (-2.5) wins, 31-24.
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