It’s time for a meeting between the two highest spenders in the American Conference.
Memphis football (7-2, 4-1) will meet South Florida (6-3, 2-3) on Nov. 12 (7 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It’s a matchup between the two teams in the conference that are at full revenue sharing, though each has faced challenges this season.
Advertisement
The Tigers have been largely successful under new coach Charles Huff and are in position to reach the conference title game if they win their final three regular-season games. After a shocking loss to Tulane, Memphis has rebounded with back-to-back wins over solid teams in East Carolina and Army.
It’s been a disappointing first season in Tampa for Brian Hartline, the former Ohio State offensive coordinator who went to South Florida with significant expectations. The Bulls have been dismal offensively, but their defense has them bowl-eligible with a few games to go.
Here’s your primer for the game.
Can South Florida limit Memphis’ offense?
Something has to give on that side of the ball, which matches the No. 5 total offense in the country (Memphis) against the No. 10 scoring defense in the country. To put it differently: South Florida is allowing just 15.1 points per game, while the Tigers are scoring 37.6.
Advertisement
After a turnover-filled debacle against Tulane and a rough display in the first half of the ensuing game against ECU, the Memphis offense has turned things around and again looks like one of the best in the country. Quarterback Marcus Stokes was excellent in the win over Army, and the Florida native will be back in his home state for this game.
Stokes is entering at No. 9 in the country in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns.
South Florida’s offense has struggled
The Bulls’ offense has been less than expected, especially considering Hartline’s background and the talent level they have. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck has been under fire all season as they have failed to get on track.
Advertisement
Michael Van Buren won the quarterback job in the offseason, but he left USF’s win over UAB with an injury and didn’t play in the ensuing loss to ECU. Luke Kromenhoek threw for 179 yards and a touchdown in that game. It’s unclear who will start against Memphis.
It’s a weeknight American game, so…
Matt Barrie, who calls the ESPN Thursday night games, often remarks that “Thursday nights get weird.”
It’s hard to argue with him.
This season:
-
North Texas beat Tulsa 45-44 on a failed two-point conversion in overtime
-
UTSA scored late to earn a comeback win over USF at home
-
Despite never leading in regulation, UAB beat ECU in overtime and won by double digits on a pick-six. The Blazers became only the fourth team to win a game by double digits in overtime
-
After scoring only three points in the first half, Memphis scored 38 in the second plus overtime to beat ECU
-
North Texas beat FAU 48-41 in a game that started with the highest over/under of the season and still hit the over
-
FAU stunned UTSA 60-29 to hand the Roadrunners their first conference loss of the season
In other words: It’s extremely likely that something strange is going to happen. It’s just impossible to predict what it’s going to be.
Advertisement
Memphis vs South Florida score prediction
Memphis 28, South Florida 17. The Bulls have some success limiting Memphis’ offense early, but the Tigers have more firepower and use it to earn a third straight win.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football vs South Florida score prediction, preview for Week 11 game
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
