Memphis Tigers (2-0) vs Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 4:00 pm (Liberty Bowl Memorial)
Betting Odds: Memphis Tigers +4 -- Over/Under: 64 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN 2 Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now!
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will travel to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to take on the Memphis Tigers this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The Mississippi State improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating the NC State Wolfpack, 24-10, this past Saturday. Mississippi State did a great job forcing NC State turnovers and had no trouble securing the victory after a 4-yard TD reception by Jaden Walley gave the Bulldogs a 21-3 lead with just 8:59 left in regulation. Mississippi State was outgained by NC State by a 335-316 margin, however, won the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was QB Will Rogers who completed 33 of 49 passes for 294 yards, & 2 TD.
On the season, Mississippi State is averaging 29.5 ppg on 375.5 total yards per game (332.0 passing yds/g; 43.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Mississippi State has been led by QB Will Rogers who has completed 75.0% of his passes for 664 yards, 5 TD, & 1 INT. The top receiving threats for the Bulldogs have been Jaden Walley (9 rec, 108 yards, 2 TD), Austin Williams (8 rec, 105 yards), Makai Polk (14 rec, 90 yards), & Dillon Johnson (9 rec, 84 yards). Leading the way for the Mississippi State backfield has been Jo’quavious Marks who has rushed for 82 yards & 2 TD’s on 18 carries while also hauling in 16 receptions for 55 yards & 1 TD.
Defensively, Mississippi State is holding their opponents to an average of 22.0 ppg on 352.0 total yads per game (285.5 passing yds/g; 66.5 rushing yds/g).
The Memphis Tigers improved to 2-0 on the season after defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 55-50, this past Saturday. In an entertaining game that featured plenty of offense, Memphis was able to hold off Arkansas State late after taking a 55-36 lead with 10:39 left in the 4th quarter on a 75-yard TD reception by Calvin Austin III. Both Memphis and Arkansas State racked up 680 yards on the offensive end while Memphis lost the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin. Leading the way for the Tigers was WR Calvin Austin III who had 6 receptions for 239 yards & 3 TD.
On the season, Memphis is averaging 49.5 ppg on 633.5 total yards per game (341.0 passing yds/g; 292.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Memphis is led by QB Seth Henigan who has completed 63.1% of his passes for 682 yards & 6 TD’s. The top receiving threats for Henigan and the Tigers have been Calvin Austin III (12 rec, 286 yards, 4 TD), Sean Dykes (10 rec, 148 yards, 2 TD), Javon Ivory (6 rec, 117 yards), & Gabriel Rogers (6 rec, 68 yards). Leading the way for the Tigers backfield has been the duo of Brandon Thomas (34 att, 338 yards, 3 TD) & Rodrigues Clark (18 att, 146 yards, TD).
Defensively, Memphis is allowing their opponents to average 33.5 ppg on 489.5 total yards per game (390.5 passing yds/g; 99.0 rushing yds/g).
The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record, however, are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games. The Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog, however, are just 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. SEC opponents.
If you enjoyed the Memphis/Arkansas State game last week, you should get ready for another offensive onslaught in this one as both teams like to throw the football and have had no answers defending opposing passing attacks so far this season. Mississippi State is the better team, however, Memphis should be able to score against them at home and as I see this game easily combining for 70+ points, I think the clear play here is to bet the Over. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Over 64
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05