Houston Cougars (9-1) vs Memphis Tigers (5-5)
Game Info: Friday, November 19, 2021 at 9:00 pm (TDECU Stadium)
Betting Odds: Houston Cougars -9.5 -- Over/Under: 60.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Memphis Tigers will travel to TDECU Stadium to take on the Houston Cougars this Friday night in College Basketball action.
The Memphis Tigers dropped to 5-5 on the season after being defeated by the East Carolina Pirates, 30-29 (OT), this past Saturday. Memphis was able to kick a 24-yard FG to force OT and answered the Pirates opening TD in OT with a 20-yard TD run by Rodrigues Clark, however, the Tigers decided to go for the victory with a two-point conversation and came up short as Seth Henigan’s pass attempt was broken up by the Pirates. Memphis was won the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin, however, was outgained by the Pirates by a 502-341 margin. Leading the way for the Tigers was QB Seth Henigan who completed 15 of 26 passes for 233 yards, 3 TD, & 1 INT while also rushing for 61 yards.
On the season, Memphis is averaging 31.7 ppg on 450.2 total yards per game (303.3 passing yds/g; 146.9 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Memphis has been led by Seth Henigan who has completed 61.1% of his passes for 2778 yards, 21 TD, & 6 INT. The top receiving threats for the Tigers have been Calvin Austin III (67 rec, 1026 yards, 8 TD), Sean Dykes (36 rec, 548 yards, 7 TD), Javon Ivory (28 rec, 401 yards, 3 TD), & Eddie Lewis (17 rec, 281 yards, 3 TD). Leading the way for the Memphis backfield has been the trio of Brandon Thomas (116 att, 669 yards, 8 TD), Rodrigues Clark (56 att, 327 yards, 4 TD), & Marquavius Weaver (42 att, 142 yards, 3 TD).
Defensively, Memphis is allowing their opponents to average 29.2 ppg on 410.1 total yards per game (259.6 passing yds/g; 150.5 rushing yds/g).
The Houston Cougars won their 9th straight game and improved to 9-1 on the season after defeating the Temple Owls, 37-8, this past Saturday. Houston had no trouble taking care of business against Temple as the Cougars dominated both sides of the field and easily cruised to victory after taking a 24-0 lead late in the 3rd quarter. Houston outgained Temple by a 446-218 margin and won the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Cougars was RB Alton McCaskill who had 129 rushing yards & 2 TD on 21 carries.
On the season, Houston is averaging 38.9 ppg on 412.7 total yards per game (268.2 passing yds/g; 144.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Houston has been led by QB Clayton Tune who has completed 69.8% of his passes for 2448 yards, 21 TD, & 6 INT. The top receiving threats for the Cougars have been Nathaniel Dell (58 rec, 865 yards, 8 TD), Christian Trahan (31 rec, 349 yards, 2 TD), KeSean Carter (26 rec, 331 yards, 1 TD), & Jeremy Singleton (16 rec, 290 yards, 4 TD).
Defensively, Houston is holding their opponents to an average of 20.8 ppg on 291.4 total yards per game (192.7 passing yds/g; 98.7 rushing yds/g).
The Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Friday games and 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games on turf. The Cougars are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Houston has been playing some solid football as of late, however, I do think their defense is going to have their hands full with the Tigers passing attack led by the duo of Sean Henigan & Calvin Austin III. Prior to their game against Temple, Houston allowed South Florida to put up 42 points against them which is a bit concerning considering South Florida enters this week averaging just 26.0 ppg. Memphis recently picked up a solid win against SMU and as their defense has played better as over their last 4 games, allowing an average of just 24.0 ppg, I think this is going to be a competitive game and at worst Memphis keeps this one within a TD. Take Memphis and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Memphis Tigers +9.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05