Memphis will travel to New Orleans to face Tulane from Yulman Stadium this Saturday on ESPN2. Memphis leads the all-time series 24-15, but the two schools have split the past four matchups.
Memphis dropped to 4-3 after a tough loss to ECU in Week 7. The Tigers and Pirates went through four overtime periods, and when the dust cleared in Greenville, the visitors suffered their second heartbreaking defeat in a row. Memphis scores 35.6 points per game, while passing for 280.7 yards per game, and rushing for 139.4 ypg (155th). The Memphis defense allows 30.2 points per game.
Seth Henigan will make his eighth start of the season this weekend. The sophomore quarterback nearly matched his season-high with 407 passing yards last weekend versus ECU. Henigan led the Tigers on a game tying drive late in the fourth quarter, but they couldn’t outlast the hosting Pirates after four OTs. Henigan has passed for 1,517 passing yards with 12 touchdowns to three interceptions, and he’s added 178 yards and three scores on the ground through seven starts.
Asa Martin leads the team in rushing with 282 yards after his best outing of the season versus ECU. Brandon Thomas missed last weekend’s game, but he leads Memphis with seven rushing touchdowns. Henigan and Caden Prieskorn have built a strong connection early. The junior tight end has served as a reliable service blanket, and he’s scored in five of seven games this season. Prieskorn leads the Tigers in receptions (27), receiving yards (323), and touchdowns (6). Gabe Rogers leads the wideout core with 23 catches for 318 yards.
Tulane improved to 6-1 after a road win over South Florida in Week 7. The Green Wave now sit atop the AAC after dominating in Tampa, outgaining USF 564-377, and leading for most of the contests. Tulane is averaging 33.4 points per game, while passing for 266.1 yards per game (75th) and rushing for 160.6 ypg (154.1). The Tulane defense is allowing 15.8 points per game.
Michael Pratt is putting it all together here in year 3 starting behind center. Pratt missed the Houston game with injury, but he returned to the lineup and tossed a pair of season-highs in wins over ECU and USF. The junior quarterback threw for 329 yards and scored four times in last weekend’s win. Pratt has thrown for 1,560 passing yards with 11 touchdowns to three interceptions, and rushed for 196 yards and four scores through six starts.
Tyjae Spears comes into this one on the heels of his best outing of the year. The junior running back went for 151 yards and two scores in the win over USF, and he leads Tulane in rushing with 463 yards and eight touchdowns. Jha’Quan Jackson has been Pratt’s favorite target and he leads the Green Wave with 19 catches for 304 receiving yards.
Memphis is 3-4 against the spread this season, with a 2-1 record on the road. The Tigers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Tulane is 6-1 ATS this season, with a 3-1 record at home. The Green Wave are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
It’s nice to see Willie Fritz and the Tulane football program receive their first AP ranking since 1998. A lot of work has been put in, and while this comes with a bit more added pressure, it’s the ultimate gift heading into homecoming weekend. Tulane has looked great this season to say the least. The Green Wave look like a contender in the growingly-competitive American Conference, and they should take of business here at home. Memphis may make this competitive, but we’re riding the Wave here. This feels like a nice momentum play, so take Tulane’s spread for their homecoming game as they look to ascend in the polls for the first time since ‘98!
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
