Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) vs Memphis Tigers (9-3)
Game Info: Friday, December 29, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium)
Betting Odds: Iowa State Cyclones -10 -- Over/Under: 58 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Memphis Tigers and the Iowa State Cyclones will meet in the 2023 Liberty Bowl this Friday from Liberty Stadium on ESPN. ISU won the lone meeting back in the 2017 Liberty Bowl by a point, 21-20, and they come in as 10-point favorites, with the total sitting at 58. Stay tuned for our Memphis vs Iowa State prediction.
Memphis Tigers Preview
Memphis closed the regular season at 9-3 in the American Conference standings after defeating Temple in Philly, 45-21. The Tigers found the endzone in four quarters at Lincoln Financial, and they’ll look to reach the 10-win mark for the first time since 2019. The Memphis offense is scoring 39.1 ppg, while passing for 301.4 ypg, rushing for 128.9 ypg, and converting 44.9% of their third downs.
Memphis Team Notes
- Seth Henigan played well in the win over Temple, going for 250 yards, while tying a season-high with four touchdown tosses. The Denton native made strides behind center this season, and he’ll look to lead Memphis to their first Power 5 victory here. Henigan has passed for 3,516 yards with 28 touchdowns to nine interceptions through 12 contests.
- ODU transfer Blake Watson has found the endzone in three straight games, and he leads Memphis in rushing yards (1,045), with 463 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
- Junior wideout Roc Taylor approached his season-high with 146 yards in the loss to SMU, and he leads the Tigers in receptions (61) and receiving yards (981).
- The Memphis defense has allowed 29.0 points per game.
Iowa State Cyclones Preview
Iowa State wrapped up at 7-5 after defeating Kansas State in Manhattan, 42-35. The Wildcats scored four second half touchdowns to avoid finishing at .500, and they’ll look to avoid trading a sixth straight game here in Memphis. The ISU offense is scoring 26.3 ppg, while passing for 228.3 ypg, rushing for 129.9 ypg, and converting 37.9% of their third downs.
Iowa State Team Notes
- Rocco Becht delivered with a big fourth quarter versus KState, and he finished with 230 yards, and three touchdowns. The sophomore quarterback improved down the stretch, and after tossing multiple scores in the final three games, he’ll look to bring that momentum to Memphis this Friday. Becht has passed for 2,674 yards with 20 touchdowns to eight interceptions through 12 games.
- Des Moines native Abu Sama III had his coming out party against KSU, and after going for career-highs of 276 yards and three scores, he leads the Cyclones in rushing (610).
- Junior wideout Jaylin Noel also had a big game in the Kansas State victory, going for a season-high 160 yards, and he leads ISU in receptions (60) for 741 receiving yards.
- The ISU defense has allowed 21.6 points per game.
Memphis vs Iowa State Trends
- MEM is 4-7-1 against the spread, with a 10-2 O/U record.
- ISU is 7-5 ATS, with a 5-7 over/under record.
Memphis vs Iowa State Prediction
Iowa State got really lucky in their season finale at KState, and I believe it may leave the door open for an upset here. Memphis ended the season on a strong note, and with the Liberty Bowl taking place in their backyard, they will enter this “neutral-sited” matchup with a clear familiarity advantage. If Memphis can prevent the big plays they will have a chance in this game, so let’s spot them the points in their backyard this Friday. Give the Over a look as well with both schools scoring more down the stretch.
Corey’s Pick Memphis TO COVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
