Houston Cougars at Memphis Tigers
Houston comes into the game 2-3, and 0-1 in the conference. The Houston Cougars at Memphis Tigers game is a battle of expectations. The Memphis Tigers as 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference. Memphis has been beating teams it was expected to beat, and Houston has not. In defense of the Cougars, Kansas was not supposed to be an undefeated team at this point. And Texas Tech after beating Houston continued on to beat the University of Texas two weeks later. This game we’ll find out if Memphis is as good as their record, and if Houston is as average.
Preview: Houston Cougars Defense vs Memphis Offense
Houston has not lived up to preseason hopes. It has a defense that ranked 60th in the NCAAF rushing defense stats, and their passing defense is a little worse. That is not good facing Seth Henigan and the Memphis passing offense. He has a rather pedestrian QBR of 56.7, weighted down by a couple of subpar passing performances the last 2 weeks. He has 9 touchdowns, though, against only one interception.
One hidden aspect of the Memphis Tiger offense is starting running back Brandon Thomas. He has produced touchdowns the last several games. And tight end Caden Prieskorn is a dependable receiver for touchdowns, a huge target over the middle for Henigan.
Preview: Houston Cougars Offense vs Memphis Defense
QB Clayton Tune is the star of the Houston offense. He has a QBR of 60.7, which is disappointing to this point for the National QB of the year watchlist (Davey O’Brian trophy) on preseason. Houston’s rushing offense ranked 76th in the country, but even with that has only produced 7 rushing touchdowns in 5 games. Houston’s running back Brandon Campbell, a transfer from South Carolina has been steady. Despite rushing 15 plus times a game, he hasn’t had a breakout game, his best performance was 80 yards against Texas Tech.
The Memphis defense has given up a lot of yards, but has been stiff around the end zone, 41st in the country in red zone defense. Wardalis Ducksworth may be able to get pressure on Tune, and Quindell Johnson is a terror in the defensive backfield. Jaylon Allen has caused several turnovers, and Tune has thrown three interceptions this year.
Preview: Outlook for the Game
Outlook for the game; a battle. Houston was expected to be a favorite in this game, but the resurgence of Memphis has flipped that expectation. Regardless, Houston comes in motivated and with its back to the wall. If it takes another conference loss it might not recover. A rare primetime Friday nationwide game for the Memphis Tigers will lead to a substantial crowd, and help the Tigers. Expect a close victory for the Memphis Tigers, though the outcome should be uncertain til the end.