According to the NCAAF schedule, the Memphis Tigers face off against the Utah State Aggies in the 13th annual First Responders Bowl. Read more for the First Responder Bowl betting prediction.
Both teams squeaked into bowl contention with 6 wins, but the two teams are vastly different. While one team is an offensive firecracker that pours on the points, the other has a more modest and progressive.
The teams are well respected with difficult records, making a First Responder Bowl betting prediction difficult, but only one can come out on top.
Memphis vs. Utah State Last Records
When looking at NCAAF standings, the two teams have only played a few times in their long histories as college football programs, but the record still comes close.
Memphis controls their all-time record, but only with 4 wins to 3 losses. A single loss to the Aggies could even it out with the Tigers.
However, the last time they played was in 1977. With their first rematch in 45 years, the Aggies may have a chip on their shoulders. This is especially true, with the fact that the last game against Memphis was decided by only 5 points.
Memphis vs. Utah State Information
Both teams are talented offensively, with one outsourcing the other very consistently, which impacts college football picks.
They each land within the top 100 for offensive yards per game, while Utah State sits at 92nd while Memphis is miles ahead at 41st. Memphis compiles about 60 more yards per game than the Aggies, but that’s not all.
Memphis Tigers is one of the more high-powered offenses in college football, scoring over 35 points per game. Compared to Utah State’s measly 22, this shows a significant divide in offensive capability.
Unlike the offense, their defenses are a bit closer in stature. Although Memphis takes the cake again, they sit at 60th while Utah State roams in the 80s. The difference in yards is about 30, which is much more manageable.
Memphis vs. Utah State Betting Analysis
Although both teams are 6-6, Memphis has a clear statistical advantage over the Aggies. Memphis is viewed as the clear favorite in a First Responder Bowl betting prediction, especially with their offensive dominance.
The game is held at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, and the venue has some interesting statistics. Games at the stadium average 78.7 total points, which is quite a high margin. This, paired with the fact that Memphis is 8-4 on the over this season, may prove to be an interesting correlation.
Memphis Tigers Analysis
The Tigers are excellent on offense, and this is because of starting quarterback Seth Henigan and an interesting style of play. Henigan has almost 3300 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season, ranking him 20th in the FBS in passing yards and the top 50 for touchdowns.
What makes their play unique is how they spread the ball. The Tigers’ leading receiver is tight end Caden Prieskorn, with 593 yards and six touchdowns.
There are six players with at least 300 receiving yards and touchdowns distributed among 7. The rushing game is quite possibly even more diverse than the passing attack, with five players with over 100 rushing yards, and each of 5 having two touchdowns or more.
Utah State Aggies Analysis
Unlike the diverse offense of the Tigers, the Utah State Aggies focus more on a ground-and-pound mindset. This may have to do with the constant rotation of quarterbacks, with 3 players getting significant playing time on the season. Junior Cooper Legas has been the most consistent, with 1400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Their star player is Calvin Tyler Jr, their 1k-yard running back. He accounted for 7 of the team’s touchdowns on the ground this season while also pulling together over 100 yards and a score in the air. His success on the ground is imperative to the Aggies if they want to win.
Updates
When looking at college football injuries, both teams look pretty healthy coming into the game, which promises the best possible matchup between the two teams.
Memphis Tigers vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Preview
The spread reflects that, with Memphis being the clear favorite for the game. Memphis is favored at -7, while Utah State lags behind at +7.
The skill difference translates to the moneyline as well, with the Tigers holding out at -265 while the Aggies are left alone at +225. The over/under on the game sits at 60.5, a reasonable number for two teams who are proficient scorers.
Memphis Tigers vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Prediction
Although a 7 point spread may seem like a lot, Memphis is a stronger team than the Aggies, which greatly impacts our First Responder Bowl betting prediction.
The Tigers have covered the spread in their last 4 games against teams outside the AP top 25, and this trend will continue with a dominant win.
The Memphis -7 is the best bet, according to our experts, along with the game’s over of 60.5. The stadium has an average score of 78.7 points.
The two teams have a combined record of 13-11 to the over. Memphis, on their own, is 8-4 in favor of the over, and a mediocre Aggies defense will have no answers.
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