Rice vs. Memphis: Tigers Seek Redemption After CFP Hopes Dashed

The Memphis Tigers, still reeling from their 44-36 loss to UTSA last week which ended their College Football Playoff hopes, are set to host the Rice Owls in an American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Friday, November 8. The game, scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, will be televised on ESPN2.

Memphis, with a 7-2 overall record and 3-2 in the AAC, is favored in the game, listed as a 7 to 9-point favorite depending on the sportsbook. The over/under for the game is set around 50.5 to 53.5 points.

Rice, coming off an impressive upset victory over Navy 24-10, is looking to build on that momentum. Despite their 3-6 overall record and 2-3 in the AAC, the Owls have shown resilience, particularly with their top-tier defense that ranks 23rd in the nation in total yards allowed.

Memphis’s offense, led by quarterback Seth Henigan, has been strong, averaging 34.2 points per game. However, the Tigers’ defense has been inconsistent, allowing 40+ points in three of their last five games. This inconsistency could make the game closer than expected, especially given Rice’s defensive capabilities.

Rice’s interim head coach, Pete Alamar, who took over after Mike Bloomgren’s firing, will look to continue the team’s recent success. The Owls have covered in three of their last four games and have a history of performing well as underdogs in their past meetings against Memphis.

The betting trends suggest a potentially low-scoring game, with some analysts recommending taking the under on Rice’s team total, given their struggles in scoring on the road and Memphis’s solid defensive performance in key areas.