Memphis vs. Tulsa Odds
| Memphis Odds | +3 (-110) |
| Tulsa Odds | -3 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +140 / -160 |
| Over/Under | 60.5 (-110 / -110) |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute college football odds here. | |
I can't put my finger on it, but for some reason, I have always preferred football conferences to feature just one division — not split into two with the best from each facing each other in the conference championship. I want an onslaught of all the teams within the conference trying to grab the top two spots. A battle royal, if you will.
That's the case in the AAC, with Memphis and Tulsa facing off this weekend. With each side staring at an 0-1 conference record, both teams will be looking to get back on track in Saturday's conference showdown.
Memphis came into the season as one of the trendy underdogs to win the conference — one that boasts powerhouse Cincinnati — but has underwhelmed so far by dropping its last two. Tulsa came in with low expectations and sits at a total record of 1-4.
This is expected to be a tight one, as Tulsa is a 3-point home favorite.
Memphis vs. Tulsa Betting Preview
Memphis Tigers
Memphis Offense
Let me sum up the Memphis offense to you in as few words as possible. Quarterback Seth Henigan drops back, throws a bomb, touchdown. Simple as that.
This offense goes as far as Henigan's arm takes it, and he's led the Tigers to a Pass Success mark of 13th and a big play ranking of 15th. He stretches out defenses as a gunslinger. Throwing for 1,475 yards, 12 touchdowns, and one interception so far this season, Henigan is elite.
The duo of Henigan and wide receiver Calvin Austin III will be something to watch, as the two have connected 35 times for 637 yards and seven touchdowns.
Tulsa does a very good job at limiting the pass attack, making this a very intriguing matchup.
Memphis Defense
The Memphis defense must get a lot of practice on limiting the big play because so far this season, they have been fantastic at stopping it. Possessing a ranking of Def. Big Play of 16th, the Tigers have been forcing opponents to beat them with minimal yards per play.
On the downside, opposing teams are successfully getting those minimal yards and moving the ball with ease — especially in the passing game. The Tigers are not able to get to the quarterback, ranking 99th in Def. Pass Rush and 125th in Def. Pass Success.
Not only are they not capable of getting to the quarterback, but the Tigers also are not generating any disruptions. Ranking 110th in Def. Havoc, they are allowing teams to get in a rhythm and build on their drives.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Tulsa Offense
I'm an overly optimistic guy in a lot of areas when it comes to life. I rarely find the downside or the negative in anything. With that said, this Tulsa offense is downright terrible.
For starters, it cannot run the ball. At all. Ranking near last in the nation in both Rush Success and Line Yards, it would be better off just passing on every play.
Speaking of passing, the Golden Hurricane can barely do that either.
Ranking 94th in Pass Success, quarterback Davis Brin has had a rough season. He has thrown for 1,467 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
He's received little to no protection, as his line ranks 102nd and has given up 14 sacks so far this season.
Tulsa Defense
While the Tulsa offense is downright terrible, the defense is a different story. It boasts a great Def. Pass Success rank of 27th, something that will need to consistently be great while going against this Memphis pass attack.
A big concern for this defense is that it's average in giving up the big play, which is something Tulsa will need to focus on as Memphis consistently looks to connect the big one.
The Golden Hurricane need to limit the big gain because if Memphis gets past the 40, it will most likely put points on the board.
If Tulsa wants to secure the win, it will have to rely on its ability to get to the quarterback. Pass protection is one of Memphis' weak points, an area Tulsa will look to exploit. If it can rattle Henigan early, then this will set up opportunities for turnovers and flipping field position — something the offense will need as they will need any advantage they can get.
Memphis vs. Tulsa Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Memphis and Tulsa match up statistically:
Memphis Offense vs. Tulsa Defense
Tulsa Offense vs. Memphis Defense
Pace of Play / Other
Data via College Football Data, FootballOutsiders, SP+, PFF and SportSource Analytics.
With Tulsa having a horrific offense, the matchup to look for will involve its defense. One area that will have my attention is the Memphis pass attack against the Tulsa pass defense.
Memphis will look to connect on the big play and gain yards by big chunks at a time. Tulsa will look to limit this and give its offense the best field position possible.
Memphis vs. Tulsa Betting Pick
Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Can the same be said for this game? I don't think so.
Memphis has too much firepower on offense to be completely bottled up by the Tulsa defense. The Tigers will wear down the defense and break its will by connecting on a big play or two.
The handicap comes down to the fact that I don't believe the Tulsa offense will be able to keep up with Memphis, especially if the Tigers figure out this Golden Hurricane pass defense.
If Memphis can limit the pass rush and give Henigan time in the pocket, he should be able to pick apart this defense and sustain drives to put points on the board.
I grabbed Memphis at +3.5 and would play this no less than +3.
