The Memphis Tigers and the Iowa State Cyclones meet Friday in Liberty Bowl college football action from Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis has won five of their last six games at 9-3 overall. The Tigers last appeared in a win over Temple in late November. As for Iowa State, they’re 7-5 on the year and coming off an upset win over Kansas State. Let’s get into our Memphis vs. Iowa State prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Memphis Tigers
The Tigers have only three blemishes on their schedule; all losses by 10 points or fewer. Those came to Missouri, Tulane and SMU. Otherwise Memphis is playing well with an average of 39.2 points per game. Through the air, the Tigers average 301.7 yards per game with 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The rushing attack has garnered 30 scores of its own with 150.8 yards per game.
In their latest matchup versus Temple back on November 24, the Tigers were up 28-6 by halftime. Memphis didn’t look back from there in a 45-21 blowout win. QB Seth Henigan put up 253 yards with four touchdowns and an interception while Blake Watson led the rush with 95 yards and a TD from 15 carries.
Memphis Tigers Team Facts
- The favorite has won each of Memphis’ last 19 games.
- Memphis has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
- Memphis has won the first half in 10 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
- Memphis has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Each of Memphis’ last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Iowa State Cyclones
Over on the Cyclones’ side, they started out a little shaky at 2-3 this year with losses to Iowa, Ohio and Oklahoma. Iowa State has since gone 5-2 with losses to Kansas and Texas. The Cyclones are averaging a solid 26.3 points per game so far, and getting 228.3 yards per game with 20 scores and eight picks via the pass. Rush-wise, Iowa State averages 129.9 yards per game with 16 TDs.
Matched up against Kansas State in their last outing, the Cyclones came back from a 20-14 halftime deficit with 28 more points in a 42-35 victory. Rocco Becht posted 230 yards with three scores, and Abu Sama added 16 carries for 276 yards and three scores of his own. Jaylin Noel topped the receivers on 160 yards and two touchdowns off three catches.
Iowa State Cyclones Team Facts
- Iowa State has won seven of its last eight matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Twelve of Iowa State’s last 13 games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa State rank 35th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (21.7).
- Memphis rank 7th among FBS teams for points per game this season (39.7).
- Memphis are one of only 10 FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ((5-0)).
ANDREW’S FREE MEMPHIS VS IOWA STATE PREDICTION
I’ll stick with Memphis. The Tigers’ offense is working great these days, and they’re coming off another solid performance in the win over Temple. Memphis put up 443 total yards in that one (253 passing) with 24 first downs. In each of the last six games, the Tigers have posted 34 or more points. In five of those six (all wins), Memphis has 44 or more points. If the Tigers aren’t at least flirting with the 40-point mark on Friday, something’s off.
As for Iowa State, they should be pretty confident after their latest win over Kansas State. The Cyclones have been a little choppy against tougher teams (Kansas and Texas) lately though, with 21 or fewer points in two of their last four outings. It remains to be seen how well Memphis can rein in the Iowa State offense, but I ultimately like the Tigers to power out the cover here. Should be a fun, competitive, high-scoring game to watch.