The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and Memphis Tigers meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Betting Preview

Bethune-Cookman is coming off a 2-win season and now begins the Raymond Woodie era. An FAU linebackers coach last year, Woodie finally gets a head coaching job after putting in over years as an assistant throughout CFB. Tyrone Franklin Jr. should get a shot at starting quarterback after 30 pass attempts last season. Terry Lindsey should get more touches after 21 carries last season, while Marcus Riley and Dylaan Lee are a returning receiving duo that combined for 700 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Uriah Ratliff returns after leading Bethune-Cookman with 63 tackles, Eddie Walls III had 3 sacks and Omari Hill-Robinson had 4 interceptions. Bethune-Cookman has a new coaching staff and has to find a new quarterback, so there’s sure to be growing pains. However, Bethune-Cookman has playmakers on offense and leadership on defense. Two wins shouldn’t be tough to top for Bethune-Cookman this time around. 

Memphis Tigers Betting Preview

Memphis is coming off a 7-win season and has won no less than 6 games in each of the last 9 years. Coach Ryan Silverfield returns for his fourth season, and he’s bringing back his coordinators for a second year. Seth Henigan returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,500 yards and 22 touchdowns on 64.1 percent completions. Jevyon Ducker is back at running back after 544 yards and 7 touchdowns, but Memphis says goodbye to its top-4 receivers. Joseph Scates is the only productive reciting receiver after 412 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Geoffrey Cantin-Arku returns after 76 tackles, Jaylon Allen led Memphis with 5 sacks and Davion Ross had 6 pass deflections. Memphis has skill position players to replace, and lost some production on defense. However, Memphis has stability at head coach and a proven quarterback. Tulane and SMU are getting more love in the AAC, but Memphis will once again be a respectable team in the conference that can’t be overlooked. 

Randy’s Pick

Bethune-Cookman was terrible last season and now breaks in a new coaching staff and quarterback on the road. Memphis has holes in its own right, but it has a proven quarterback and can score points in a hurry. I just don’t see Bethune-Cookman having the horses to hang in this contest. Memphis should be able to score at will and cover what’s likely going to be a big number.