The Boise State Broncos and the Memphis Tigers meet in week 5 college football action from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Boise State Back At .500

The Boise State Broncos managed to get back on level terms after a 34-31 win over San Diego State in their last matchup, sitting at 2-2 on the year. Taylen Green has thrown for 738 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 53.2% passing while Ashton Jeanty leads the Broncos on the ground with 407 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. Jeanty is also 2nd for the Broncos with 285 receiving yards and 18 receptions with 2 TDs while Eric McAlister leads Boise State with 20 catches for 328 yards and 3 TDs. On defense, Marco Notarianni has a team-high 28 total tackles and 2 sacks while Boise State’s defense as a whole has 9 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Boise State Broncos Team Facts

Boise State has won each of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Boise State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five road games in September.
Boise State has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
Boise State has lost the first half in each of its last three road games against non-conference opponents.
Five of Boise State’s last six games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.

Memphis Takes First L Of Season

The Memphis Tigers took their first loss of the season, falling to 3-1 on the year after a 34-27 loss to Missouri in their last matchup. Seth Henigan has thrown for 1,107 yards, 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 69.4% passing while Blake Watson leads the Tigers with 342 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Sutton Smith has 142 rushing yards with a pair of scores and the aforementioned Henigan also has 3 rushing TDs as well. Roc Taylor has a team-high 22 catches for 297 yards while Watson has a team-high 24 receptions for 213 yards. Two more Memphis pass-catchers have 100+ receiving yards as well this season. On defense, Chandler Martin has a team-high 26 total tackles while Memphis’ defense as a whole has 10 sacks and a pair of interceptions this season.

Memphis Tigers Team Facts

Memphis has won 21 of its last 22 home games in September.
Memphis has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Memphis has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 home games against non-conference opponents.
Memphis has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Each of Memphis’ last four September home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Memphis ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (12.2).
Memphis ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (2.4).
Boise State ranked T9th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (9.7).
Boise State ranked T10th among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.714).

Chris’ Pick

I’m looking at Memphis here. I just don’t know if Boise State can slow down the Tigers here, as Boise State lost a lot defensively and it still hasn’t come all the way back so far this year. Memphis has their shortcomings as well, but we’re not being asked to lay anything ridiculous here and I thought this line was going to open closer to a touchdown. I’m going with Memphis by a TD here. Lay the points.