In this article we will formulate a Memphis vs East Carolina prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, October 22nd at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 8 matchup.
Memphis Tigers Betting Preview
The Memphis Tigers are 5-2 (2-1) this season after they lost to Tulane by a score of 31-17 in their last game. Memphis trailed 23-10 at halftime and only scored seven points in the second half in the upset loss. The Tigers out gained Tulane by a total of 488-325, went 2-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 6-2 in the game. Marcus Stokes threw for 306 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Stonka Burnside caught seven passes for 151 yards and one score. Jaylin Carter rushed 23 times for 135 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Memphis defeated UAB by a score of 38-13 and Charlotte by a score of 59-8. The Tigers have scored 35.4 points per game with 274.9 passing yards and 236.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 22.3 points against per game this season. Marcus Stokes has thrown for 1,841 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, while Jaylin Carter has rushed 112 times for 780 yards and eight scores this season.
East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview
The East Carolina Pirates are 3-3 (1-1) this year after they lost to UAB in overtime by a score of 30-17 last week. East Carolina led 14-3 at halftime and 17-9 in the fourth quarter, but they allowed the tying score with 35 seconds left and threw a pick six in OT for the loss. The Pirates were out gained by a total of 361-315, went 9-20 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Emory Williams threw for 126 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Jason Dickerson caught three passes for 26 yards. TJ Engleman Jr rushed 26 times for 104 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, East Carolina defeated Rice by a score of 28-12 and NC Central by a score of 42-9. The Pirates have scored 23.5 points per game with 183.7 passing yards and 155.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 23.8 points against per game this season. Emory Williams has thrown for 655 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions this year.
Why the Memphis Tigers will win
- Memphis has won 15 of its last 17 games at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
- East Carolina has lost each of its last five road games in October.
- Memphis has covered the spread in four of its last five games in October.
- East Carolina has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- East Carolina has lost the first half in each of its last six games as an underdog.
- Memphis has won the first quarter in four of its last five games.
Why the East Carolina Pirates will win
- East Carolina has won each of its last six games after coming off overtime.
- East Carolina has covered the spread in five of its last six games after coming off overtime.
- Memphis has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against teams from North Carolina.
- The road team has won the first half in each of the last four games between East Carolina and Memphis.
- East Carolina has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of East Carolina’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the last five games between East Carolina and Memphis have gone OVER the total points line.
Memphis Tigers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Marcus Stokes ranks T4th amongst FBS players for passing touchdowns (18) this season.
East Carolina Pirates Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, TJ Engleman Jr. leads East Carolina for touchdowns (4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Memphis ranks 5th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (176).
- Memphis ranks 6th among FBS teams for yards per game this season (512.6).
- East Carolina ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (102).
- East Carolina ranks 132nd among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (26:57).
Memphis vs East Carolina Prediction
Memphis comes into this matchup after a terrible loss last week, so they will try to get back on track here. The Tigers had plenty of chances to beat Tulane, but they had a bunch of turnovers and turnover on downs for the loss. East Carolina has won three of their last four games, but they blew a win last week. The Pirates have been very good defensively, but I think this is a spot for Memphis to get right. Take the Tigers to cover at home.