Missouri vs Memphis Prediction Football Picks 9-23-23
Missouri Tigers (3-0) vs Memphis Tigers (3-0)
2023-09-23 19:30:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Missouri Tigers -7 -- Over/Under: 52.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Memphis Tigers and Missouri Tigers meet Saturday in week 4 college football action at The Dome at America’s Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Memphis Tigers Betting Preview
The Memphis Tigers look for another win to remain undefeated on the season. Memphis looks for its first 4-0 start to a season since 2019. Seth Henigan is completing 71 percent of his passes for 791 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee have combined for 284 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Blake Watson has 15 receptions. The Memphis Tigers ground game is averaging 182.7 yards per contest, and Blake Watson leads the way with 295 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Memphis is allowing 13.7 points and 251 yards per game. Chandler Martin leads the Memphis Tigers with 20 tackles, Derick Hunter Jr. has 1.5 sacks and Cameron Smith has 1 interception.
Memphis Tigers Team Facts
- The favorite has won each of Memphis’ last 10 games.
- Memphis has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Memphis has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Memphis has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Six of Memphis’ last seven September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Missouri Tigers Betting Preview
The Missouri Tigers also look to remain undefeated on the season. Missouri looks for its first 4-0 start since the 2013 season when it won the SEC East. Brady Cook is completing 72 percent of his passes for 732 yards, 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. have combined for 421 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Mookie Cooper has 5 receptions. The Missouri Tigers ground game is averaging 132.3 yards per contest, and Cody Schrader leads the way with 280 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Missouri is allowing 18.7 points and 295.7 yards per game. Joseph Charleston leads the Missouri Tigers with 18 tackles, Daylan Carnell has 2 sacks and Kris Abrams-Draine Jr. has 1 interception.
Missouri Tigers Team Facts
- Missouri has won each of its last 11 September games as a favorite.
- Missouri has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Missouri has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Missouri has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Missouri’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Missouri ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.615).
- Missouri ranked 26th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (5.8).
- 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).
Randy’s Pick
Missouri is the more talented team from the better conference and has shown more against a better strength of schedule. However, we’re getting a free touchdown with an undefeated Memphis team that’s top-25 in scoring offense and scoring defense. Memphis is running the ball offensively and has the second-best pass defense in the country. Also, Missouri is coming off an emotional win over Kansas State, so there could be a letdown here. Either way, it feels like the value is with Memphis and the free touchdown.