The Memphis Tigers (4-2) will visit the East Carolina Pirates (3-3) on Saturday night. Last year, East Carolina defeated Memphis 30-29 in overtime despite being a four-point underdog.
$1,000 Risk-Free Bet for all new BetMGM players here
After losing to Mississippi State 49–23 to start the season, Memphis went on a four-game winning streak. Last Friday, Memphis appeared to be headed for a fifth straight victory as they had a 32-19 lead over the Houston Cougars with 4:04 remaining.
The Cougars defeated Memphis 33-32 by scoring with 1:17 remaining in the contest and recovering an onside kick that led to the game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left.
Memphis's defense, which allows 410.7 total yards per game, is ranked 98th. The Tigers' run defense, which is ranked 25th and allows 109.7 yards per game, may have a lot to do with their opponents' successful passing offenses, which average 301 yards per game and rank the Tigers 125th.
East Carolina is 63rd in the country with an average of 30.8 points per game and 20th with 475 yards per game. Holton Ahlers, the offense's starting quarterback, has completed 1,820 of his passes for 67.3% of his total yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Keaton Mitchell, one of the finest running backs in the AAC who has averaged 7.7 yards per carry and three touchdowns, is another outstanding player for the Pirates. Rahjai Harris, who finished the season with 238 rushing yards and five touchdowns, was the team's second-leading rusher.
Tigers vs Pirates Betting Odds
New DraftKings players get a deposit bonus up to $1,000
Tigers vs Pirates Match Details
Fixture: Memphis at East Carolina
Date and Time: Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
Tigers vs Pirates Key Stats
Team Stats: Memphis Tigers
points per game: 34, points allowed per game: 27.3, total yards: 408.3, yards passing: 259.7, yards rushing: 148.7, yards allowed: 410.7, pass yards allowed: 301, rush yards allowed: 109.7
Team Stats: East Carolina Pirates
points per game: 30.8, points allowed per game: 21.2, total yards: 475, yards passing: 309.8, yards rushing: 165.2, yards allowed: 371, pass yards allowed: 256.8, rush yards allowed: 114.2
Tigers vs Pirates Best Picks and Prediction
Memphis' response to last week's devastating home defeat to Houston will be interesting to watch, but if they show up determined, the Tigers have a chance to win this game by a decisive margin. Memphis' defense will find it difficult to stop East Carolina's passing assault, but even with a subpar defense, the Tigers can score enough points to keep the game close.
Putting five points against an East Carolina squad that has failed to defeat a strong opponent this year is also too much for me to risk. Expect a closely contested game that Memphis wins.
Pick: Under 61.5 (-110)
Prediction: Memphis Tigers +6 (-115)
New BetRivers players get up to a $500 free bet
Georgia Bulldogs Fan? Check out the latest Georgia Bulldogs depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place!