Memphis football’s Group of 5 title defense begins vs. Arkansas State

Memphis football looks to build off their best season in program history but will need to avoid a slip up versus Arkansas State in their season opener.

Since 2014, the Memphis Tigers have posted a winning season every year, including three 10-win seasons during that six-year span. But none of those winning seasons come close to being as successful as 2019 was for the Tigers. Memphis won a program-record 12 games, had one of the nation’s best offenses, had three wins over AP ranked opponents, won the American Conference Championship and earned a spot in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.

So what does 2020 have in store for the Tigers as they look to retain their title as the best team in the Group of Five conferences? Well, the Tigers return their leading passer, two of their top receivers, and not mention 3/5 of their offensive line are returning as well.

The biggest story is that of Kenneth Gainwell, who opted out for the 2020 season. He was one of the best all-purpose backs in the country in 2019, who ranked first among freshmen in rushing yards in 2019.

Speaking of returning starters, the Tigers’ defense returns seven of them. But the biggest question surrounding the Tigers in 2020 is how will they do with a new head coach and coaching staff? After last season’s success, Mike Norvell and most of his staff departed for Florida State, leaving a vacancy at Memphis’ head coaching position. But new head coach Ryan Silverfield seems to fit right in, and the Tigers do not look they’ll miss a step with the changing at head coach.

The Tigers are opening their 2020 season with a home game versus the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The Red Wolves have been quietly pretty consistent, posting a winning season every year since 2011, and have picked up four bowl wins and five Sun Belt titles along the way. The Red Wolves would love to do nothing else but spoil the Memphis Tigers’ season in Week 1.

Here is everything you need to know about Saturday night’s game between the Memphis Tigers and Arkansas State Red Wolves:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Memphis, Tenn.
Venue: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

The Memphis offense is loaded with talent but the loss of Kenneth Gainwell for the season puts a temporary strain on the Tigers’ offense as he had over 2,000 total yards last year and scored 16 touchdowns. But the passing attack for the Tigers should have no issue getting started and getting hot. Quarterback Brady White, who passed for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2019 should have a big game.

For the Tigers’ defense, they need to play disciplined. Memphis is the better team, but the Red Wolves should not be taken lightly. Arkansas State’s offense has the ability to air it out as well, so Memphis must eliminate any big plays through the air.

The Arkansas State offense has some firepower itself. And while the Tigers’ defense should be improved from 2019, it still isn’t stingy enough to keep the Red Wolves out of this one. It is best for the Red Wolves to establish a rhythm early and never let their foot off their gas.

If Arkansas State finds themselves up in this game, especially late, they should not try and get conservative, but keep playing their game. Playing to “not lose” never works out in the end.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Memphis -19.5
Over/under: 68.5

Prediction

If you like offense, I suggest you tune in for this Saturday night matchup. Both offenses will be airing it out for most the night and the game will come down to who can make a bigger stop on defense in the fourth quarter. And that team will be Memphis.

Arkansas State puts up a valiant effort but isn’t enough to pull off the season-opening upset as Memphis escapes with a win.

Final Score: Memphis 45, Arkansas State 30