Memphis football: Week 5 battle with SMU is the sequel we deserve

SMU versus Memphis football was a shootout last year between two of the nation’s best quarterbacks. The sequel could live up to the original.

In early November of last year, the national game of the week featured 8-0 SMU facing off against 7-1 Memphis. It was a special moment as College GameDay had set up that morning for the first time in front of a packed Beale Street with Lee Corso even dressing up as Elvis at one point.

The party then moved to primetime, when inside a sold-out Liberty Bowl, a national television audience was treated to one of the most entertaining games of the year between two of the nation’s most explosive offenses. It was a game that featured over 1,000 yards of total offense, double-reverse touchdown passes, and kickoff returns that went all the way.

Memphis’ Brady White had 350 yards passing and three touchdowns while SMU’s Shane Buechele passed for 456 and three scores. In the end, Memphis won 54-48 as they continued their campaign in a memorable season.

Although this year’s game may not capture the national attention like last time and even though only a limited number of people will be allowed in the stands, fans should still expect plenty of offense. Both White and Buechele are back for their sides after each threw for around 4,000 yards last year, which put both in the top 10 nationally at their position, and both sides look poised to put up big numbers again.

SMU has quietly put together a 3-0 start to the season following victories against Texas State, North Texas, and Stephen F. Austin. It is not quite a gauntlet, but the Mustangs have scored an average of 49 points per game. Also, Shane Buechele likely would already have around 1,000 yards passing if not for an easy 50-7 win vs SFA last Saturday.

Perhaps most encouraging so far for SMU is that they found a rushing attack with the emergence of Ulysses Bentley and TJ McDaniel. Even though it is still early, Bentley leads the country with 380 yards and seven touchdowns. McDaniel currently has 293.

Meanwhile, Rashee Rice and Reggie Roberson are the options at wide receiver for the Mustangs.

On the other hand, Memphis has been unable to play a game due to a COVID-19 outbreak on their team following their 37-24 win against Arkansas State on Sept. 5. This has led to speculation linking the cause of the outbreak to a mysterious party bus after the game.

The last time we saw the Tigers, they ran the ball well following the loss of Kenneth Gainwell and were led by Brady White who threw four touchdowns. Tight end Sean Dykes broke out with 10 catches, 137 yards, and two touchdowns. Top receiver Damonte Coxie also played well.

Memphis comes into the game ranked No. 25 in the latest AP poll.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Dallas, Texas
Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium
TV: ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Can either side slow down the other?

It’s still early, but SMU is on pace to match or surpass some of last season’s offensive numbers. SMU currently averages 562 yards per game compared to 490 last year.

SMU also has 803 rushing yards as a team along with 12 rushing touchdowns. Compared to last season, the Mustangs finished with 2,351 total yards on the ground and 35 total touchdowns. They are clearly outpacing themselves here.

Sure, UNT and SFA have played lax defense, but Memphis will need to find a way to limit Shane Buechele. The key statistic is that the Mustangs are 18-for-19 in the red zone having scored 15 touchdowns to only three field goals. Can Memphis force them to kick field goals instead?

As for Memphis’ offense, they have had a lot of time to prepare, but can they shake off the rust? Head coach Ryan Silverfield has also said that not every player on the team will be available due to continued contact tracing.

SMU’s defense gave up over 500 yards against UNT, so the key could be in creating turnovers through #ClubTakeaway. The confetti guns on the sideline must be making a difference since the Mustangs have forced at least one turnover on defense in 25 of their last 27 games.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Memphis -2.5
Over/under: 74.5

Prediction

Antonio Gibson was a major factor last year for Memphis, but without him and home-field advantage, I give the edge to the Ponies. Just make sure to party responsibly after the game.

Final Score: SMU 48, Memphis 42