Thursday night NCAAF betting preview: Navy vs. Memphis
September 25th, 2019
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Navy | +10.5 (-110) | +315 | Over 55 (-105) |
Memphis | -10.5 (-110) | -415 | Under 55 (-115) |
The Navy Midshipmen will be considerable underdogs on Thursday, September 26, when they face the 3-0 Memphis Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Memphis hasn’t exactly been tested by the most daunting competition in the early part of the season. The Tigers are coming off a 42-6 beatdown of South Alabama, a week after they ran up the score, 55-24, on Southern. Their toughest win came against Ole Miss, who the Tigers defeated 15-10 in Week 1.
Navy’s schedule has also afforded the Midshipmen easy matchups in their first two games. They pulverized Holy Cross 45-7 in Week 1, enjoyed a week of rest, then crushed East Carolina 42-10 on September 14 and had another bye last week.
Both Memphis and Navy rank in the top five in total defense, as they’ve each surrendered fewer than 230 yards per game. On offense they measure up almost evenly, as well, with Navy ranked 22nd in yards per game (500) and Memphis coming in 25th with 490.
Memphis hasn’t exactly been tested by the most daunting competition in the early part of the season. The Tigers are coming off a 42-6 beatdown of South Alabama, a week after they ran up the score, 55-24, on Southern. Their toughest win came against Ole Miss, who the Tigers defeated 15-10 in Week 1.
Navy’s schedule has also afforded the Midshipmen easy matchups in their first two games. They pulverized Holy Cross 45-7 in Week 1, enjoyed a week of rest, then crushed East Carolina 42-10 on September 14 and had another bye last week.
Both Memphis and Navy rank in the top five in total defense, as they’ve each surrendered fewer than 230 yards per game. On offense they measure up almost evenly, as well, with Navy ranked 22nd in yards per game (500) and Memphis coming in 25th with 490.
So-so news: Memphis is still outside the Top 25 in the coaches poll.
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) September 22, 2019
Good news? They're sitting at No. 26 and just 21 votes shy of the Top 25. Sets the stage for a good chance to impress come Thursday vs Navy
https://t.co/EoHMWHAJRN
Navy’s strength is its triple-option rushing attack. The team averages 371.5 yards per game on the ground (first in the nation) and is led by quarterback Malcolm Perry. The 5-foot-9 senior has rushed for 184 yards and five touchdowns, while fullback Nelson Smith is second on the team with 148 yards and three scores.
Unfortunately for Memphis, the Tigers excel against the pass but rank 40th in rushing yards allowed per game (116.3). Navy is allowing just 74 rushing yards per game, which should create some issues for Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell (307 yards, 3 TDs). Quarterback Brady White, one of the most accurate throwers in college football (72.2 completion percentage), will need to challenge Navy’s stingy pass defense, which gives up just 152.5 yards per game.
Unfortunately for Memphis, the Tigers excel against the pass but rank 40th in rushing yards allowed per game (116.3). Navy is allowing just 74 rushing yards per game, which should create some issues for Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell (307 yards, 3 TDs). Quarterback Brady White, one of the most accurate throwers in college football (72.2 completion percentage), will need to challenge Navy’s stingy pass defense, which gives up just 152.5 yards per game.
Last season Navy won only three games, but one came against Memphis, 22-21, in Week 2. The Midshipmen are 3-0-1 against the spread in their last four games against the Tigers, and they’re 4-0 against the spread in their last four conference games.
Pick: Navy +10.5
Thursday night is a football night. Whether it’s college or the NFL, weekday action is always available at BetAmerica!
ADVERTISEMENT
