The Bowling Green Falcons host the Memphis Tigers in their home opener. We break down the shootout below in the Memphis vs. Bowling Green prediction and game preview.

Memphis vs. Bowling Green Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 3:00 ET
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Bowling Green, fresh off a 48-27 upset of Maryland, hosts Memphis in the most underrated game of Week 3. The Falcons overcame a halftime deficit versus the Terps with six second-half touchdowns. And with the outburst came national notoriety for both the program and its league, the MAC. It’s tougher right now to get an accurate gauge on the Tigers, who’ve snookered Missouri State and Kansas to start the season. This trip to Doyt L. Perry Stadium will answer many questions about the defending American tri-champs’ 2015 ceiling.

Why Memphis Will Win

The Tigers are one of the few Group of Five programs capable of staying with the Falcon offense. Memphis has produced at least 55 points in both games, and more than QB Paxton Lynch have been involved in the action. The Tigers have rushed for 10 scores, spreading the wealth around, a big problem for a shaky Bowling Green defense yielding more than six yards per carry.

Why Bowling Green Will Win

The Falcons have the wind at their backs. They just defeated a Big Ten team, and the offense has scored 78 points on two Power Five defenses. Matt Johnson to Roger Lewis and Gehrig Dieter will be a handful for the rebuilt Memphis secondary, while Travis Greene and Fred Coppet can both shoulder the rushing load.

Player Who Matters

This is the week we learn just how much Memphis misses all of the starters who graduated at the end of 2014. Bowling Green moves fast and spreads the ball around, a challenge for any D. The Falcons have allowed seven sacks this month, which could create an opening for Tiger hybrid pass rusher Jackson Dillon to reprise his multi-sack effort in last year’s bowl game.

What’s Going To Happen?

Memphis and Bowling Green will follow the script, moving up and down the field with relative ease. Neither team possesses the defensive talent to stop the opposing quarterbacks, Johnson and Lynch. Battle-tested from having faced Tennessee and Maryland, the Falcons will outlast the Tigers in a shootout that frustrates both defensive coordinators.

Memphis vs. Bowling Green Score Prediction

Final Score: Bowling Green 38 , Memphis 35, Line: Memphis -3, o/u: 79

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 3

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