Memphis vs. South Florida Prediction, Game Preview

The Memphis Tigers (4-0) and the South Florida Bulls (1-2) meet in Tampa Friday night for a nationally televised affair. Check out the Memphis vs. South Florida prediction and game preview.

Memphis vs. South Florida Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Friday, October 2

Game Time: 7:00 ET

Network: ESPN2

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Why You Need To Care

Memphis couldn’t be much happier with its opening month. Despite beginning the year with a handful of new starters, the Tigers swept September, dodging landmines with Bowling Green and preseason league favorite Cincinnati. A Friday night game on national TV provides head coach Justin Fuente another opportunity to showcase how far he’s come with this once-dreadful program. This is also a big moment for South Florida’s Willie Taggart, but for very different reasons. Taggart is 7-20 in his third year and in dire need of a statement win.

Why Memphis Will Win

South Florida doesn’t possess the weapons to keep up with the Tiger attack. Few do. Fuente, with QB Paxton Lynch as his point man, is cranking out points again this fall. Memphis is tied for No. 3 nationally at just under 54 points a game, as Lynch deftly spreads the ball around. USF has RB Marlon Mack, but lacks the balance to go stride-for-stride with Memphis.

Why South Florida Will Win

The Memphis defense has not been championship-caliber, allowing 557 yards to Cincy backup QB Hayden Moore last week. Secondary problems could provide an opening for Bull QB Quinton Flowers to find D’Ernest Johnson or one of his receivers on play-action. USF is also capable of causing problems with an agile D-line getting production from DE Eric Lee and tackles Deadrin Senat and Bruce Hector.

Player Who Matters

Lynch is finding a new tag team partner each week, a major problem for opposing defenses. In fact, seven different Tigers have scored at least two touchdowns. Sophomore WR Anthony Miller is the newest addition to the growing ensemble. After failing to catch a pass in 2014, he has a dozen this year, including five for 156 yards and a score in the shootout with Cincinnati.

What’s Going To Happen?

There appears to be no letup in Memphis, which can outgun opponents when its defense fails to make stops. Lynch guided the Tigers through the fire versus Bowling Green and Cincy. And this Friday should be a little less eventful for Fuente & Co., since USF doesn’t have nearly the same firepower as the Falcons or the Bearcats.