by Chuck Sommers
Monday, Sep 27, 2021
Game time: Noon ET, Oct. 2, 2021
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Where to watch: ESPNU
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Memphis -11.5; O/U 61; Memphis -435, Temple +330
BetMGM: Memphis -11.5; O/U 61; Memphis -500, Temple +360
Caesars: Memphis -11.5; O/U 61; Memphis -430, Temple +330
Season record
Memphis: 3-1
Temple: 2-2
Ben Burns had a solid 3-2-1 week in what was an eventful and upset-filled weekend of college football. Ben is back for his Thursday thoughts on Virginia and Miami, but don’t make a move on it until you check in with him. Catch Ben’s and other plays available right now at the Shop Picks page, where you can find all of the Best Bets from our champion sports handicappers.
Memphis - Temple preview and analysis
Recent form
Memphis: lost 31-28 vs. UTSA on Sept. 25
Temple: won 41-7 vs. Wagner on Sept. 25
An angry Memphis Tigers team is coming to Philadelphia to face the Temple Owls on Saturday, and this seems like the perfect time to take Memphis in a rebound effort.
The Tigers led by two touchdowns going into the fourth quarter lead against the UTSA Roadrunners and lost on a field goal at the buzzer for their first loss of the season.
Other than that, it was another stellar showing for the Memphis offense. Quarterback Seth Henigan had an efficient day of 329 yards on 15 completions, but only one touchdown. The running game left a lot to be desired with Brandon Thomas (73 yards, 1 TD) and Clark Rodrigues (11 yards, 1 TD) leading the way.
The Tigers, projected to be one of the favorites to win the AAC, held UTSA quarterback Frank Harris to only 186 yards and a touchdown. The problem stayed with trying to stop Roadrunners running back Sincere McCormick. The UTSA workhorse carried the ball 42 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns. That included a 1-yard score to tie things in the fourth quarter with 10:30 to go.
After losing by 25 to the Boston College Eagles the week prior, Temple rebounded for a 34-point win over FCS Wagner. The Owls were led by a career day from D’Wan Mathis throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Dobbins ran for 61 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries.
Temple isn’t going to get that kind of production again from Mathis in a more competitive nature. The Owls have allowed 107.8 passing yards through four games, but that’s based on four run-heavy offenses. Memphis is about to let it rip.
Prediction
Temple has shown some bright spots this season, but it’s bound to be a good day for Memphis as the Tigers get back to business with a convincing win. Memphis wins by 17
Betting trends
Memphis is 7-1 in its last eight straight up as a road favorite and 4-4 against the spread.
Temple is 3-4 ATS and straight up in its last seven as a home dog.
Players to watch
Memphis: It’s not just the fact Calvin Austin III is leading this team in receiving, but how he is. Austin has seven touchdown receptions this season, and has 27 receptions total. That means 20 receptions have not reached the end zone. That’s ridiculous.
Temple: The Owls need more offense from the running game. Tayvon Ruley, their leading rusher, has only 122 yards.
Statistical leaders
Memphis:
Passing: Seth Henigan -- 1,170 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Brandon Thomas -- 494 yards, 4 TD
Receiving: Calvin Austin III -- 533 yards, 4 TD
Defense: JJ Russell -- 47 tackles
Temple:
Passing: D’Wan Mathis -- 440 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Tayvon Ruley -- 122 yards
Receiving: Randle Jones -- 240 yards, 2 TD
Defense: William Kwenkeu -- 2 sacks
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
