Memphis at Ole Miss – Preview and Prediction
OLE MISS 14.5 MEMPHIS (66.5)
Implied Projected Score: Ole Miss 40.5 Memphis 26
MEGALOCKS LINE – Ole Miss 13
The Game
Even when it gets easy, it isn’t easy. Ole Miss has already faced Florida St, Alabama and Georgia. Now they get a “break” and face the red hot Memphis Tigers at home on Saturday night. The Rebels are sitting at 2-2 and could conceivably be 4-0. Memphis is 3-0 but have played the #178 (!!) ranked schedule according to the Sagarin ratings.
The Match-Up
Ole Miss offense vs Memphis defense
Could this be another week of increasing point totals ? Ole Miss has scored 34,38,43 and 45 points so far this season. The Memphis defense only allowed 27 points per game last year and is off to a good start in 2016 allowing only 27 points in three games. As noted earlier, Memphis has played a very easier schedule, possibly even easier than Michigan’s, and have roasted SE Missouri St, Kansas and Bowling Green. How will they stack up against Chad Kelly and the potent Ole Miss offense ? It is really hard to say. What we do know is that Memphis has a lot of good players on defense and are ranked #2 in the NCAA in turnover margin. Ole Miss is ranked #109. We see Ole Miss getting into the 30s on the arm of Chad Kelly but may be hard pressed to score much more. Last season they only put up 24 on the road at Memphis.
Memphis offense vs Ole Miss defense
QB Riley Ferguson is off to a fast start for Memphis but this is a major rise in class. After a couple games of average production (406,394 yards offense) the Tigers went off on Bowling Green last week and had a 56-3 lead at halftime. Ferguson had 6 TD passes vs 0 INT. Keep in mind, the Rebels have faced some pretty good QBs already this season and they are probably not going to be intimidated by Mr Ferguson. Should be fun to watch.
Yes, the Rebels have had a tough schedule, but they are ranked #96 in total defense and #116 against the run. There will be times when Memphis rips though them but we have to believe they will have enough stops to keep this game in hand.
MEGA Mini-Bites
This is one of the toughest games we have handicapped all season….Ole Miss off emotional games vs Bama and Georgia…..but want to exact revenge for last season’s loss to Memphis…..yet do not want to empty the tank before conference play starts up again….And how good is Memphis ?…..We are getting a headache, yo……FYI….The dog is 6-2-1 L9 ATS in the series…..The under is 24-8 L32 Ole Miss games. That one is hard to believe.
Summary
Too much uncertainty. Do not know what to expect from Memphis. Ole Miss could be excused if they struggle for a quarter or two. Hmm. Puzzler.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: None