Houston vs. Memphis Total Pick
Can we expect a lot of offensive firepower when Memphis plays host to Houston on Friday afternoon at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
137 Houston at 138 Memphis
Friday, November 23, 2018
Noon ET – Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Memphis is favored to win this game, as the Tigers are getting odds of -7 points against Houston. The over/under total is currently listed at 76.5 points. The public betting currently is split right down the middle, 50/50.
Houston coming off strong win
Houston put an end to a brief 2-game losing streak last week with a 48-17 win over Tulane at home. The Cougars are 8-3 overall, 5-2 in the AAC, 6-5 against the spread and 7-4 with the over. They have hit the over in four of their last five games.
The Cougars have one of the most productive offenses in the nation, averaging 47.8 points and 540.8 yards per game. The team took a pretty big blow when D’Eriq King suffered a season-ending knee injury. He had thrown for 2,982 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for 674 yards and 14 scores. Clayton Tune is now under center. He has 309 passing yards with four touchdowns. Patrick Carr is the leading rusher with 733 yards and five touchdowns while Marquez Stevenson has caught 61 passes for 892 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, Houston is giving up 32.8 points and 477.9 yards per game. That includes nearly 300 passing yards per contest. The defense could continue to be without defensive tackle Ed Oliver again this week, as he is dealing with a knee injury.
Memphis back on track
After losses to UCF and Missouri, Memphis has won three straight games coming into this week, including a 28-18 win at SMU last weekend. Memphis is now 7-4 overall, 4-3 in the AAC, 7-4 against the spread and 6-5 with the over. The Tigers have hit the over in three of their last four.
The Tigers are an offensive power as well, averaging 43.1 points and 523 yards per contest. Running back Darrell Henderson has run for 1,521 yards and 17 touchdowns to lead the offense while Patrick Taylor Jr. is adding 766 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Brady White has thrown for 2,738 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions. Damonte Coxie is the leading receiver with 60 catches for 1,039 yards and seven scores. Defensively, Memphis is giving up 29.4 points and 397.5 yards per game.
College Football Betting Trends
Houston
Houston has hit the over in four of its last five road games and in five straight games on fieldturf.
Memphis
Memphis has hit the over in 15 of its last 19 home games and in 10 of its last 14 against a winning team.
Prediction:
The total is set quite high, as both teams have been very productive on offense. I do see Memphis definitely being able to put up 40 or more, as Houston is a mess on defense. The question is, how much can the Cougars score on the road with a backup quarterback. The Memphis defense has looked good at home this year, allowing 22 or less in three of the five games. With the total so high, I just think some things can happen to prevent that. A few turnovers, a dropped pass, etc. I will take my chances with the under.
College Football Prediction: Houston/Memphis Under 76.5