The SMU Mustangs (8-2) and Memphis Tigers (8-2) will compete in Tennessee on Saturday, November 18 at 12:00 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has the Mustangs as moneyline favorites to succeed at -305.
When: November 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET
Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee
Watch: ESPN2
SMU Mustangs Preview
The Mustangs have won their last six games heading into this matchup. Their most recent success was a 45-21 performance over the North Texas Mean Green. It was a close battle at the half, with the Mustangs up just 17-14, but pulled away quickly in the second half of action.
They are second in the American Conference, as they are undefeated through six games, and have improved tremendously from a year ago. Last season, they finished 7-6, but they have already surpassed their poor record.
Their offense ranks seventh in the nation for the amount of points scored each game at 40.5. On defense, they are allowing 16.4 points per game, ranking ninth for that total in the nation. This is a huge point difference, making this an appealing position for them to be in.
Quarterback Preston Stone (23 TD, 6 INT) has been great for the Mustangs with 2,589 yards and has a completion pass rate at 58.6 percent. He also ranks 55th in the nation for his QBR at 62.9.
Memphis Tigers Preview
The Tigers have won their previous four games, with their last three being decided by nine points or less. Their most recent win was a 44-38 overtime win against the Charlotte 49ers, where they consistently scored in each quarter to help push them into victory.
They are currently fourth in the standings behind the Mustangs, but a win here would easily propel them forward. Their only losses of the season were to conference-leading Tulane and now ninth-ranked Missouri Tigers in a 34-27 battle.
Their offense has thrived this year compared to last season when they also finished 7-6 like the Mustangs. So far, they are averaging 39.7 points per game and rank ninth in the country. However, their defense could be a problem for this game as they allow 28.9 points each game (99th).
Their quarterback, Seth Henigan (22 TD, 8 INT), has helped lead them to success on offense with 2,864 yards and a completion rate at 66.3 percent. He also has a QBR of 63.4, which ranks 54th in the country. This will be another big test to see if he can dictate the flow on offense to lead them to victory.
Betting Odds
ZenSports has compelling college football odds for Tennessee sports bettors. The following show that the SMU Mustangs are moderate favorites to win, with market analysis showing the Mustangs have a 74.9 percent probability of winning.
Memphis Tigers: +250
Spread: +8 (-110)
SMU Mustangs: -305
Spread: -8 (-110)
Totals: Over 66.5 (-110), Under 66.5 (-110)
Photo Credit: © Stu Boyd II-The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK
