AAC competition is heating up, and the Memphis Tigers are primed for a critical Week 8 showdown against North Texas. The Tigers are riding the momentum of another stellar defensive performance, coming off a 21-7 victory over South Florida in Week 7, marking the second straight game where Memphis held its opponent to single digits. As the stakes rise, so do the implications for Memphis’ season. With AAC frontrunners Navy and Army still unbeaten and sitting atop the conference, the Tigers must win out to keep their slim hopes of an AAC title game appearance alive.
This Week 8 clash against North Texas promises to be a pivotal game for Memphis and the American Athletic Conference. Both teams enter the contest with identical 5-1 records, making this rematch of last season’s thrilling 45-42 Memphis victory one of the week’s marquee matchups. In that game, the Tigers narrowly avoided a disastrous collapse, blowing a 21-point lead before quarterback Seth Henigan led a clutch, last-minute touchdown drive to secure the win. With so much at stake, here’s our game preview, scouting report, and score prediction for this highly anticipated matchup.
North Texas Scouting Report
Head Coach: Eric Morris
Quarterback: Chandler Morris
Record: 5-1
North Texas is off to an impressive start in its second season as a member of the AAC. After a successful 2023 campaign in which they won seven games and secured bowl eligibility, the Mean Green are building on that momentum and solidifying their position as a serious contender in the conference. Despite a rough 66-21 non-conference loss to Texas Tech, the Mean Green have since rebounded with three consecutive wins, putting themselves squarely in the race for the AAC title. However, their ambitions were tested in Week 6 when they barely escaped Florida Atlantic with a 41-37 victory, highlighting some vulnerabilities that Memphis could exploit.
When it comes to capabilities, North Texas thrives on their explosive offense. Ranked third in the nation in total offense and seventh in points per game, the Mean Green is a dynamic unit capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Quarterback Chandler Morris has been outstanding this season, ranking seventh in the country with 1,979 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. His top target, DT Sheffield, has been equally impressive, hauling 34 receptions for 443 yards and seven touchdowns. This lethal duo and the rest of the Mean Green’s offensive arsenal will significantly challenge the Memphis defense. It has performed admirably in recent weeks but will face its toughest season test in this matchup.
The key to victory for Memphis will be to match North Texas’ offensive firepower. The Tigers cannot afford to fall behind early, as the Mean Green can turn any contest into a high-scoring affair. Seth Henigan and the Memphis offense must start strong, capitalize on every scoring opportunity, and maintain consistent drives to avoid being forced into a shootout. Establishing a balanced offensive attack will be crucial, as controlling the tempo and keeping the North Texas offense off the field will limit their chances to rack up points. Red zone efficiency, limiting turnovers, and executing on key third downs will all be pivotal for Memphis in keeping pace with the high-octane Mean Green offense.
While North Texas shines offensively, their defense leaves much to be desired. Statistically, the Mean Green has one of the worst defensive units in college football, ranking in the triple digits in total defense, points allowed, and passing yards surrendered. This presents a prime opportunity for the Memphis offense to break out. If there was ever a game for the Tigers’ offense to hit its stride, it’s this one. North Texas is riddled with defensive holes, and Memphis must exploit these weaknesses to put pressure on the Mean Green from the outset. Expect Memphis to attack North Texas relentlessly, particularly through the air, to take advantage of a vulnerable secondary.
Score Prediction: The Tiger’s defense streak of holding an opponent to only a single-digit score may end, but their efforts should be enough to end the Mean Green’s surge through the AAC.
North Texas 37, Memphis 44
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