Momentum meets opportunity as No. 25 Memphis (7-1, 3-1 American) hits the road to face Rice (4-4, 1-3 American) in a Friday-night conference matchup with major postseason implications.
Fresh off a thrilling 34-31 comeback win over No. 18 South Florida, the Tigers re-entered the national rankings and reasserted themselves as one of the American’s top contenders. But in a league where upsets have become routine, there’s no margin for error.
Rice, meanwhile, returns home riding the emotional high of a double-overtime win against UConn. The Owls are battling to stay alive in the bowl-eligibility race and would love nothing more than to take down a ranked Memphis team under the lights in Houston.
For Ryan Silverfield’s Tigers, this is about focus, maturity, and proving they can sustain momentum after a statement win. With the American title race tightening by the week, Memphis can’t afford to look ahead to next Friday’s showdown with Tulane.
Rice Scouting Report
Record: 4-4
Head Coach: Chase Jenkins
Quarterback: Quinton Jackson
Head coach Scott Abell’s Owls are gritty but inconsistent. Their strength lies in the ground game, powered by workhorse running back Quinton Jackson, who has racked up 655 yards and 6 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry. Jackson’s balance and low-center running style make him tough to tackle once he hits the second level.
Complementing him is Daelen Alexander (379 yards, 3 TDs), giving Rice a reliable two-back rotation that helps control tempo. Quarterback Chase Jenkins adds another dimension — a capable passer (69.4 percent completion rate) who can make plays with his legs (332 rushing yards, 4 TDs). Jenkins thrives off play-action and short throws that set up designed QB runs.
Through the air, Drayden Dickmann (28 receptions, 292 yards, 3 TDs) is Jenkins’s favorite target, a steady possession receiver who moves the chains.
Defensively, Rice’s numbers paint a mixed picture. They allow 28 points per game (97th nationally) and have struggled to generate takeaways (just 6 forced turnovers, 112th). Linebackers Ty Anthony Morris and Andrew Awe lead the front seven in tackles, while Tony Anyanwu (3 sacks) provides the primary pass rush. The Owls play physical but often wear down against deep, balanced offenses — exactly the kind of attack Memphis brings.
American Conference Power Rankings: Week 10
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Brendon Lewis vs. Rice’s Front Seven
After returning from injury to throw for 307 yards and 2 touchdowns against South Florida, Brendon Lewis looks fully healthy and ready to build on that performance. His dual-threat ability (470 rushing yards, 7 TDs) puts constant stress on linebackers. Rice must contain the pocket edges and avoid over-pursuing, or Lewis will punish them with scrambles and RPO keepers.
2. Memphis Ground Attack vs. Rice Run Defense
The Tigers boast one of the nation’s most efficient rushing duos in Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers Jr., combining for over 930 yards and 12 touchdowns. Their ability to set the tone early could dictate the night. Rice’s front, which has struggled against physical running teams, will need career efforts from Morris and Awe to keep the game within reach.
3. Turnover Battle
Memphis ranks among the top-15 nationally in takeaways (15) and top-40 in ball security (8 turnovers allowed). Rice, meanwhile, is elite at protecting the football (only 4 giveaways, 3rd nationally) but rarely forces turnovers. If Memphis wins the takeaway margin, their offensive efficiency could turn this one into a rout.
4. Red-Zone Execution
Rice tends to settle for field goals; Memphis finishes drives. The Tigers average nearly 38 points per game (12th nationally), converting on balance and tempo. If Silverfield’s offense can keep drives alive on third down and finish inside the 20, Rice won’t be able to keep pace.
X-Factors
For Memphis:
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Cortez Braham Jr. — The senior wideout has quietly become the Tigers’ most consistent weapon (566 yards, 7 TDs). His chemistry with Lewis on back-shoulder fades and deep posts stretches defenses and opens running lanes.
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Sam Brumfield & Drue Watts — Expect defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins to unleash creative blitz packages led by Brumfield (9 TFL, 4.5 sacks) and Watts (8 TFL, 2 sacks) to pressure Jenkins into quick decisions.
For Rice:
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Quinton Jackson. If he can reach 100 yards and control the tempo, Rice can shorten the game and limit Memphis’s possessions.
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Chase Jenkins’s legs. Designed QB runs could catch Memphis off guard if the defense overcommits to Jackson.
Memphis has too much firepower and too much at stake to stumble here. Expect a professional, businesslike performance from Silverfield’s group — one that builds early momentum and avoids a post-South Florida letdown.
Lewis should have another efficient outing, mixing timely scrambles with deep connections to Braham and Jamari Hawkins. The Tigers’ defense, led by Brumfield and Watts, will bend early but adjust to contain Rice’s rushing tandem as the game wears on.
Rice will fight hard at home and find moments of success on the ground, but Memphis’s balance and defensive speed will prove too much in the second half. With Tulane looming next week, the Tigers handle their business in Houston and keep their championship dreams intact.
Prediction: Memphis 38, Rice 21
