The Memphis Tigers will look to rebound after a tough 44-36 loss to the UTSA RoadRunners in Week 10 as they take on the Rice Owls in a crucial Week 11 AAC matchup. The defeat was a significant setback for Memphis, dealing a blow to their AAC title hopes. Now sitting at 7-2, the Tigers need a win and some help from other teams to stay in the race for the conference championship. Meanwhile, the Rice Owls, with a 3-6 record, will be eager to pull off another upset under the watch of interim head coach Mike Bailiff. The Owls are coming off a victory that handed the Navy Midshipmen their first conference loss.
Scouting Report: Memphis Tigers
- Record: 7-2 (4-2 AAC)
- Head Coach: Ryan Silverfield
- Key Players:
- Seth Henigan, QB: 2,868 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs
- Mario Anderson, RB: 925 rushing yards, 15 TDs, 5.6 YPC
- Roc Taylor, WR: 50 catches, 712 yards, 3 TDs
- Chandler Martin, LB: 55 tackles, 10 TFLs, 6.5 sacks
The Tigers’ high-powered offense averages 34.2 points per game (17th nationally), led by quarterback Seth Henigan and star running back Mario Anderson. Despite their scoring prowess, Memphis’ defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the passing game, ranking 88th with 244 yards allowed per game. Defensive leader Chandler Martin must rally his unit to limit Rice’s offensive opportunities and force turnovers.
Scouting Report: Rice Owls
- Record: 3-6 (2-3 AAC)
- Head Coach: Mike Bloomgren
- Key Players:
- E.J. Warner, QB: 2,015 yards, 13 TDs, 12 INTs
- Dean Connors, RB: 672 yards, 9 TDs, 5.5 YPC
- Matt Sykes, WR: 56 catches, 675 yards, 5 TDs
- Ty Anthony Morris, LB: 47 tackles, 5 sacks
The 2024 season has not been a year of success for the Rice Owls. After two seasons of back-to-back bowl game appearances, the Owls’ growth as a premier Group of Five program has regressed. The 2-6 start led to the dismissal of former head coach Mike Bloomgreen. Assistant David Bailiff immediately replaced him. Bailiff currently serves as the team’s interim head coach.
The Owls have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball this season. Quarterback E.J. Warner has struggled with turnovers, throwing 12 interceptions and his 13 touchdown passes. The Owls’ rushing attack, led by Dean Connors, has been a bright spot, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Defensively, Rice ranks 69th in points allowed, giving up 23.3 per game, but struggles with creating turnovers, ranking 106th nationally with only eight forced.
Key Matchups to Watch
Mario Anderson vs. Rice Front Seven
Mario Anderson has been the focal point of Memphis’ offense, amassing 925 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He will face a Rice front seven led by Ty Anthony Morris and Josh Pearcy. Rice has struggled to stop the run so that Anderson could be primed for another big performance. If Memphis’ offensive line can create openings, Anderson’s ability to break tackles and extend plays will be pivotal.
Seth Henigan vs. Rice Secondary
Henigan’s 18 touchdown passes and 64.3% completion rate indicate his effectiveness in running Memphis’ offense. The Rice secondary has struggled to force turnovers and must step up to contain Henigan and receivers like Roc Taylor and DeMeer Blankumsee. Henigan’s ability to take advantage of weak coverage could be a game-changer.
E.J. Warner vs. Memphis Defense
Warner’s 12 interceptions this season have been costly for Rice. Memphis’ defense, which ranks 17th nationally with 16 forced turnovers, will look to pressure Warner into making mistakes. Chandler Martin and Elijah Herring will be key in disrupting Warner’s timing and forcing hurried throws.
Score Prediction
While Memphis’ AAC title hopes have taken a hit, they should be motivated to bounce back strong. The Tigers’ offense, led by Henigan and Anderson, has the firepower to overwhelm Rice’s defense. Despite Warner’s potential to make plays, his turnover tendencies may prove costly against a Memphis team eager to capitalize.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 34, Rice 21
Expect Memphis to control the pace with their balanced offensive attack and for their defense to create key turnovers to secure the win. The victory would keep their faint AAC title hopes alive and set them up for a strong finish to the season.
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