The Memphis Tigers (2-0) hit the road for their second consecutive Sun Belt Conference (SBC) matchup, facing the Troy Trojans (1-1) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. CST at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama. Fresh off a 38-16 rout of Georgia State in Week 2, which extended their FBS-best 12-game win streak against SBC opponents, Memphis aims to maintain momentum after a 45-10 Week 1 blowout of FCS Chattanooga. Under first-year coach Gerad Parker, Troy is coming off a game in which they came close to taking down the 12th-ranked Clemson Tigers. The Tigers would rally to win 27-16 over the Trojans. An intriguing storyline centers on Memphis’s ability to exploit Troy’s inconsistent defense, which paved the way for their second-half collapse versus Clemson in Week 2.
With transfer quarterback Brendon Lewis leading a retooled Tigers offense and a defense anchored by All-AAC end William Whitlow Jr., Memphis is favored to keep its undefeated streak alive and build toward a marquee Week 4 clash with Arkansas. This game, the second of back-to-back SBC tests, will gauge Memphis’s readiness for American Conference title contention and its +760 CFP odds. Below, we break down the storyline, key matchups, X-factors, and predict the outcome.
Storyline
Memphis enters Week 3 riding high after a 2-0 start, with Lewis showcasing his dual-threat ability (22-of-28, 199 yards, one touchdown in Week 1; efficient game management in Week 2) and running back Makari Bodiford emerging as a star with two touchdowns against Georgia State. Their 42-game streak of scoring 20-plus points (FBS-best) and dominance over Sun Belt foes (12-0 since 2013) make them heavy favorites. Troy, however, presents a much stiffer challenge than Georgia State. The Trojans nearly stunned 12th-ranked Clemson in Week 2, building a 16-point first-half lead before falling 27-16. Quarterback Goose Crowder threw for 223 yards and a touchdown but also tossed three costly interceptions, while wideout Tray Taylor flashed his explosiveness with a 44-yard score.
Troy’s defense forced two turnovers and bottled up Clemson early, showing they can disrupt higher-tier opponents despite penalty issues and second-half lapses. The storyline hinges on whether Memphis’s balanced attack and revamped defense can wear down a Troy team that has proven capable of hanging with national contenders, or if the Trojans’ home-field energy and emerging stars like Taylor fuel an upset. A win keeps Memphis on track for a 6-0 start before facing South Florida, while a loss could dent their CFP aspirations early.
Key Matchups to Watch
Memphis’s Passing Game vs. Troy’s Secondary
Memphis’s passing attack, led by Brendon Lewis and wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. (Nevada transfer), averaged 247.3 yards per game in 2024 but showed flashes of explosiveness in Week 1. Troy’s secondary, anchored by cornerback Jeremiah Batiste (three pass breakups, three interceptions in 2024), gave Clemson fits early, helping the Trojans build a surprising 16-point lead before halftime. However, breakdowns in the second half allowed Cade Klubnik and Bryant Wesco Jr. to connect for two long touchdown passes as Clemson rallied. If Lewis, who completed 78.6% of his passes against Chattanooga, connects with Braham on vertical shots, Memphis could stretch Troy’s coverage and open up space underneath. For Troy, generating turnovers like the two they forced against Clemson will be critical to disrupting Lewis’s rhythm.
Troy’s Running Game vs. Memphis’s Front Seven
Troy opened the Clemson game with balance, highlighted by Goose Crowder’s 44-yard touchdown pass to Tray Taylor, but the run game stalled after halftime. Running back Damien Taylor and company were held to limited gains, with Clemson tightening up in the trenches and keeping the Trojans under 120 rushing yards for the game. Memphis’s front seven, led by edge anchor William Whitlow Jr. and linebacker Sam Brumfield, will replicate Clemson’s second-half dominance. The Tigers allowed just 108.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 and limited Georgia State’s Rashad Amos to 68 yards in Week 2. If Brumfield and Whitlow can control the line of scrimmage, Memphis can force Crowder into obvious passing downs, where his three interceptions against Clemson showed vulnerability.
Memphis’s Offensive Line vs. Troy’s Defensive Front
Memphis’s offensive line, rebuilt with senior Austin Gentle and transfers Travis Burke and Yakiri Walker after losing All-Conference tackle Xavier Hill, protected Lewis well against Georgia State, allowing just one sack. Troy’s defensive front flashed disruptive potential against Clemson, registering pressure that helped force two first-half turnovers, including a tipped-pass interception returned for a touchdown. However, the unit also wore down late, giving up 103 rushing yards in the second half. Memphis’s line must neutralize Troy’s pass rush and maintain consistency to give Lewis time to establish rhythm in the passing game while opening lanes for running backs Sutton Smith, Frank Peasant, and Makari Bodiford, who combined for over 200 rushing yards in Week 2. If Memphis can dictate tempo in the trenches, its balanced attack should hold up against a Troy front that faded under Clemson’s second-half adjustments.
Score Prediction
Memphis holds a clear edge, leveraging its offensive depth and defensive prowess against a Troy team still finding its identity under Parker. Lewis’s dual-threat ability should exploit Troy’s secondary, which struggled against Nevada, while Bodiford and Smith capitalize on a run defense that allowed 5.2 yards per carry in Week 1. Troy’s offense, led by Crowder and Taylor, may find early success, but Memphis’s front seven, anchored by Whitlow and Brumfield, should stifle the run game and force turnovers. The Tigers’ 12-0 SBC streak and 42-game 20+ point run give them confidence, and their second-half dominance against Georgia State suggests they’ll pull away late. Troy’s home crowd keeps it competitive early, but Memphis’s superior talent prevails.
Prediction: Memphis 38, Troy 21.
This Week 3 clash is a critical test for Memphis as they aim for a 3-0 start before facing SEC powerhouse Arkansas. A convincing win over Troy would reinforce their status as a top American Conference contender, trailing only South Florida, Tulane, and Navy in the Week 3 power rankings. For Troy, an upset would signal their arrival under Parker, but Memphis’s balanced attack and defensive depth make that unlikely. With Lewis leading the way and a favorable schedule ahead (Tulsa, UAB, South Florida at home), the Tigers are poised to keep their CFP hopes alive, building momentum in the 901.
Show Your Support
Show your support for Memphis Tigers content on Sports View 360 by exploring and purchasing licensed NCAA fan gear. From stylish Memphis hats, jerseys, and T-shirts to cozy socks and much more, our collection offers a range of options to showcase your team spirit. By purchasing through the text link provided below, you contribute to the funding of the Sports View 360 platform, enabling us to continue providing comprehensive coverage and engaging content. If you’re interested, click the link below and browse our Memphis Tigers fan gear selection. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Memphis Tigers Fan Gear Offers from Fanatics.com
