Boise State vs Memphis Preview: Trust Seth Henigan’s Arm!

On Saturday, the Boise State Broncos will take on the Memphis Tigers in a non-conference tilt.

Boise State began the year with two losses but has salvaged the season after two wins against North Dakota and San Diego State.

On the other hand, the Memphis Tigers took their first loss of the season against the Missouri Tigers last weekend. Memphis began the season 3-0 and lost to Missouri by one score. That same Missouri team is now Top 25 in the AP Poll college football rankings.

Memphis has a bright future ahead. However, despite its two previous wins, Boise State has a lot to work out, especially on the defensive end.

Check out the Boise State vs Memphis preview for Saturday’s non-conference matchup between two elite mid-major teams.

Can Jayden Virgin Help Boise State’s Defense Consistently?

The Boise State Broncos have allowed 430 yards of offense per game through the first four games this season.

The Broncos have allowed nearly 300 yards in the passing game and another 135.8 yards in the run game.

Last weekend, Boise State’s defense did enough, holding San Diego State to 31 points in a 34-31 win. But the defense wasn’t convincing.

In that game, Boise State decided it wanted to add more pressure against San Diego State. It worked out when Jayden Virgin earned his first career fumble recovery in the third quarter. That change of possession led to a Boise State touchdown and helped keep Boise State on the right path in that game.

Virgin didn’t earn a single tackle in Boise State’s first two games. But now that he’s earned some playing time, the coaches are raving about what he brings.

His development will be something to keep an eye on. However, it will take a lot more from the rest of the defense, including Virgin, to earn more stops moving forward.

Memphis Wants To Fill Up The Seats!

The Memphis Tigers are 3-1 to start the season. This program has some positive momentum, despite its one-possession loss to Missouri last weekend.

Memphis football icon DeAngelo Williams played with many fans in the stands in 2002. However, it hasn’t been the same for Memphis this season.

Williams stated that he and the players called season ticket holders to get them to renew their season tickets in 2002 for the 2003 season.

That 2003 team earned a bowl bert after going 9-4 in the regular season. They’ll be honored during this game against Boise State.

In 2003, when Memphis has more success, the attendance picked up. Memphis is hoping that the same thing will happen this season.

A win against a quality Boise State team would bring a lot of joy to Memphis fans and bring them optimism for a bowl game and beyond.

Look out for a solid crowd on Saturday from the Memphis faithful.

Below, we’ll talk about the Boise State vs Memphis preview. It’s a crucial one for both programs, despite it not being a conference matchup.

Boise State vs Memphis Preview

The Memphis Tigers are 3.5-point favorites against Boise State at home, with the total sitting at 59.5.

The Broncos have gone 2-2 against the spread this season but most recently didn’t cover against San Diego State as a 4.5-point favorite.

Boise State won that game, but only by three.

The Broncos started the season as 14-point underdogs against Washington and lost 56-19. But the Broncos earned a cover against UCF, with an 18-16 loss as three-point underdogs.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have watched the Over hit in three of their first four games.

On the other hand, Memphis has gone 1-3 against the spread to begin the year. They’ve been heavy favorites in three of four matchups but only covered one big spread against Arkansas State.

Most recently, the Tigers didn’t cover against Missouri as 6.5-point underdogs after losing by seven to Missouri.

But like Boise State, Memphis has hit the Over in three of their first four games. We’ve got a hunch that the NCAAF scores and odds will feature more Overs for both teams moving forward.

The Memphis Offense Will Explode!

Junior leader Seth Henigan leads the Memphis Tigers. He’s added 1,107 yards in four games and has eight touchdowns thrown. However, he’s also added five interceptions and has a QBR of 54, which is about average.

The running game has also been solid behind Blake Watson, who has averaged nearly six yards a carry on 58 attempts. Watson has scored four times this season on the ground.

Memphis hasn’t blocked very well up front, especially in the run game. But the Tigers should improve against a Boise State defense that hasn’t done well against the run this year.

The Broncos have given up 135.8 yards on the ground and have forgotten how to convert tackles. The pass rush is average, but the secondary has also struggled a lot this season.

If Henigan can limit the interceptions, Memphis will have a field day, especially in the passing game. Henigan is playing behind an offensive line that has been great in pass protection.

Boise State’s Run Game Will Do The Trick!

The Boise State Broncos shouldn’t even bother throwing the football.

The Broncos are starting Taylen Green at quarterback, who has added four touchdowns but also has four interceptions. The offense has added 224.8 yards per game in the air, which isn’t good.

However, the run game has rushed for over 170 yards per game behind Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has earned 5.6 yards per carry on 73 attempts. He’s also added six touchdowns and has over 400 yards rushing the ball this season.

The Broncos aren’t blocking well for Jeanty. But he’s still running the ball effectively and should have no problem getting through against a Memphis run defense that hasn’t played well.

Still, Memphis does have one of the best secondaries in college football. They’ve held teams to 169.8 yards per game in the air. Therefore, the Broncos have only one option: to run the football.

Obviously, Boise State will have to mix in some passing plays. Green will have to limit turnovers, just like Henigan. But if he can have third-and-short plays, the Broncos will convert and move the ball.

Neither one of these teams has college football championship odds. But this is still an important game.

We’ll give both offenses the edge in this one. Grab the Over 59.5.

For more NCAAF news, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Texas A&M vs Arkansas Odds: Injured Stars May Impact Vital SEC Game
• Iowa State vs Oklahoma Preview: Sooners Massive Favorites in Big 12 Game
• West Virginia vs Texas Christian Preview: Streaking Teams Meet in Abilene
• Georgia vs Auburn Betting Odds: Georgia A Double-Digit Favorite Against Auburn Yet Again
• Pac-12 Spotlight: (10) Oregon Ducks vs Stanford Cardinal