Temple @ #19 SMU (-7.5), 3:30pm EDT on ESPN2
Pick: SMU (-7.5)
The Temple Owls and SMU Mustangs are off to fantastic starts. Temple Coach Ron Carey has molded his team into a dominant force on the home front. However, their lone loss this season was on the road against a bad Buffalo team. On the other side, the Mustangs are killing opponents with their up-tempo offense and are one of the favorites to get the NY6 bowl game. Listed below are two things both teams need to do to win:
Temple:
Clock Management
Score 20 by Halftime
SMU:
Force Turnovers
Feature the Run Game Early
Overall, this matchup could reappear for the conference championship. Tonight, I expect the Mustangs to take care of business at home. They're averaging over 45 PPG when playing on their home turf. The Owls probably cover if this game is played in Philly.
Tulane @ Memphis (-4), 7pm EDT on ESPN2
Pick: Over 59.5
The Tulane can arguably be considered the "most improved" team in the FBS. Coach Willie Fritz's offense has connected on all cylinders and is averaging 39.2 PPG. They'll face another high-powered offense in Memphis that is coming off a close loss to Temple. Memphis Coach Mike Norvell has made a pass friendly offense for quarterback Brady White Jr. who has thrown for 13 TDS on the season. White has also completed 77% of his passed when at home.
Both teams have a difficult final stretch. Tulane and Memphis play a combined eight teams that are over .500. Not to mention, most of their games are on the road. I'm rooting for the underdog in Tulane, but this is shaping up to be one of Norvell's best teams. Taking the over after Memphis and Temple put a combined 58 points last week.
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