Memphis has an off week this weekend before it starts conference play on October 3rd against Charlotte. With the Tigers off, it’s a good time to revisit my preseason predictions.
Before the season started, I predicted Charles Huff’s team would go 8-4 with one non-conference loss and three losses in conference play. So far, I’ve gotten the first four games right, but I think most people could predict a 3-1 start.
We know a lot more now about the American Conference, and because of that, I’d like to change a few of my predictions from August.
Here’s a look at my remaining predictions with a few changes.
Week 0: Memphis beats UNLV (Memphis won 27-21)
Week 1: Memphis beats Arkansas State (Memphis won 42-24)
Week 2: Memphis losses to Boise state (Memphis lost 38-20)
Week 3: Memphis beats UT Martin (Memphis won 45-21)
Week 4: OFF (Current Week)
Week 5: Memphis beats Charlotte
Memphis will start conference play on October 3 with a road game against the 49ers. Charlotte is 0-3 to start the season, and its considered one of the worst teams in the FBS.
I expect the Tigers to win its first conference game on the road.
Week 6: Memphis beats UAB
Memphis will return to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on October. 10 to play UAB for the Battle of The Bones. The Blazers have struggled early this year, and they’re 0-2 on the road.
After back-to-back home games, I expect UAB’s road losing streak to continue.
Week 7: Memphis beats Tulane
Tulane has played two Power Four opponents in its first three games, losing both of them, but they secured a four-point win over South Alabama at home. The Tigers will travel to New Orleans for this game, but I’m still predicting Huff’s team will win this game.
Week 8: Memphis beats ECU
Before the season started, I predicted ECU would pull the upset at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and beat the Tigers, but I’m going back on that prediction. ECU has struggled early in the year, and especially with the home-field advantage, I’ll take Memphis to win its fifth straight game.
Week 9: Memphis beats Army
At the point, the Tigers will be rolling and sitting at the top of the conference, and they use that confidence to win another home game against Army. Memphis hasn’t played the Black Knights since they joined the American, but I think they can pull off the home victory to make it six in a row.
Week 10: OFF
Week 11: Memphis loses to South Florida
After six straight wins and an off week, I think Memphis takes its first loss in a road game against South Florida. The Bulls are undefeated to start the season, and they look like they could compete for the top of the conference.
This one really feels like a toss up, but I’ll give the edge to the home team.
Week 12: Memphis beats to Navy
This is another game I’m going to change from my preseason predictions. The Midshipmen always pose a threat, but after two losses in conference play, Navy looks like its out of the running for a spot in the conference championship game.
Depending on how the rest of the season goes, the Midshipmen might have all their attention on the rivalry game a few weeks later.
Week 13: Memphis beats Temple
After back-to-back losses Memphis ends the season at home with a win over Temple. The Owls are 1-3 to start the season and lost their first conference game on Friday against Army.
Final Record: 10-2
Conference Record: 7-1
