The Memphis Tigers will attempt to break their longest losing streak in nearly a decade when they host the similarly struggling Tulsa Golden Hurricane in a Week 11 prime-time battle on Thursday. The Tigers (4-5, 2-4) have lost four consecutive games for the first time since 2003 and now must win two of their final three to qualify for a bowl bid. Three of those four losses came by seven or fewer points, with one coming on overtime. They face a Tulsa (3-6, 1-4) club in a similar predicament, as the Golden Hurricane need to sweep their final three games to become bowl eligible. Memphis has won three of the past four matchups, though Tulsa prevailed 35-29 last season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Tigers as 7-point favorites and the over/under for total points scored is 62 in the latest Tulsa vs. Memphis odds. Before finalizing any Memphis vs. Tulsa picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past six-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Tulsa vs. Memphis and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Memphis vs. Tulsa:
- Tulsa vs. Memphis point spread: Memphis -7
- Tulsa vs. Memphis over/under: 62 points
- Tulsa vs. Memphis money line: Memphis -267, Tulsa +215
- TUL: The road team is 7-3 against the spread in the last 10 meetings in this rivalry
- MEM: The Tigers have a 19-12 edge in the all-time series against Tulsa
- Tulsa vs. Memphis picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Memphis can cover
The trouble for Memphis started when it squandered a 19-point lead and allowed the game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left in a 33-32 loss to Houston a month ago. Somehow, the Tigers found themselves in a similar position the following week when they squandered an early 17-0 advantage at East Carolina before falling behind but eventually rallying to send the game to overtime. The Pirates eventually prevailed 47-45 in four overtimes.
Despite back-to-back losses in devastating fashion, Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said the club's resolve has not been cracked and numerous opposing AAC coaches have told him the Tigers play as hard as any team they've faced. Silverfield said the team has channeled its frustration into a sense of urgency and focus on finishing the season well and perhaps providing a bowl opportunity for its seniors.
"That sense of urgency has been there the whole time," Silverfield said at his weekly news conference. "They don't feel any different, they're just going out there and grinding. They are ticked off and motivated to get better and find a way to win a football game."
Why Tulsa can cover
From a matchup perspective, Tulsa could have an edge against the high-powered Memphis passing offense because of a passing defense that ranks second in the AAC. The Golden Hurricane yield just 176.4 yards per game through air, second to only Temple (169. 2 ypg) in the conference. The passing defense also ranks No. 13 nationally.
The secondary has held up against upper-tier competition as well. Tulsa allowed just 125 yards through the air to first-place Tulane last week and limited a potent Ole Miss offense to 154 passing yards in a 35-27 Week 4 defeat.
Senior cornerback Tyon Davis leads the way with eight passes defended, 27 solo tackles and one interception. Senior safety Kendarin Ray has three forced fumbles, three passes defended and 41 solo tackles. Senior linebackers Justin Wright has added two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 38 solo tackles.
How to make Memphis vs. Tulsa picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total as both quarterbacks throw for more than 270 yards in this one. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Tulsa vs. Memphis? And which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.
