Memphis Tigers vs Temple Owls Point Spread Picks

Memphis heads north to play in 42-degree Philadelphia, and the Tigers are 26-6 UNDER the total in November road games. College football road teams that have been involved in two straight games where 70 or more total points were scored are 55-22 UNDER when the total is 63+. Temple has lost four of five with the offense scoring 14, 0, 23, and 24 points in the defeats. They can't run the football (3.3 yards per rush) and the Owls are 87-62 UNDER the total when playing with six or fewer days of rest. These teams played a 24-3 game last year and this total is too high. Take Memphis/Temple UNDER the total.

Temple is all about defense, outscoring opponents by an 18-15 average after four games. That defense is No. 12 in the nation in points allowed, No. 23 in yards allowed, and eighth against the pass. Temple is 80-56 UNDER the total when playing with six or fewer days of rest, plus 35-20 UNDER after allowing 14 or fewer points in the last game. Freshman QB E.J. Warner has 5 TDs, 3 picks, while the ground game is averaging just 2.8 yards per rush. Temple is also 23-8 UNDER after allowing less than 275 total yards in the last contest. Memphis has won three straight with the defense allowing 26.3 points. And Memphis is 25-12 UNDER the total after two consecutive games where 60+ total points were scored. Play Temple/Memphis UNDER the total. 

Memphis (4-10 ATS run) had a 3-0 start, but they weren't overwhelming, squeezing by Arkansas State (55-50) and Mississippi State (31-29). They failed to cover against Arkansas State while surrendering 680 yards (582 passing), then Mississippi State put up 468 yards (419 passing). Those teams combined to go 17-of-36 on third down. That poor defense caught up with Memphis last week, losing 31-28 at home to Texas-San Antonio as a favorite and blowing a 21-0 lead while allowing 399 yards (205 rushing). Memphis is 7-18-1 ATS on natural grass and 3-8 ATS as a favorite. Temple has won two of three and got great news last week when starting QB D'Wan Mathis returned from an injury after missing two straight. He threw for 292 yards and 2 TDs while showcasing good mobility. Temple has covered six in a row against the Tigers, including a 30-28 victory versus then-No. 23 Memphis when they last met on this field two years ago. With Temple 72-44 ATS versus defenses that allow 58% pass completions or more, back the home dog in this one. Play Temple.