Memphis Tigers vs UL Monroe Warhawks Point Spread Picks

After six straight losing seasons, Memphis is off to a 4-0 start and is looking good for its sixth straight winning season. For the most part, Memphis has been an offensive machine in recent years, but in 2019 they have been led by their defense that is allowing just 15.8 points per game. The offense lost a 2,000-yard running back in Darrell Henderson and isn't quite as explosive as recent years, and may be without RB Patrick Tayloe with an ankle injury. LA Monroe is out of its league in this contest and I see Memphis generating a big lead by halftime and coasting in the second half, running clock with reserves. Take the UNDER.

UL Monroe has gone 2-11 and 4-8 the last two years. Last season Monroe had the worst run defense in FBS and was 4-1 SU against teams ranked #93 or worse in the S&P+ College Football Ratings system, but 0-7 against teams that ranked higher. The defense is also much younger this season, loaded with freshmen and sophomores. They lost by a combined 152-44 to New Mexico, Arkansas State, and Appalachian State - all on the road. They open with a non-conference tilt at a Memphis program used to winning, with wins of 10, nine and eight the last three seasons. Seven starters are back on offense with nine on defense. Senior QB Riley Ferguson (32 TDs, 10 INTs, 3,698 yards) is back along with his top target, WR Anthony Miller (1,434 receiving yards in 2016) and a pair of running backs who averaged 5.9 and 6.1 yards per carry. The offensive line will be bolstered by LT Harneet Gill, a former Missouri signee. The Tigers are also 16-6-1 ATS in their last 23 non-conference games. Back Memphis. Also take the UNDER. There should be a lot of scoring in this game, but this total is inflated. The Warhawks averaged just 18 points per game on the road last season so it will take a lot from Memphis to push this one over the total. Back the Tigers and the UNDER here.