Can Memphis soccer keep away from upset at Rice as convention title race kicks into gear? – The Industrial Attraction

Memphis soccer is true again into the combo for the American Conference title after its win over USF — however that simply means extra must-win video games.
The Tigers (7-1, 3-1) know they management their very own future within the convention title and Faculty Soccer Playoff races. The subsequent alternative comes on a brief week on Oct. 31 (6 p.m. CT, ESPN) in Houston in opposition to Rice (4-4, 1-3).
On paper, they’re clearly the weakest crew remaining on Memphis’ schedule, however the Owls will nonetheless present some challenges. And Tigers’ loss to UAB on Oct. 18 (once they have been 24.5-point favorites) confirmed that whereas each sport is winnable, it applies with dropping as properly.
A win for Memphis would arrange a possible title elimination sport at residence in opposition to Tulane on Nov. 7. A loss would make it extraordinarily troublesome for the Tigers to get to the convention title sport.
The Owls run a modified choice offense, which can immediately create fear for Tigers fans who watched what Navy did to Memphis final season. Rice’s offense appears to be like totally different and hasn’t been almost as explosive as Navy’s, nevertheless it’s nonetheless powerful to organize for on a brief week.
Operating again Quinton Jackson is fourth within the convention with 655 dashing yards, and quarterback Chase Jenkins is a severe menace within the run sport as properly.
The Owls are coming off a win over UConn, however they’ve misplaced their previous three convention video games and have been embarrassed by UTSA in a 61-13 loss on Oct. 11. Memphis ought to have the ability to roll right here, offered there is not any hangover from the USF win or the whirlwind previous couple of weeks.
Quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for a career-high 307 passing yards in opposition to USF, and the passing sport carried the Tigers within the second half at the same time as they struggled to run the ball. Re-establishing the run sport is prone to be a key going into this sport.
Why Rice has a bonus: The Owls are nonetheless making an attempt to get to a bowl sport, however three of their final 4 video games are in opposition to Memphis, North Texas and USF. Meaning they will want to drag an upset to get there. Memphis’ loss to UAB confirmed the Tigers might be weak, and this can be a huge spot for Rice. If the Owls are going to be aggressive, it’s going to must be due to the run sport.
Why Memphis has a bonus: The Tigers ought to have the ability to management the road of scrimmage, and that is all the time essential in opposition to an choice offense. They confirmed in opposition to USF that they’ll win in a number of methods, and there is not any telling once they should try this once more. Rice has thrived on caring for the ball, whereas Memphis has thrived on forcing turnovers. That conflict might be key, particularly within the first half.
Memphis 31, Rice 13. The primary half is dicey, because it has been most of the time this season for Memphis. However the Tigers take management within the second half and maintain it rolling for an additional week.
Attain sports activities author Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

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