Navy vs. Memphis Prediction: Can the Midshipmen Keep It Close?
Navy has not looked too great in the early going this season as they were obliterated by Notre Dame and did not look too sharp against FCS Wagner. Memphis, on the other hand, has won games by the score of 56-14 and 37-3. Can Navy keep it close with Memphis tonight? Let's break it down.
Joey Ruiz - September 14, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
7 minNavy vs. Memphis Prediction: Can the Midshipmen Keep It Close?
Navy has not looked great in their first two games of the 2023 season, to say the least, as they were completely overmatched in a blowout against Notre Dame and then also did not look sharp against a fairly bad FCS team in Wagner. Navy is going through a coaching transition, which may have contributed to some of their early season struggles, but I do think this is a better spot for the Midshipmen to get back on track.
Navy vs. Memphis Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: September 14, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Navy vs. Memphis Prediction
Navy is a better and more talented team than what they have shown to this point, and the main takeaway I got from their game against Wagner is that the defense is fairly solid. Navy forced two turnovers and only allowed 227 total yards against Wagner and held the Skyhawks to 6/17 on third downs, which is a much better defensive percentage than their opening game of the season against Notre Dame, as they allowed the Fighting Irish to convert 75% of their third/fourth down opportunities (6/8).
Now, let's take a look at Memphis. The Tigers are 2-0 on the young season, but it is hard to judge who they really are as a team because they have blown out two cupcakes. They defeated Bethune Cookman by a score of 56-14, but what concerns me is their ability to hold onto the ball. In this blowout, both touchdowns scored by Bethune Cookman were on defense. One pick-six and a fumble returned for a touchdown, and then Memphis was only able to convert 5/15 third downs against a dreadful Arkansas State defense as they were aided by four Arkansas State turnovers.
Navy may not have the most talent in the world, but they are an extremely disciplined group that does not turn the ball over and does not commit penalties. Navy has yet to turn the ball over in 2023 and has only committed seven total penalties, so I do not foresee them shooting themselves in the foot in this game to aid Memphis in any way. Navy's style of play, paired with the new clock rule changes, should greatly aid their chances in covering this game. Navy still runs the triple option, and Memphis has not faced a solid rushing attack like the Midshipmen yet.
I fully expect Navy to be able to move the sticks and keep this game close with their style of play, and I also think they will win the turnover/penalty battle as they are an extremely disciplined team. With that being said, I am rolling with Navy +14 at -120 (I bought the hook, still like 13/13.5) for 1.5u as my most confident College Football play of the day.
Navy vs. Memphis Pick
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