The college football season continues to heat up as the Memphis Tigers square off against the South Florida Bulls on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup between these two American Athletic Conference (AAC) teams promises to be an exciting contest, as both Memphis and South Florida look to improve their standings in the conference and gain momentum as they move deeper into the season.
Memphis, known for its explosive offense, enters this game with high expectations and a solid record, while South Florida (USF) will look to spoil those plans by relying on a balanced attack and home-field advantage. Whether you’re a fan of AAC football or just love watching competitive college football, this game has all the ingredients to be a thrilling matchup.
This comprehensive article will cover everything you need to know about the game: how to watch, TV and live streaming options, detailed team previews, key players to watch, betting odds, and expert predictions.
How to Watch Memphis vs. South Florida: TV & Streaming Information
TV Broadcast
The Memphis vs. South Florida game will be broadcast live on the following channels:
- ESPN+: The game will be available on ESPN+, a streaming platform that offers exclusive coverage of numerous college football games, particularly from the American Athletic Conference. ESPN+ is a subscription-based service, but it provides extensive access to live sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more.
- ESPNU: Another platform that will air this highly anticipated matchup is ESPNU. ESPNU is a cable channel that primarily focuses on college sports, making it a go-to for fans of collegiate athletics.
Streaming Options
For those who prefer streaming the game live, here are the best platforms:
- FuboTV: FuboTV offers access to a variety of sports channels, including ESPNU and ESPN+. This makes it a perfect option for those looking to stream Memphis vs. South Florida. FuboTV also offers a free trial, which is great for viewers who want to test the service before committing.
- Hulu + Live TV: With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to ESPN+ and a range of live sports channels, including ESPNU. The platform offers a blend of live sports coverage and on-demand content, making it a great all-around streaming option.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is another option for streaming live sports, including college football. The service offers ESPN+ through its various packages, and its affordable pricing makes it a popular choice for cord-cutters.
Mobile Streaming Options
If you prefer to watch on the go, there are multiple mobile streaming options:
- ESPN App: The ESPN App allows you to stream the game on your mobile device, provided you have a subscription to ESPN+. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices, ensuring you won’t miss any action no matter where you are.
- Yahoo Sports App: The Yahoo Sports App offers live streaming of college football games, including select American Athletic Conference matchups. The app is free to use and available for download on most mobile devices.
Memphis Team Preview
Overview
The Memphis Tigers have become a force to be reckoned with in the American Athletic Conference over the past decade. With their high-powered offense and aggressive defense, Memphis has consistently contended for AAC titles and bowl game appearances. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Silverfield, Memphis has continued to build on its tradition of success and is once again in the hunt for a strong season.
As Memphis prepares to take on South Florida, they do so with one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. Known for their quick tempo and explosive playmakers, the Tigers will look to put up points early and often against the Bulls.
Offense
Memphis has one of the most potent offenses in the AAC, and much of that success is due to the play of quarterback Seth Henigan. Henigan, now a seasoned leader of the Tigers’ offense, is known for his strong arm and ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. His ability to spread the ball around to a variety of playmakers makes the Memphis offense difficult to defend.
In the running game, Memphis features running back Brandon Thomas, who has been a workhorse for the Tigers. Thomas is a physical runner with the speed to break off long runs and the vision to find holes in the defense. His presence in the backfield balances Memphis’ pass-heavy offense and keeps opposing defenses honest.
Memphis’ receiving corps is headlined by Joseph Scates and Dallan Hayden, two dynamic players who are capable of turning short catches into big gains. Scates, in particular, is a deep threat who has the speed to stretch the field, while Hayden is a reliable possession receiver who excels in critical situations.
The offensive line, led by Dylan Parham, has been solid in pass protection and run blocking, giving Henigan the time he needs to make plays and allowing Thomas to find running lanes.
Defense
Memphis’ defense, while not as dominant as its offense, is still formidable. The Tigers rely on an aggressive front seven, led by defensive tackle Morris Joseph and linebacker Quindell Johnson. Joseph is a disruptive force in the middle of the line, capable of clogging up running lanes and pressuring the quarterback, while Johnson is a tackling machine who excels in both run defense and pass coverage.
The secondary is anchored by cornerback La’Andre Thomas, who has a knack for making big plays in the passing game. His ability to lock down opposing receivers will be key in limiting South Florida’s aerial attack.
Memphis’ defense has shown the ability to force turnovers and create pressure, two factors that will be crucial in their matchup against the Bulls.
Key Players to Watch for Memphis
- Seth Henigan (QB): Henigan’s leadership and decision-making are critical to Memphis’ offensive success. His ability to make big plays in both the passing and running game makes him a key player to watch.
- Brandon Thomas (RB): Thomas’ physical running style will be crucial in wearing down South Florida’s defense and keeping Memphis’ offense balanced.
- Joseph Scates (WR): Scates’ speed and big-play ability make him a dangerous weapon in Memphis’ passing attack.
- Morris Joseph (DT): Joseph’s presence on the defensive line will be key in stopping South Florida’s running game and pressuring the quarterback.
- La’Andre Thomas (CB): Thomas’ ability to lock down opposing receivers will be crucial in limiting South Florida’s passing attack.
South Florida Team Preview
Overview
The South Florida Bulls have had their share of struggles in recent seasons, but under head coach Alex Golesh, they are working to rebuild the program and become a competitive force in the AAC. South Florida has shown flashes of potential, but consistency has been an issue for the Bulls.
Heading into the matchup against Memphis, South Florida will look to rely on a balanced offensive attack and an improved defense. The Bulls have the talent to pull off an upset, but they will need to play mistake-free football to do so.
Offense
South Florida’s offense is led by quarterback Byron Brown, a dual-threat signal-caller who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. Brown’s ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground makes him a dangerous player for opposing defenses to account for.
The Bulls’ ground game is spearheaded by running back Michel Dukes, who has been a consistent performer for South Florida. Dukes is a tough, physical runner who excels at gaining yards after contact. His ability to control the tempo of the game with his running will be crucial in keeping Memphis’ high-powered offense off the field.
In the passing game, South Florida relies on wide receiver Xavier Weaver, who has emerged as the Bulls’ top playmaker. Weaver’s combination of speed and route-running ability makes him a dangerous threat in the open field, and he will be a focal point of South Florida’s offense.
The offensive line, anchored by Demontrey Jacobs, has shown improvement in both pass protection and run blocking, but they will face a tough challenge against Memphis’ aggressive defensive front.
Defense
South Florida’s defense has been a work in progress, but the Bulls have shown signs of improvement under defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. The Bulls’ defense is anchored by linebacker Antonio Grier, who is one of the best tacklers in the AAC. Grier’s ability to make plays in both the run game and pass coverage makes him a key player for South Florida’s defense.
Defensive end Jason Vaughn is the Bulls’ top pass rusher, and his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback will be crucial in this game. South Florida will need to get pressure on Henigan to disrupt Memphis’ passing attack.
The secondary is led by cornerback Daquan Evans, who has shown the ability to lock down opposing receivers. Evans will have his hands full against Memphis’ talented receiving corps, but his play will be critical in limiting big plays.
Key Players to Watch for South Florida
- Byron Brown (QB): Brown’s dual-threat ability makes him a key player for South Florida’s offense. His ability to make plays with his legs will be important in keeping Memphis’ defense off balance.
- Michel Dukes (RB): Dukes’ physical running style will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and keeping Memphis’ offense off the field.
- Xavier Weaver (WR): Weaver’s big-play ability makes him a focal point of South Florida’s passing attack.
- Antonio Grier (LB): Grier’s ability to make plays in both the run game and pass coverage makes him a key player for South Florida’s defense.
- Jason Vaughn (DE): Vaughn’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback will be crucial in disrupting Memphis’ passing attack.
Odds and Predictions
As of now, Memphis is the favorite heading into this game, with oddsmakers giving the Tigers a solid edge due to their high-powered offense and strong defense.
- Spread: Memphis -10.5
- Over/Under: 56.5 points
Prediction
Memphis’ explosive offense, led by Seth Henigan and Brandon Thomas, should be able to move the ball effectively against South Florida’s defense. While South Florida’s offense has shown flashes of potential, they may struggle to keep up with Memphis’ fast-paced attack. Look for Memphis to jump out to an early lead and control the game with their balanced offense and aggressive defense.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 35, South Florida 21
The Memphis vs. South Florida matchup promises to be an exciting AAC contest, with Memphis looking to solidify their position as a conference contender and South Florida aiming for a signature win. With high-stakes implications for both teams, this is a must-watch game for college football fans.
Whether you’re tuning in via ESPN+, streaming the game on FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV, or following along on mobile, this Friday night showdown will deliver plenty of thrills and action.
