Memphis football vs North Alabama score prediction, scouting report for Tigers' opener

Almost all the talk during Memphis football's offseason has been about the Sept. 14 game at Florida State or the Thanksgiving Day game at Tulane or the potential for the Tigers to win the American Athletic Conference title.

But the journey starts against North Alabama, which visits Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN+) to kick off Memphis' season.

The Lions (0-1) fell to Southeast Missouri 37-15 last Saturday.

It will be the first opportunity for fans to experience the half-demolished Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium , which has been undergoing renovations during the summer. The stadium will be at limited capacity for the next two seasons.

Here's what to know about Memphis' 2024 season opener.

North Alabama sounds familiar

The Lions opened up a 13-0 lead at Florida State on Nov. 18. That was also the game where FSU quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending leg injury, which had a major impact on the College Football Playoff race.

North Alabama lost 58-13 and finished 3-8.

Last week's loss to Southeast Missouri followed a similar script. The Lions took a 15-7 lead, then gave up 30 unanswered points and limped to a blowout loss.

First look at new Memphis football roster

There will be plenty of familiar faces for Tigers fans, although quarterback Seth Henigan changed his jersey number and will now be wearing No. 9 instead of No. 2. Key contributors like receiver Roc Taylor and linebacker Chandler Martin are also back.

But there will be plenty new. Memphis' offensive line will feature a new player at every position, with Jonah Gambill and Xavier Hill moving to new positions and three transfers coming in. South Carolina transfer running back Mario Anderson will play a key role, too.

On defense, Tennessee transfer Elijah Herring and Harvard transfer Matt Hudson are among the new starters. In the defensive backfield, Louisiana-Monroe transfer AJ Watts and Indiana transfer Kobee Minor will play significant roles.

What Memphis football wants to change from last year's opener

Saturday's opener will be similar to last season's in the sense that Memphis will face an FCS opponent as a major favorite. The Tigers beat Bethune-Cookman 56-14 and the game was never in doubt, but there was some sloppiness that coaches weren't thrilled about.

Memphis' offense allowed all the points in that game, thanks to an interception and a fumble that were both returned for touchdowns. This will be the Tigers' only chance to test things out against an overmatched opponent.

There could be an opportunity to see some players further down on the depth chart. That includes redshirt freshman quarterback Harris Boyd, who was named Memphis' backup QB earlier this week but has never taken a collegiate snap.

Memphis score prediction vs North Alabama

Memphis 55, North Alabama 10. The Lions score some points, but Memphis cruises to a Week 1 win to start the most highly anticipated season in program history.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football vs North Alabama score prediction, scouting report for Tigers' opener