Memphis football vs Troy score prediction, scouting report for Week 2 game

Memphis football had no problems beating North Alabama to open the 2024 season, but the competition level will rise this week.

The Tigers (1-0) will host Troy (0-1) on Saturday (11 a.m., ESPNU) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium . The Trojans started their season with a home loss to Nevada, but they've been very successful during the past few seasons and won't be a walkover for Memphis.

Last week's 40-0 win over the Lions represented a positive first step in a season with sky-high expectations, but the Tigers still have things to clean up before Saturday. The offensive line must improve, and coach Ryan Silverfield called the kicking game "awful" after Caden Costa missed a field goal and an extra point.

Saturday is also a trap game, in a sense. Memphis fans have had the Sept. 14 trip to Florida State circled all season on the calendar, but the Tigers need to win Saturday to keep their momentum going into that game.

Here's your primer for Memphis vs. Troy.

Troy football has plenty of new faces, Memphis connections

Troy is the two-time defending Sun Belt champion, but there's a lot different this season. Coach Jon Sumrall left for Tulane and was replaced by Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker.

And there are plenty of connections to Memphis' staff, specifically with defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins. Parker and Hankins worked together at UT-Martin, as did Troy outside linebackers coach Chris Boone. And Hankins is close with Troy defensive coordinator Dontae Wright.

The Trojans were 23-5 over the last two seasons coming into 2024, but expectations are lower in a rebuilding year with the new staff. Memphis will travel to Troy in 2025.

What to know about Troy quarterback Goose Crowder

Troy is led by quarterback Goose Crowder, who threw for 200 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to Nevada. He also rushed 10 times for 29 yards as part of an offensive attack that featured more runs than passes.

The Trojans rushed for nearly 200 yards, with three players getting double-digit carries. Memphis is expecting to see plenty of running plays.

"They're going to run the football," Hankins said. "They ran for 200 last week. They've go really good backs. I think they're really good. I think they're coached really well up front."

Sutton Smith injury is a big Memphis football question mark

Memphis coaches will be hoping to get more production from the run game, which produced only 2.5 yards per carry against North Alabama. Part of that was due to a remade offensive line that features a new starter at every position, and part of that can be attributed to the shifting running back room.

Sutton Smith suffered a knee injury in the first quarter. Memphis has not provided an update on his status and continues to list him as a co-starter with Mario Anderson on this week's depth chart. Greg Desrosiers, who rushed for a touchdown against North Alabama, is in line to see an increased workload.

The defense shut out North Alabama, but Hankins said there were plenty of things to clean up. The defensive line is likely be a talking point coming out of the game, depending on how that unit fares against Troy's rushing attack.

Memphis score prediction vs Troy

Memphis 34, Troy 24. The Trojans give the Tigers their best shot, and it's a far more competitive game than last week. But Memphis has enough to pull out the win and head to Tallahassee with an undefeated record.

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 Troy score prediction, scouting report for Week 2 game