Middle Tennessee State football has one more final non-conference matchup on the 2024 schedule when the Blue Raiders travel to Memphis on Saturday (6:30 p.m., ESPNU).
The Blue Raiders (1-3) have lost three consecutive games since a 32-25 Week 1 win over Tennessee Tech. MTSU lost to Duke 45-17 last week on homecoming.
Memphis (3-1) suffered its first loss last week , falling to Navy 56-44.
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Here is a scouting report on the game, including a score prediction by The Daily News Journal's Cecil Joyce:
MTSU vs Memphis completes tough early 2024 schedule for Derek Mason
After facing two power conference teams already, MTSU is facing another test in a Memphis squad that was ranked at one point this season.
The Tigers were ranked No. 23 in the US LBM coaches' top 25 poll before the loss to Navy.
First-year coach Derek Mason entered the season with more than 50 new players on the roster, and the team has been put to the test by playing No. 5 Ole Miss and unbeaten Duke, as well as rival and Conference USA foe Western Kentucky.
The Blue Raiders' four opponents are a combined 12-3.
It will be all CUSA games following Saturday's contest at Memphis and an open date for Week 6. MTSU is at Louisiana Tech on Thursday, Oct. 10, the first of three consecutive weekday games.
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MTSU defense gets another test vs Memphis, Seth Henigan
A potent offense has made the Tigers one of the top teams in the nation. Memphis is averaging 36.5 points and 434 yards a game.
Memphis is balanced offensively. Quarterback Seth Henigan is 99-of-154 for 1,112 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions and running backs Mario Anderson and Brandon Thomas have combined for 459 yards rushing and 10 TDs.
The only game the Tigers haven't scored at least 38 points was a 20-12 win over Florida State in Week 3.
MTSU's defense has struggled, allowing 43 points and 492 yards a game, including 342 passing. The Blue Raiders did show improvement against Duke, allowing 340 total yards. However, turnovers helped account for 28 of the Blue Devils' points.
MTSU will have to avoid turnovers vs Memphis
The Blue Raider offense is averaging just 18 points but 354 yards a game. The MTSU passing game has been effective, averaging 261 yards, but the team is averaging 93 rushing yards a game and 3.1 per carry.
MTSU has eight turnovers, including losing three fumbles against Duke.
An opportunistic Memphis defense that had 12 sacks and forced seven turnovers was allowing just over nine points a game before being gashed by Navy for 566 total yards (361 rushing).
Linebacker Chandler Martin has a team-leading 29 tackles (seven for loss), two sacks and a fumble recovery for the Tigers.
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MTSU score prediction vs. Memphis
Memphis 42, MTSU 21. The Tigers are very good on offense, and MTSU's defense is still a work in progress. That won't bode well on the road in a tough environment against a team that is stinging from last week's loss.
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Cecil Joyce covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for The Daily News Journal. Contact him at cjoyce@dnj.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Cecil_Joyce.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU football vs Memphis: Score prediction, scouting report in Week 5 game
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