Memphis 6-6 (4-4), 2nd Conference USA East
vs
South Florida 7-5 (2-5), 6th Big East
Saturday December 20, 2008 4:30 pm EST ESPN2
The South Florida Bulls were my pick to win the Big East this year. And it looked like a good pick as they started the year 5-0 with a win over Kansas. But they went 2-5 in their last 7 games and their offense went from dangerous to impotent. The Bulls have to be one of the more disappointing teams in 2008.
Matt Grothe led the Bulls in both passing and rushing for the 3rd straight year, but his touchdown to interception ratio has not improved as he had 15 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. Defensive end George Selvie is someone the Tigers will have to keep two men on if they want to pass the ball. His production has gone down dramatically from last year (14.5 sacks to 5.5 sacks), but he is still a force to be reckon with.
Memphis is one of the Nation's best rushing teams which will be tough going up against a South Florida defense that only gives up 97 ypg on the ground. The Tigers are led by Curtis Steele's 1175 yards on the ground and 7 touchdowns. Steele's 5.7 yards per carry makes it easier for Memphis to move the sticks. Overall, Memphis has a balanced attack but a bulk of their big statical games came against lesser opponents such as Nicholls State and Arkansas State.
If you look at one of South Florida's big win, they were able to temper Connecticut who has one of the best rushers in the country. This should be a tough one for Memphis, and a good end of the season win for the Bulls to salvage a less than stellar season.
Tale of the Tape
Memphis
Offense - 432 ypg, 226 ypg passing, 206 ypg rushing
Defense - 341 ypg, 195 ypg passing, 146 ypg rushing
Quality Wins versus Bowl Teams - Southern Mississippi
South Florida
Offense - 397 ypg, 237 ypg passing, 160 ypg rushing
Defense - 292 ypg, 194 ypg passing, 97 ypg rushing
Quality Wins versus Bowl Teams - Kansas, North Carolina State, and Connecticut
Prediction: South Florida 30 Memphis 17
