Memphis football vs. North Alabama: Scouting report, score prediction
Memphis football is one win away from being bowl eligible for a ninth consecutive season. The Tigers can get there Saturday (1 p.m., ESPN+) hosting FCS opponent North Alabama.
The Tigers (5-5, 3-4 AAC) are 8-0 against FCS schools since 2013. Since it’s also the last home game of the season, Memphis will honor 17 seniors in a pregame Senior Day ceremony.
For North Alabama (1-9, 0-5 ASUN), it’s the Lions’ season finale. The school fired coach Chris Willis after eight games and interim coach Ryan Held has finished out the season.
Here’s this week's scouting report along with a score prediction.
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Memphis football using next running back up approach
With Brandon Thomas out for the season, expect Memphis to feature Jeyvon Ducker and Asa Martin at running back. Both will split most of the carries, and freshman Sutton Smith should be healthy and in the mix after missing last week’s win against Tulsa.
This is potentially the Tigers’ best chance to end their 100-yard rusher drought. It’s been 20 games since Memphis had someone cross that mark, and the last time it happened at home? Against an FCS opponent in Nicholls State in last year’s season opener.
If the Tigers can’t produce a 100-yard rusher this game, then it’s time to wonder if it will happen this season. The last time they went a season without one was in 2011.
Meet North Alabama's ShunDerrick Powell
North Alabama’s strength is tailback ShunDerrick Powell. Memphis defensive coordinator Matt Barnes delivered high praise this week calling him the best player the Tigers have faced.
The sophomore has an FCS-best 18 rushing touchdowns and is third among FCS players with 1,468 yards. Powell also has four games with more than 200 rushing yards and five consecutive games with at least 118 yards.
Memphis allowed three consecutive 100-yard rushers before shutting down Tulsa’s run game. They’ll need the same type of performance against Powell.
Memphis football streaks and stat watch
A Memphis win means the Tigers have won at least five home games for nine consecutive seasons. Last Thursday’s win over Tulsa meant the Tigers have won 50 home games since 2014, something only Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State have done.
Chris Howard’s 18 field goals are five shy from tying the Memphis season record. With two more conversions, he would be the fifth kicker in school history to make at least 20 field goals in a season.
Quindell Johnson’s next interception will be the 10th of his career.
Is North Alabama an offensive remedy for Memphis football?
Memphis hasn’t scored more than 28 points in its past three games. The good news is North Alabama is the cure for a struggling offense.
The Lions had a streak of six consecutive games giving up at least 40 points this season. They’ve allowed 38 and 35 points in their past two losses. In other words, it’s just what the Tigers need and it wouldn’t surprise if Memphis surpasses its season high of 45 points.
Memphis football's Danton Barto to be honored
Memphis will honor the program’s all-time leading tackler in Danton Barto by retiring his jersey during Saturday’s game.
Barto’s No. 59 has been painted on the north side of the stadium along with the seven other retired jerseys. It will be a well-appreciated tribute for the former Tigers linebacker who died from COVID-19 complications in 2021.
It’s no shame for fans to wonder who might be next to earn the honor. One suggestion is former receiver Anthony Miller, who became the program’s first non-kicker to earn consensus All-American status in 2017.
Prediction
Memphis 48, North Alabama 16: The Memphis seniors get one last gift with an easy win. It’s been a rough season and clinching a ninth consecutive bowl game makes some of the pain easier to handle.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football vs. North Alabama: Scouting report, score prediction
