Navy Midshipmen (1-1) vs. Memphis Tigers (2-0)
Navy Midshipmen vs. Memphis Tigers 9/14/23 – Navy Midshipmen (1-1) will square off against Memphis Tigers (2-0) in an exciting Week 3 college football showdown, scheduled for September 14, 2023, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and broadcast live by ESPN. Stay up to date for more college football predictions.
The Navy Midshipmen, led by Quarterback Tai Lavatai, currently stand at 1-1 after their opening two games of 2017. Eli Heidenreich and Nathan Kent have provided exceptional contributions on offense, averaging an impressive 11.1 average rushing yards per attempt on 7 attempts each. In contrast, Nathan Kent provides depth at wide receiver with 45 receiving yards on 2 receptions, respectively.
On the other side of the field, Seth Henigan has led his Memphis Tigers team to an unblemished record. Their overall solid performance can be credited to contributions from key players like Running Back Blake Watson and Wide Receiver Tauskie Dove, who both average an impressive 31 yards per reception average. If you’re looking for the best college football picks, keep an eye on Memphis and their star players.
Navy Midshipmen vs. Memphis Tigers Game Info
| When: | Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream | SofaScore |
Tai Lavatai QB vs. Seth Henigan QB
Tai Lavatai has a 57.9% completion rate, with 11 completions on 19 passing attempts, amounting to 204 passing yards. Though his completion rate appears modest, his per-attempt average of 10.7 yards is noteworthy. It suggests a quarterback who is not afraid to take his chances downfield. However, with only one passing touchdown and zero interceptions to his name thus far, it’s clear that Lavatai has been conservative in high-risk situations, keeping turnovers at bay.
His passing game has been risk-averse, perhaps due to his coaching staff’s philosophy or because of the team’s reliance on their ground game. Lavatai has been sacked once, resulting in a loss of 9 yards, a number that may be indicative of either good offensive line protection or his own ability to evade tackles. His passer rating sits at 165.5, which is respectable and indicative of a player who can manage games, if not necessarily take over them.
Comparing the Styles of Lavatai and Henigan
On the other hand, Seth Henigan presents a contrasting style. He’s completed 48 out of 65 attempts, showing an impressive 73.8% completion rate and accumulating 573 passing yards. These numbers reveal a quarterback with a more aggressive passing game, willing to spread the ball around and keep defenses on their heels. His per-pass average of 8.8 yards is slightly lower than Lavatai’s but is built on a higher volume of passes, indicating a more integral role in his team’s offensive scheme.
Henigan has thrown 4 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, portraying a more risk-taking approach compared to Lavatai. Being sacked three times with a loss of 11 yards suggests a bit more vulnerability behind his offensive line or possibly a willingness to hold onto the ball longer to make plays downfield. Despite the minor blemishes, Henigan maintains a passer rating of 162, only slightly below Lavatai’s, but based on a larger sample size.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Memphis Tigers -600, Total Odds: 47.5
Looking at the betting odds, Navy is the underdog with a +14.5 spread at (-105) and a moneyline of +460. Memphis, on the other hand, has a -14.5 spread at (-115) and a moneyline of -600. The total for the game is projected at 47.5, with both over and under at (-110).
Navy Midshipmen Betting Trends
Navy’s recent betting trends indicate some contradictions. While they have gone 3-6 SU in their last nine games, they are an impressive 6-0 ATS on the road. They are also strong in their conference matchups, holding a 12-4 ATS record against teams in the American Athletic Conference. The Midshipmen have gone under the total in 4 of their last 6 games, signaling a preference for lower-scoring games.
Memphis Tigers Betting Trends
Memphis, being 5-1 both ATS and SU in their last 6 games, shows strong form coming into this matchup. They also have a noteworthy 16-4 SU record in their last 20 home games. However, the team has struggled recently against the American Athletic Conference, with a 1-5 SU record. Like Navy, they also have a trend of going under the total, doing so in 5 of their last 6 games.
Navy Midshipmen vs. Memphis Tigers 9/14/23 Betting Picks
Based on the overall data and current form, Memphis looks like the stronger team both offensively and defensively. However, Navy’s betting trends, especially their 6-0 ATS road record, cannot be overlooked. The pick here is Memphis to win but Navy to cover the +14.5 spread. The under 47.5 also appears to be a good bet, considering both teams’ recent UNDER trends. This matchup between the Navy Midshipmen and the Memphis Tigers promises to be a riveting contest, showcasing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. For bettors, it offers some intriguing possibilities, especially considering the contradicting betting trends and individual player performances. When looking for the best sports picks, this game is certainly one to watch and analyze closely.
Free Pick and Prediction: Memphis Tigers will win 27-17.