Montgomery Bowl 2020 – Memphis Tigers vs Florida Atlantic Owls
Defense is Key to This Game
Our Memphis vs Florida Atlantic pick 2020 for the Montgomery Bowl features the American Athletic Conference Tigers and the Conference USA Owls. The Memphis Tigers were third in the AAC. They were 5-3 in the conference and 7-3 overall. The Florida Atlantic Owls posted a conference mark of 4-2. That was good enough for a second-place finish is the C-USA East. When including nonconference games, the Owls were 5-3.
The Memphis Tigers are favored in this bowl game. They are at -8.5 (-108). The Florida Atlantic Owls spread is +9.0 (-110). When it comes totals betting, the over can be found at 52.0 (-109), while the best under is at 52.5 (-105).
The Montgomery Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 23. The kickoff is at 7:00 pm ET with the game being played at the Cramtom Bowl in Montgomery, AL. The weather is predicted to be rainy with a temperature of 50-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 100% and winds will be 6 MPH from the S.
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Pick 2020 – Statistics
Our Memphis vs Florida Atlantic pick 2020 observes that the Tigers averaged 31.6 PPG while the Owls scored 20.0 PPG. On defense, Memphis allowed opponents 29.7 PPG. Conversely, Florida Atlantic gave up just 16.5 PPG. The combined PF/PA differential for these two teams is miniscule. The Tigers end up at +1.6.
Interesting to note that both of these teams gave up close to the same number of yards to opponents that they gained on offense. Memphis generated 451.5 YPG while they allowed opposing teams 448.7 YPG. The Owls accumulated 328.9 YPG. On defense, they gave up 326.4 YPG. The majority of Memphis’ offensive yards was through the air. However, they also gave up a large number of passing yards. Florida Atlantic was a bit more productive on the ground. But their rushing yards did not dominate their passing yards.
Montgomery Bowl – Offense and Defense
The Memphis pass attack can put points on the scoreboard quickly. The Tigers have a lot of outlets to toss to. On the other hand, the Owls are more methodical. It’s primarily about the run and controlling the clock. Thus, Florida Atlantic will want to march down the field numerous times, eating up the clock and crossing the goal line. Although the Owls have overall kept opponent yardage and points low, they are vulnerable to the pass.
Montgomery Bowl 2020 – Team Offenses
Memphis QB Brady White, a senior, passed for over 3,000 yards this season, completing 60.1% of his passes. White tossed 28 TD passes and nine picks. He was sacked 20 times. White has three solid pass catchers to throw to, WRs Calvin Austin III (60 REC, 1025 YDs, 10 TDs) and Tahj Washington (35 REC, 638 TDs, 8 TDs) and TE Sean Dykes (47 REC, 581 YDs, 7 TDs). RB Rodrigues Clark leads the rush attack, averaging 4.2 YPA and scoring two TDs.
The FAU Owls will likely use two quarterbacks, Nick Tronti and Javion Posey. Although neither is a huge passing threat, Tronti is a tad better at tossing the football. However, Posey is a true rushing threat, averaging 7.2 YPA, gaining 401 yards, and scoring three times. RB James Charles has scored four times, averaging 4.6 YPA and rushing for 347 yards. WR T.J. Chase is the team’s top pass catcher with 21 receptions, 328 yards, and one TD.
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Pick 2020 – Defenses
Although FAU is noted for its defense, the Tigers have accumulated stats that rival that of their opponents. Memphis has 24 sacks, 11 INTs, and 38 PD. They’ve forced nine fumbles and recovered seven. DBs Rodney Owens and Quindell Johnson are game changers. Owens has three picks, five PD, two forced fumbles with one recovered. Johnson also has three interceptions and five PD. DLs Morris Joseph and O’Bryan Goodson come to this game with seven and four sacks respectively.
Florida Atlantic has made 25 sacks, taken in five picks, and defended 18 passes. They’ve forced six fumbles and recovered three. Key players include LB Leighton McCarthy (9 SCKs), DE Jaylen Joyner (6 SCKs), safety Zyon Gilbert (4 PD), and CB Teja Young (2 INTs). LB Chase Lasater leads the Owls with 65 total tackles.
Memphis Tigers vs Florida Atlantic Pick 2020 – Final Word
Our Memphis vs Florida Atlantic pick 2020 observes that the key to this game is FAU’s defense. If they can control the line of scrimmage and stop Memphis, then the Owls will win. However, if the Tigers open up the field with their pass attack and keep the Owl D off-balance, then Memphis will win. In the Montgomery Bowl, we’re picking the Tigers at -8.5 (-108) and the under at 52.5 (-105). We also have our Boca Raton Bowl picks here.
Montgomery Bowl 2020 – Summary
Point Spread – Memphis Tigers at -8.5 (-108)
Totals – Under 52.5 (-105)
