Memphis Tigers Set to Face Rice Owls in Key AAC Football Matchup

The Memphis Tigers and Rice Owls are set to face off in an AAC college football matchup with Memphis holding a stronger record and recent momentum, having won four of their last five games. Memphis boasts a potent offense, ranking 38th nationally in third-down conversions and 6th in red zone scoring efficiency, aided by quarterback Brendon Lewis and running back Sutton Smith. Rice, on the other hand, struggles defensively, ranking near the bottom nationally in key categories such as third-down defense and red zone defense, but recently secured a close double-overtime win against UConn, with solid performances from quarterback Chase Jenkins and running back Quinton Jackson. Both teams emphasize ball control, ranking highly in time of possession, but Memphis' positive turnover margin and efficient offense give them the edge. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN2, with Rice needing to improve offensive consistency to avoid further conference losses. Overall, Memphis is favored due to superior offensive execution and defensive stability compared to Rice’s defensive vulnerabilities and uneven performance.