In Week 9 of the 2025 College Football season, the Memphis Tigers will host the South Florida Bulls at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The game is set for October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN. Both teams enter the game with identical 6-1 records, setting the stage for an intense encounter. The South Florida Bulls, ranked #18 in the AP Poll and #20 in the Coaches Poll, have excelled this season with a 3-0 record in conference play. They recently dominated Florida Atlantic 48-13, showcasing their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. South Florida’s road record of 2-1 indicates they are capable of handling the pressures of playing away from home. Memphis has also put together a strong season, highlighted by a perfect 3-0 record at home. After a tough loss to UAB, the Tigers will look to rebound in front of their home crowd. With both teams tied at 2-1 in conference play, this game carries significant implications for the American Conference standings.
Memphis vs South Florida At a Glance
- Game Venue: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN
- South Florida Bulls Record: 6-1 overall, 3-0 in conference
- Memphis Tigers Record: 6-1 overall, 2-1 in conference
- Game Odds: South Florida favored with a -3.5 spread
Memphis Tigers Roar into the Spotlight for the Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance Analysis
The Memphis Tigers have established a potent offensive lineup, currently ranked 12th in the nation with 267 points scored this season. Their ground game is particularly impressive, securing the 15th spot with 1,558 rushing yards. Despite the strong rushing attack, their passing game ranks 79th with 1,512 yards, indicating a more balanced offensive approach.
The Tigers’ ability to secure first downs consistently is evident with their 17th rank in this category, achieving 165 first downs. This suggests their strategy heavily relies on maintaining possession and effectively managing the clock. While their passing yardage might not be among the top, they effectively convert opportunities when needed.
Defensive Resilience
On the defensive side, Memphis has allowed 128 points, ranking 65th nationally. They have demonstrated a solid ability to pressure the quarterback, accumulating 11 sacks which places them 18th. Their secondary has also contributed significantly with 10 interceptions, ranking 11th.
The team has shown a knack for creating turnovers, recovering four fumbles which ranks them 6th. This ability to disrupt opponents’ drives and create opportunities for their offense is a vital component of their overall strategy. The defense’s performance will be crucial in the upcoming game as they look to maintain their competitive edge.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Brendon Lewis leads the offensive charge with 1,337 passing yards, though he is listed as questionable with a leg injury. Sutton Smith stands out in the backfield with 480 rushing yards and six touchdowns, providing a reliable rushing option.
Wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. is a key target in the passing game, with 491 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field will be essential for Memphis to exploit defensive mismatches. Additionally, kicker Gianni Spetic has been consistent, making 33 extra points, ranking him 6th nationally.
Recent Game Performance
Memphis is coming off a 31-24 loss against UAB, where their defense struggled against the run, allowing 221 rushing yards. Despite the setback, the Tigers have shown resilience in previous games, including a commanding 45-7 victory over Tulsa.
In their recent performances, Memphis has demonstrated a strong rushing attack, notably in their 55-26 win against Florida Atlantic, where they rushed for 291 yards. Their ability to rebound from losses has been a testament to their mental toughness and strategic adjustments.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 24-3 (88.9%)
- SU – Home Games: 10-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 21-3 (87.5%)
- SU – After Loss: 7-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: 4-0 (100.0%)
With strong betting trends favoring Memphis in various scenarios, including after losses and as underdogs, they present a formidable challenge. Their performance at home is particularly noteworthy, remaining unbeaten in their last ten home games.
South Florida Bulls Set to Charge Against Memphis Tigers
Offensive Firepower
The South Florida Bulls have been on a scoring spree this season, ranking 5th in points scored with 292. Their offensive capabilities are further highlighted by their impressive rushing attack, ranked 18th with 1,511 yards. This ground game will be pivotal in their upcoming matchup against the Tigers.
Quarterback Byrum Brown has been a key contributor, ranking 36th nationally with 1,695 passing yards. Brown’s ability to lead the offense will be crucial in maintaining their offensive tempo.
Defensive Stalwarts
Defensively, the Bulls have shown strong performances, especially in turnovers, with 10 interceptions ranking them 11th. Their defensive line has been effective, boasting 16 sacks, securing the 13th spot nationally. This defense will aim to stifle the Memphis offense.
The Bulls’ ability to recover fumbles, ranking 3rd, adds another layer to their defensive prowess. Their consistency in forcing turnovers will be a significant factor in their defensive strategy.
Recent Performance
South Florida has been on a roll, winning four consecutive games. Their latest victory came with a 48-13 win over Florida Atlantic, showcasing their offensive and defensive strength. This winning streak builds momentum as they prepare to face Memphis.
With dominant performances against opponents like North Texas and Charlotte, the Bulls have displayed their capability to win both at home and away. Their ability to adapt and perform in different environments will be tested once more.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could pose challenges, with several key players listed as questionable. Among them, running back Sam Franklin’s potential absence could impact their ground game. The Bulls will need their depth to step up in these areas.
On the defensive side, the absence of Boogsie Silvera for the rest of the season could test their secondary depth. However, the team has shown resilience in overcoming setbacks this season.
Betting Trends
- South Florida is 10-1 as a favorite in their last 11 games (2023–2025).
- They are 4-0 in their last four games (2025) with totals of 50 or more.
- The Bulls are 12-5 in over/under for away games (2022–2025).
- Against the spread, they are 13-8 in away games (2021–2025).
Memphis vs South Florida Prediction: Memphis +3.5
The Memphis Tigers are entering this game with a strong track record at home, boasting a perfect 3-0 record this season in their home stadium. Additionally, they have covered the spread in all their last four home games, making them a solid pick against the spread (ATS) for this matchup. With the odds favoring them at +3.5, Memphis presents a compelling case for bettors looking for value.
South Florida, while ranked 18th in the AP Poll, has shown vulnerability on the road with a 2-1 record. Their defense, ranked 84th in points against, could struggle to contain Memphis’ 12th-ranked scoring offense, which has scored 267 points this season. The Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure at home gives them an edge, especially with a spread that favors them as underdogs.
Memphis’ trends following a loss also support a pick in their favor. Historically, the Tigers have bounced back strongly after a defeat, winning all their last seven games following a loss. With this trend in mind, Memphis is well-positioned to cover the spread against a South Florida team that might find it challenging to adjust in a hostile environment.
Given the Tigers’ strong home presence and resilience, they are expected to edge out South Florida in a high-scoring affair. Expect Memphis to leverage their home-field advantage to secure a narrow victory, making them a smart pick at +3.5.
- Memphis vs South Florida Prediction: Memphis +3.5
- Memphis vs South Florida Score: Memphis 35 – South Florida 31
