Memphis vs West Virginia Picks: Tigers Best Bet ATS December 17

Bowl season in college football has recently become much more complicated with players sitting out and the increased use of the transfer portal. However, there are some notable matchups for college football predictions, like the one in the Frisco Bowl between No. 25 Memphis (10-2) and West Virginia (6-6).

Even though Memphis did not play in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, it still had a strong season with 10 wins. In the Tigers’ last game, they beat Tulane, which advanced to the conference championship game, on the road 34-15.

However, West Virginia found much less success this season, going 5-4 in the Big 12. The Mountaineers lost their last game of the season 52-15 on the road against Texas Tech. That makes it clear why they are underdogs in NCAA football odds.

Memphis vs West Virginia Game Information

• Game: Memphis (10-2) vs. West Virginia (6-6)
• Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
• Day and Time: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 9:00 p.m. ET
• Memphis vs West Virginia Live Stream: Fubo TV

Memphis vs West Virginia Betting Preview

Tigers Ready for Big Game

Right off the bat, West Virginia headlined college football news before this bowl game by firing head coach Neal Brown, who had been with the program since the 2019 season. Last year was his best, with the Mountaineers finishing 9-4. West Virginia has already found a replacement by quickly hiring Rich Rodriguez.

West Virginia is hiring Jacksonville State HC Rich Rodriguez as their next Head Coach, per @PeteThamel pic.twitter.com/kFcyvLUWLm
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 11, 2024

Now, that can affect a program in two ways. The Mountaineers could be united around their new head coach while the interim, Chad Scott, is still around, trying to make up for their poor season with a bowl win. The team could also struggle under new leadership, allowing Memphis to cover the college football spread.

However, whether Brown was fired or not, it seemed like the Tigers were going to be the favorites anyway. They have won 10 games this season, with some solid victories under their belt, which has led to them being ranked 25th after the final week. They beat Florida State on the road while the team was still considered a formidable opponent.

Memphis lost to Navy, which finished third in the American but put up 44 points. Then, in the season’s final game, against Tulane, who was ranked 17th at the time, Memphis pulled off a massive win, while college football spreads had it as a 12½ point underdog on the road.

MARIO ANDERSON JR OFFICIALLY PUTS TULANE’S COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF HOPES TO REST! pic.twitter.com/qobUCdMO20

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 29, 2024

Per Memphis vs West Virginia betting tips, the Tigers average 35.2 points and 442.1 yards per game. They went off against Tulane behind quarterback Seth Henigan, who threw for 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Mario Anderson Jr. was great on the ground with 24 attempts for 177 yards and a score.

Memphis seems more primed and ready for this matchup. The Tigers still have their head coach, Ryan Silverfield, who has led this program to back-to-back 10-win seasons. They won a bowl game last season, and the Tigers can do it again for those who bet online.

Best Bet: Memphis -4½

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Memphis vs West Virginia Over/Under Betting Preview

Looking at these teams’ over/under records this season can help college football betting predict this game. West Virginia has hit the over in eight of 12 games while Memphis has done so six times.

However, because of West Virginia’s defense, this game is likely to be high-scoring. In the Mountaineers’ last game, their defense was demolished by Texas Tech, which had 569 yards and 52 points. The Mountaineers allowed 210 rushing yards, which is important considering Memphis had 236 in its last game against a formidable opponent.

It also does not help that West Virginia had one of the worst defenses in the Big 12. The Mountaineers allowed the fourth most yards (410.4) and points (31.1) per game, well within Memphis’ season averages. Sure, West Virginia was in a more challenging conference, but in big games, Memphis’s offense still had success.

The difference in talent between the American and Big 12 might show up the most for West Virginia’s offense. The Mountaineers do average 28.2 points and 394.7 yards per game. Garrett Greene has been solid when he is not throwing interceptions, like two against Texas Tech. Greene had 265 yards and a touchdown in West Virginia’s last game. Plus, between Jahiem White, CJ Donaldson Jr. and Greene, opponents have to respect West Virginia’s running game.

Since Memphis allowed 22.8 points and 355.6 yards per game, West Virginia has enough to work with to help this game hit the over for college football picks. Memphis’s offense should already be in for a big game.

Best Bet: Over 59

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.