Simulation Picks
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Understanding Public and Money
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Expert Picks
I would rather not have to deal with the hook here, but Memphis' explosive offense is too difficult to ignore. In a home game against an Iowa State team that has fallen flat after a hot start, I like the Tigers to get the job done -- probably by double digits. Plenty of points will be scored in this one, and ISU is way better in low-scoring affairs as its 1-4 in games in which its opponents score 20 points or more in 2017.
LIBERTY BOWL (Memphis) -- Earlier this month, the Memphis Tigers and Mike Norvell agreed to a long-term deal to keep him in Memphis. His high-octane offense is coveted and is one that will be awfully tough for Iowa State to handle.
LIBERTY BOWL (Memphis, Tenn.) -- Can you say "home-field advantage?" Memphis went 7-0 straight-up playing at the Liberty Bowl, taking down two ranked teams in UCLA and Navy. Desire in a bowl game isn't easy to measure, but teams competing for throngs of supporters generally come to play. Iowa State earned its keep by tripping up Oklahoma and TCU. Against lesser opposition the results were mixed as the Cyclones dropped three of their last four straight-up. Tigers QB Riley Ferguson (3,971 passing yards, 36 TDs) will not slice and dice this defense as he has many others, but the difference in offensive prowess between the teams is significant.