Tigers hope to beat Tulsa, end slide
Golden Hurricane hung tough against 2 powers
Memphis football will look to avoid its first three-game losing streak since 2015 on Saturday when it plays at Tulsa (8 p.m., ESPN2).
The Tigers (3-2, 0-1 AAC) won their last two meetings with Tulsa (1-4, 0-1). Memphis won the last meeting in 2019 when Tulsa missed a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Here's what to watch in the game:
Tulsa is battle-tested
Despite Tulsa's record, the Golden Hurricane has hung tough with two Top-25 teams. It played No. 12 Oklahoma State close before losing 28-23.
Tulsa also trailed No. 7 Ohio State 2720 in the fourth quarter before the Buckeyes pulled away with two late TDS.
Tulsa is better than its record indicates, though that season-opening home loss to UC Davis still looks bad. Still, there's a reason the Golden Hurricane is a slight favorite at home.
A balanced offense
The Tigers are familiar with Tulsa senior running back Shamari Brooks, who ran for 156 yards against them two years ago. But the Golden Hurricane thrives more on the arm of junior quarterback Davis Brin.
Brin has thrown for 1,467 yards but also eight interceptions, including three last week against Houston. This is a great chance for the Tigers to create takeaways since they rank at the nation's bottom with just one interception.
However, the Tigers are giving up the second-most passing yards per game in the country. They can either keep Brooks in check, let Brin pick them apart or be aggressive and force him to make mistakes.
Protect the ball
Memphis' fumbling issues played significant roles in the losing streak, and they could spell doom against Tulsa if they continue.
The Golden Hurricane has forced six fumbles, tied for 15th in the country, and has recovered two.
The Tigers have lost six fumbles, including consecutive games with two, and can't afford to give Tulsa extra possessions.
Finish the game
The Tigers blew double-digit leads the last two games and were outscored 41-21 in the second half.
The message for Saturday? Finish. It starts with a stronger second quarter since the Tigers have just 102 combined yards in the period over the last three games.
Calvin Austin record watch
Calvin Austin III is one game from tying his school record of five consecutive games with at least 100 receiving yards, which he set last season.
If he gets at least 100 Saturday, it'll be the 11th for his career, which will tie Damonte Coxie for second-most in school history. Anthony Miller has the program record with 17.
Austin's 21 receiving touchdowns are third-most in program history and his next touchdown will tie Carlos Singleton for second. Miller's career record is 37 receiving touchdowns.
Prediction
Memphis 34, Tulsa 27: Tulsa will give Memphis a four-quarter battle and the Tigers' defense hasn't earned enough trust to keep things from being close. However, the Tigers will fix their fumbling issues, Brandon Thomas will bounce back and Memphis will do just enough for its third consecutive win over the Golden Hurricane.