BYU vs. Memphis: 5 Things You Need To Know For Miami Beach Bowl

By Jonathan Brannon

BYU vs. Memphis: 5 Things You Need To Know For Miami Beach Bowl

Utah State v BYU — The BYU Cougars and the Memphis Tigers travel to Miami, Fla. for the Miami Beach Bowl Monday, Dec. 22. Here are five things you need to know about this matchup.

5. Common Opponents

Central Florida v Houston

5. Common Opponents

Central Florida v Houston — While these two teams are far from each other, they have three common opponents: UConn, Middle Tennessee State and Houston. Both schools blew out Middle Tennessee and Connecticut, but Memphis lost a close game to Houston while BYU won by eight. Comparing games is a dangerous practice for predictions, but these common opponents paint a decent picture to get a feel for the talent level on each team.

4. Memphis Has A Tough Defense

Utah State v BYU

4. Memphis Has A Tough Defense

Utah State v BYU — Memphis boasts the fifth-best scoring defense in the country, holding opponents to 17 points per game. BYU has had some of their biggest struggles against stout defenses like those of Central Florida (9th in the country) and Utah State (21st). If Memphis can keep it up, look for BYU to struggle.

3. BYU Has Overcome Adversity

Utah State v BYU

3. BYU Has Overcome Adversity

Utah State v BYU — The Cougars were looking to make a bid for the College Football Playoff with Heisman-hopeful QB Taysom Hill, but a season-ending leg injury sidelined Hill and led to a four-game losing skid for BYU. Since then, the Cougars have built momentum and are looking to continue their streak into the offseason.

2. BYU Can Win Far From Home

Utah State v BYU

2. BYU Can Win Far From Home

Utah State v BYU — The Cougars have wins in Tennessee, Connecticut, Texas and California. They lost a tough, overtime battle in Florida as well. Don’t expect the long travel to affect the play of BYU.

1. Win Streaks

Utah State v BYU

1. Win Streaks

Utah State v BYU — Both teams are already hot coming to South Beach in a couple of weeks. BYU is riding a four-game win streak while the Tigers haven’t lost a game since Oct. 11. One thing is for sure: One team’s streak will end in Miami.

Jonathan Brannon is a College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Teams in this article »

BYU Cougars

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Memphis Tigers

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