Montgomery Bowl Game Preview: Memphis Tigers vs. Florida Atlantic Owls
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Montgomery Bowl was organized in October as a substitute for the canceled Fenway Bowl which was scrapped due to COVID-19. Organizers have stated this game is for 2020 only, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be an exciting match-up with Florida Atlantic battling Memphis. Both programs come into this game with first-year head coaches as Ryan Silverfield of Memphis and Willie Taggart of Florida Atlantic are looking to start their respected tenures with a bowl victory.
Memphis is coming into this game with great momentum as the Tigers have won four of their last five games and finished 7-3 overall, 5-3 in American Athletic Conference play. Their latest victory on Dec. 12 came on a field goal as time expired against Houston. Other notable victories include Arkansas State on Sept. 5 and Central Florida on Oct. 17.
Florida Atlantic started off winning five of their first six games but dropped their final two to finish 5-3 overall, 4-2 in Conference USA play. The Owl’s notable wins came against Texas-San Antonio on Oct.31 and Western Kentucky on Nov. 7.
Coming into this bowl game, Memphis has lost in its last five bowl game appearances while Florida Atlantic is undefeated in bowl games in their program history as they have won in all four of their appearances.
Memphis Tigers vs Florida Atlantic Owls
Date: Dec. 23, 2020
Time: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Cramton Bowl – Montgomery, Alabama
TV: ESPN
Spread: Memphis -10.5
Memphis Overview
Offense
The Tigers score a whopping 31.6 points a game using a pass-heavy offense as they throw for an average of 310.3 yards while rushing for 141.2 yards per contest. Senior quarterback Brady White is the gunslinger for Memphis throwing for 3,096 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Two weapons in this passing attack are junior wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who leads the team with 60 receptions for 1,025 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and senior tight end Sean Dykes, who is second on the team with 47 receptions for 581 yards and seven touchdowns. The leading rusher on the team is sophomore Rodrigues Clark who has run for 523 yards on 125 carries and two touchdowns.
Defense
Memphis allows 29.7 points a game with the opposition gaining 145.7 rushing yards and 303 passing yards per game. The Tigers leading tackler is sophomore defensive back Quindell Johnson who has 70 total tackles including 1.5 for a loss, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery. The linebackers are led by senior JJ Russell who has 49 total tackles including two for a loss and one fumble recovery.
The monster on the defensive line is junior Morris Joseph who has 42 total tackles including 10.5 for a loss and seven sacks. Another defensive playmaker to watch is junior back Rodney Owens who has 49 total tackles including two for a loss, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Florida Atlantic
Offense
The Owls use their balanced attack to score 20 points a game as they gain 185.2 yards on the ground and 143.6 yards through the air per match-up. Junior quarterback Nick Tronti has spent the most time under center this season as has thrown for 759 yards and five touchdowns. Freshman Javion Posey has also seen time at quarterback throwing for 390 yards and two touchdowns while also chipping in 401 yards and three more scores on the ground.
Florida Atlantic LB Leighton McCarthy
Junior running back James Charles has racked up 347 yards on 76 carries and leads the team with four rushing scores. Senior receiver TJ Chase is the primary target in the passing game snagging 21 passes for 328 yards and a touchdown.
Defense
Florida Atlantic gives up just 16.5 points with only 150.8 rushing yards and 175.6 passing yards per game. The Owls’ leading tackler is junior linebacker Chase Lasater who has racked up 65 total tackles including five for a loss and one sack. Senior linebacker Leighton McCarthy also makes big plays as he has 40 total tackles including 12.5 for a loss, nine sacks, and one forced fumble.
Sophomore defensive end Jaylen Joyner comes up big in the trenches as he has 34 total tackles including seven for a loss, six sacks, and one forced fumble. Cornerback Teja Young leads the team with two interceptions and also has 31 total tackles.
Analysis
The only way the Owls can win is if they can contain this powerful Memphis offense. If Florida Atlantic can keep this a low-scoring game they definitely have a chance. The Tigers are motivated to win their first bowl game since 2014 and certainly have the talent to accomplish this feat, especially with their offensive weapons.
It will be exciting to watch these two first-year coaches strategize and strive to the goal of winning this bowl game.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 31, Florida Atlantic 21
Photo credit: University of Memphis Athletics; Memphis WR Calvin Austin III
Photo credit: University Press; Florida Atlantic LB Leighton McCarthy