Memphis vs Tulane Picks and Predictions for Friday October 16 2026
The Memphis Tigers visit the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday, October 16, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, with coverage on ESPN. Memphis enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak after an impressive 38-13 victory over UAB on Saturday, while Tulane looks to recover from a heartbreaking 20-17 loss against Army. The Tigers have been particularly productive offensively during their winning streak, while the Green Wave have struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities. Memphis is favored by 6.5 points in the betting market, with the total set at 54.5 points. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.
Memphis Tigers Have Found Their Offensive Rhythm
Memphis enters Friday at 5-1 overall following three consecutive victories, with its only loss coming against Boise State in September. The Tigers have responded impressively since that defeat, beating UT Martin 45-21 before overwhelming Charlotte 59-8 and defeating UAB 38-13. Those performances have demonstrated the offensive potential that makes Memphis one of the more dangerous teams in the American Conference. The Tigers have scored at least 38 points in each of their last three contests, and their ability to create separation against weaker opponents has been particularly encouraging.
Through six games, Memphis has scored 231 points, averaging 38.5 per contest, while allowing 125, or 20.8 per game. The Tigers have demonstrated considerable balance, combining an effective passing attack with enough rushing production to maintain possession and create manageable third-down situations. Their recent victory over UAB was especially encouraging because Memphis didn’t depend on an unusually explosive offensive performance to win comfortably. The Tigers gradually established control and limited the Blazers to just 13 points, their second consecutive opponent held below two touchdowns.
The challenge Friday will be maintaining that momentum against a Tulane team playing at home. Memphis has demonstrated greater offensive consistency, but the Green Wave have been competitive in several games and recently held Army to 20 points. The Tigers need to avoid unnecessary turnovers and establish their rushing attack early to prevent Tulane from controlling possession. Memphis also lost 38-32 to the Green Wave last season, giving the Tigers additional motivation to reverse that result. Their recent performances suggest they have the offensive balance needed to accomplish that.
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Tulane Green Wave Need to Improve Their Offensive Execution
Tulane enters at 2-3 overall following Saturday’s narrow defeat against Army. The Green Wave have experienced an uneven opening stretch, suffering losses against Duke and Kansas State before splitting their next two games against South Alabama and Southern Miss. Their most recent contest presented an opportunity to earn an important conference victory, but Tulane surrendered a late advantage and eventually lost on a field goal as time expired. The defeat was particularly frustrating because the Green Wave led 17-10 during the fourth quarter before allowing Army to complete the comeback.
The Green Wave have scored 92 points through five games, averaging 18.4 per contest. That production reflects an offense that has struggled to establish sustained drives, particularly against opponents capable of controlling the line of scrimmage. Tulane managed only 122 rushing yards against Army, limiting its ability to control possession or protect its fourth-quarter advantage. The Green Wave have also struggled with passing-game consistency, making it difficult to recover when the offense falls behind the chains.
Playing at Yulman Stadium provides Tulane with an important advantage. Both of the Green Wave’s victories have come at home, and the team demonstrated last season that it can challenge Memphis in a competitive offensive contest. However, Friday’s matchup presents a difficult challenge because the Tigers have been considerably more productive on both sides of the football. Tulane needs a stronger offensive performance than it delivered against Army, particularly on early downs. The Green Wave cannot afford to spend another game struggling to generate scoring opportunities while Memphis controls possession and gradually builds an advantage.
Memphis vs Tulane Picks and Predictions
Pick: Memphis Tigers -6.5
I’m taking Memphis to cover the 6.5-point spread. The Tigers have been considerably more consistent offensively, scoring 142 points during their last three games while allowing only 42. Tulane has demonstrated enough defensive discipline to remain competitive in close contests, but its offensive limitations make keeping pace with Memphis a difficult assignment. The Green Wave have averaged fewer than 19 points per game, and that production may not be enough against a Tigers team capable of generating several scoring drives. Memphis also enters with considerably greater confidence after consecutive comfortable victories. Tulane’s home-field advantage deserves consideration, but the difference in offensive efficiency makes the Tigers the preferred side.
Pick: Under 54.5 Points
The Under 54.5 is the total pick. Memphis has demonstrated impressive scoring ability, but Tulane’s offense hasn’t generated enough consistent production to justify expecting another high-scoring Tigers contest. The Green Wave have scored 24 points or fewer in four of their five games, and their recent defeat against Army demonstrated how difficult sustaining drives can become against disciplined opponents. Memphis has also improved defensively, allowing only 21 combined points during its last two games. The Tigers should create enough offensive opportunities to win, but Tulane may attempt to limit possessions and control the clock to keep the game competitive. A 34-17 or 31-20 Memphis victory is a reasonable possibility, making the Under the preferred total.
Final Picks: Memphis Tigers -6.5 and Under 54.5 Points
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