Memphis vs Utah State Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for First Responder Bowl 2022 (Expect Fireworks in Dallas)

Memphis vs Utah State Game Info

2022 NCAA College Football Game — SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Memphis Tigers (6-6) vs. Utah State Aggies (6-6)
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022
Time: 3:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium — Dallas, TX
Coverage: ESPN

The 2022 NCAA college football bowl game matchups have been revealed, including the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl between the Memphis Tigers and Utah State Aggies.

Memphis enters this bowl contest on the back of a 34-31 loss to SMU on Nov. 26, ending the former's win streak at two games. Meanwhile, a 42-23 blowout loss to Boise State a few weeks back ended Utah State's three-game winning streak, leaving the school hungry for a win to end the year.

Can Memphis extend its bowl winning streak to two consecutive appearances? Or will Utah State win its third bowl game since 2018?

Memphis vs Utah State Odds & Spread

All NCAAF betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Moneyline: MEM: (-280) | USU: (+225)
Spread: MEM: -7.5 (-105) | USU: +7.5 (-115)
Total: 62.5 — Over: (-105) | Under: (-115)

Memphis enters this contest as a clear favorite on the spread and moneyline. This First Responder Bowl clash also features a total of 6.5, which is slightly above average compared to this year's bowl games.

Memphis vs Utah State Prediction & Pick

Memphis is the clear favorite at the First Responder Bowl and a lot of that like has to do with Utah State's awful defense. Though the Aggies have won more often than not lately, their defense has surrendered an average of 37 points over the last three games and must face a Tigers offense that operates at a 32.9 PPG clip (No. 26).

Furthermore, Utah State allows the 18th-most rushing yards in the nation (198.4). If Memphis can get a sizeable lead at some point, its run game — which averages 132.6 rushing yards (No. 86) should have no issue running out the clock.

Memphis is the more well-rounded team and, as long as it sticks to what's worked, a victory should be right around the corner.

Final Score Prediction: Memphis: 38 | Utah State: 27

Memphis vs Utah State Betting Trends

- Memphis is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games.
- Utah State is 5-2 straight up in its last seven games.
- The total has hit the over in eight of Memphis' last 12 games.
- The total has hit the over in five of Utah State's last eight games.

Memphis vs Utah State Best Bet

All NCAAF betting lines, odds and prop bets are available on FanDuel Sportsbook.

Neither of these teams is a defensive juggernaut. After all, Memphis has allowed 30-plus points eight times this season while Utah State has done so seven times. Considering how the total has also gone over in 13 of their last 20 games combined this season, chances are there's another high-scoring affair approaching.

Needless to say, expect a lot of points at this year's First Responder Bowl.

Bet: Over 62.5 Points (-105)

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.