Memphis vs. Utah State in First Responder Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch, more
Utah State and Memphis are a pair of .500 teams looking to end the season on a high note. Here's what to know about the matchup.
Who is playing in the Servpro First Responder Bowl Bowl?
When and where is the First Responder Bowl?
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 3:15 p.m. ET at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas.
What channel is the First Responders Bowl on?
ESPN is airing the game.
Memphis vs. Utah State prediction
Utah State’s defense should get cornerbacks AJ Carter and Michael Anyanwu back from injury to combat Memphis quarterback Seth Hanigan. That will help the Aggies stay hot and send the Tigers to the program’s first losing season since 2013. Prediction: Utah State, 30-27.
Memphis vs. Utah State expert picks
Scooby Axson: Memphis
Jace Evans: Utah State
Paul Myerberg: Memphis
Erick Smith: Memphis
Eddie Timanus: Utah State
Dan Wolken: Utah State
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What are the odds and spread for Memphis vs. Utah State in the First Responder Bowl?
Get the latest betting info from Tipico Sportsbook here.
How has Memphis fared this season?
Memphis notched just one victory against an opponent with a winning record during a regular season distinguished by a series of close losses in conference play. Four of those five defeats came against American competition by a single possession, capped by a 34-31 loss to SMU in the season finale. That keyed a second-half swoon which dropped the Tigers into eighth in the American and placed third-year coach Ryan Silverfield on the hot seat heading into the offseason.
How has Utah State fared this season?
After going 11-3 and winning the Mountain West in 2021, the Aggies beat Connecticut in the season opener and then dropped four in a row, including losses to Weber State and UNLV. But they closed with five wins in seven games to finish third in the Mountain Division.
This solid run saw USU pick things up on offense to offset a hit-or-miss defense. For Memphis, the key to slowing down the Aggies will be to run right at a defense that ranks 119th nationally in yards allowed per game (198.2).
What happened to Utah State's quarterback?
Logan Bonner's season — and Utah State career — was over in September when he suffered a foot injury against UNLV.
Who is the QB for Utah State now?
Cooper Legas. He stepped in for Bonner and went 5-2 as the Aggies starter. He has been far from perfect, with multiple interceptions in three of those starts, and has to avoid turnovers against the Tigers. But he threw for 11 touchdowns in that finishing run.
Who are the players to watch?
A trio to keep your eyes on.
RB Asa Martin, Memphis
Martin is the Tigers’ second-leading rusher (392 yards) and provides a significant threat in the passing game (35 receptions for 302 yards). Utah State’s defense must be aware of where he is on the field.
K Chris Howard, Memphis
One of the top kickers in the Group of Five, Howard connected on seven of his eight kicks of 40 or more yards and on 20 of 23 overall attempts. In a close game with a kick being decisive, he gives Memphis an edge.
DB Ike Larsen, Utah State
The freshman won all-conference honors after leading the Aggies with four interceptions. He also set a school record with three blocked kicks, taking one back for a TD in a bowl-clinching win vs. San Jose State.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memphis vs. Utah State First Responder Bowl: Time, prediction, picks
