Utah State had quite the drop off this year after going 11-3 and picking up a win in the LA Bowl last season. The Aggies were just 6-6 in 2022, although that’s not a bad rebound from a 1-4 start. Memphis (6-6) had the opposite season, beginning 4-1 before giving up two TDs in the final 1:30 in a 33-32 loss to Houston sent them spiraling to five defeats in their last seven games.
Before Betting on the First Responder Bowl
If you’re riding momentum, it’s definitely Utah State that has it even though they did lose 42-23 to Boise State in the regular season finale. It’s interesting that the Aggies got better even after losing QBs Logan Bonner (3,560 yards, 36 TDs last year) and Levi Williams (started multiple games at Wyoming last two seasons) to injuries and freshman Cooper Legas took over.
Legas has struggled throwing 4 INTs in his last two starts, but he does get a break in that it looks like Calvin Tyler, Jr. will play in this game, Tyler (1,034 yards) has declared for the NFL draft, but the Beaumont, TX native wants one last opportunity to suit up in his home state as the First Responder Bowl is held in Dallas.
Memphis had a top 25 passing attack this season as QB Seth Henigan threw for 3,200+ yards for the second straight year. Utah State also had a top 25 defense, but some of that could also be due to the Aggies being unable to stop the run, being a bottom 15 team in giving up 198.4 ypg on the ground.
Utah State vs Memphis NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | USU (3.20) | Memphis (1.38) | 58 | USU +7 (1.91) | Memphis -7 (1.91) |
| Bovada | USU (3.30) | Memphis (1.35) | 58.5 | USU +7 (1.91) | Memphis -7 (1.91) |
| BetUS | USU (3.10) | Memphis (1.38) | 58.5 | USU +7 (1.95) | Memphis -7 (1.87) |
| SportsBetting.ag | USU (3.20) | Memphis (1.38) | 58 | USU +7 (1.91) | Memphis -7 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | USU (3.32) | Memphis (1.34) | 58.5 | USU +7 (1.90) | Memphis -7 (1.95) |
| MyBookie | USU (3.04) | Memphis (1.39) | 58.5 | USU +7 (1.91) | Memphis -7 (1.91) |
First Responder Bowl Prediction & Pick
The -7 point spread seems like a bit much, but Memphis should be able to control the trenches here and they have the more experienced QB.
Pick: Memphis -7
