Bowl season rolls on into the final week of 2023, and one of the final bowls features what is essentially a home game for one Tennessee-based team.
The Memphis Tigers (9-3) are the “visiting” team when they play the Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) in this year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl. However, the stadium that hosts the bowl is none other than Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the Tigers’ home field in Tennessee.
Memphis is seeking its third straight bowl win under head coach Ryan Silverfield.
Iowa State’s last bowl win came in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl, a game in which current 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy won offensive MVP.
Notably, this is a Liberty Bowl rematch between Memphis and Iowa State, who played each other in the same bowl in 2017. The Cyclones won that game, 21-20.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Liberty Bowl.
Memphis’ Seth Henigan (2) rushes toward the end zone against South Florida.
College bowl season: Are bowl games really worth the hassle anymore, especially as Playoff expansion looms?
Memphis vs. Iowa State predictions
Memphis Commercial Appeal: Iowa State 38, Memphis 31
Jonah Dylan writes, “There are more points scored than in 2017, and it’s close throughout. But in the end, the Cyclones spoil the Tigers’ quasi-home game and earn another bowl win.”
Des Moines Register: Iowa State 34, Memphis 31
Randy Peterson writes, “This is classic strength vs. strength – Iowa State’s rock-solid defense trying to slow high-scoring Memphis… Defense may not win games all the time, but that side of the ball certainly can keep the score close.”
Winners and Whiners: Take the points for Memphis
Michael Briggs writes, “The Tigers have their defensive problems, but it would be shocking if their offense didn’t come to play Friday on their home field. With ten wins in their sights, they will be competitive in this bowl game,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/memphis-vs-iowa-state-predictions-113426479.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2023-12-29 11:34:26
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.