The Memphis Tigers travel to Greenville, North Carolina, for their November 15, 2025, matchup against the East Carolina Pirates, carrying with them the confidence and firepower that have made them one of the American Athletic Conference’s most balanced and dangerous teams. Under head coach Ryan Silverfield, the Tigers have found their offensive groove once again, ranking near the top of the AAC in both scoring and total yardage. Quarterback Seth Henigan continues to prove himself as one of the league’s most polished passers, amassing over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns this season with efficiency and control. His combination of accuracy, pre-snap recognition, and ability to make big throws under pressure has been a hallmark of Memphis’s success. Henigan’s connection with wide receivers Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee has been the foundation of the offense — Taylor’s size and physicality make him a nightmare on slants and fades, while Blankumsee’s speed stretches the field and punishes defenses that gamble with single coverage. Tight end Anthony Landphere provides a steady presence in the middle of the field, giving Henigan a security blanket on critical third downs. Complementing this aerial attack, the Tigers rely on running back Sutton Smith, whose dynamic ability both as a runner and receiver adds versatility and unpredictability. Smith has totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, consistently turning short gains into explosive plays with his elusiveness and vision. The offensive line, anchored by veteran guard Davion Carter, has been reliable in both pass protection and run-blocking, allowing Henigan to operate cleanly against aggressive defenses. Against ECU, Memphis’s offensive game plan will likely center on tempo and spacing — spreading the field to neutralize the Pirates’ blitz-heavy approach while keeping their defense on its heels.

On the defensive side, Memphis has evolved from a liability into a unit capable of complementary football. Defensive coordinator Matt Barnes has built a scheme predicated on speed and physicality, led by linebacker Chandler Martin, who has been a tackling machine, and safety Simeon Blair, whose veteran leadership has stabilized the secondary. The Tigers have forced 16 turnovers this season and excel in third-down defense, often using disguised pressures to confuse opposing quarterbacks. In this matchup, their priority will be containing ECU’s ground attack, led by running back Rahjai Harris, and forcing the Pirates into passing situations where their quarterbacks have struggled with accuracy and decision-making. The defensive line, featuring Jaylon Allen and Maurice White, must dominate the trenches to prevent ECU from controlling the tempo. Special teams remain an underrated strength for Memphis, with kicker Chris Howard providing reliability from long range and return specialist Joe Scates capable of flipping field position in an instant. Betting trends favor the Tigers, who have covered in five of their last eight road games, thriving as favorites when their offense gets rolling early. Silverfield’s squad is built to start fast, sustain drives, and pull away late, particularly against teams with defensive depth issues. If Henigan remains poised and the offensive line keeps him upright, Memphis has the weapons to put this game out of reach by the second half. Expect the Tigers to lean into their strengths — an efficient passing game, balanced rushing attack, and opportunistic defense — to maintain control from start to finish. Prediction: Memphis 38, East Carolina 20 — Henigan’s precision and Smith’s versatility overwhelm the Pirates’ defense, keeping Memphis firmly in the AAC title conversation.