ESPN Bet · as of July 8, 2026
Memphis defeated Georgia State 38–16 to secure a comfortable win. Memphis covered by 6.5; Game went Under by 3.5. The market closed at Memphis -15.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Memphis -20.1 - a gap of 4.6 points toward Memphis, of which 3.6 points were beyond the model's measured factors. That was an information gap - the market pricing something the model does not carry - rather than a measured edge.
Starter TJ Finley was injured after starting 10-for-10, forcing backup Cameran Brown to step in. Brown had a touchdown running and passing but also threw an interception. Finley returned in the second half but the disruption likely affected offensive rhythm.
Memphis rushed for multiple touchdowns, including a 5-yard run by Brendon Lewis and a 1-yard plunge by Makari Bodiford, both on long drives. The Panthers allowed 38 points and couldn't stop Memphis from scoring the last 24 points.
Georgia State committed a costly interception returned for a touchdown by DeMarco Ward in the final minute, sealing the loss. This marks the second pick-6 allowed in as many games for the Panthers' defense.
Despite Finley's strong start (21-of-29 for 201 yards), the offense stalled after his injury. Brown was 8 of 12 for 139 yards but the team only managed 16 points, with a field goal and two touchdowns, failing to sustain drives in the second half.
Gianni Spetic's 55-yard field goal as time expired in the first half gave Memphis the lead, but Georgia State's special teams did not have a notable impact. The Panthers will need to improve in this phase to compete in future games.
At kickoff, conditions at Center Parc Stadium were Clear, 82°F, heat index 86°F with winds of 4 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Clear
82°F
| Measure | MemphisAway | Georgia StateHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 333 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Home game | 597 miles |
| Season total | 333 miles | 597 miles |
| Body clock | 18:00 | 19:00 |
| Rest | 7 days | 7 days |
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