Miami Beach Bowl 2014: Preview, Predictions for Memphis vs. BYU

The inaugural edition of the Miami Beach Bowl will feature the BYU Cougars (8-4) and the Memphis Tigers (9-3). The two teams are coming into the game on winning streaks of four and six games, respectively, and will make for an entertaining pre-Christmas bowl.

The Cougars started the season 4-0, but after losing potential Heisman candidate and star quarterback Taysom Hill to injury, they lost the next four games. Backup QB Christian Stewart managed to rally the squad to four-straight wins to close out the regular season.

The Tigers were one of three champions of the American Athletic Conference, along with Cincinnati and Central Florida. Memphis boasts a top-five defense that has surrendered only 17 points per game, which has carried them to nine wins.

This is the first meeting between Memphis and BYU, but it will surely be a good one. Read on to find a complete preview for the first Miami Beach Bowl.

Date: Monday, December 22nd

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Place: Marlins Park, Miami, FL

TV: ESPN

BYU and Memphis will feature a classic battle between a high-scoring offense and an elite defense. The Cougar offense averages 36 points per game, but the Tigers have allowed only 17 this season.

One stat to keep an eye on will be red zone efficiency. Memphis has allowed points on only 67 percent of opponents' trips to the red zone, while BYU has scored on nearly ninety percent.

Tally 150 Rushing Yards

BYU had no problems last week in executing its passing offense, but Memphis has a much better defense than Cal. The Cougs will need to run the ball effectively to give Christian Stewart opportunities in the passing game.

BYU averages 190 rushing yards per game, but will need to tally at least 150 to get a win. Being successful on the ground will open up the passing attack, which is BYU's strongest suit.

Force 3 Turnovers

The Cougs have not faced a defense of Memphis' caliber since their blowout loss to Boise State. In order to take pressure off of the offense and get momentum on its side, BYU will need to force three turnovers on defense.

BYU may have trouble scoring against the Tiger defense, but if turnovers can set up easy points, the Cougs will have a greater chance at winning its first bowl game since 2012.

Limit BYU to 30 Points

Memphis' defense has not given up 30 points since playing UCLA in week 2, but have not played an offense as good as BYU's since then. Limiting the Cougs to 30 points is a reasonable mark for the Tiger offense to match, and will keep the game from becoming a shootout.

There is no doubt that the Tiger defense is stronger than its offense, so the D will need to step up and limit BYU. If the Cougs score more than 30 points or so, it will be tough for the offense to recover.

Win the Special Teams Battle

If Memphis can get help from its special teams—notably its punter and kick returners—it will increase its chances to win. Pinning BYU's offense deep in its own territory with good punts would be huge, as will gaining momentum through kick returns.

BYU has had an impressive special teams showing all season, and if Memphis can take this advantage from the Cougs, it may get its first bowl victory since 2005.

Jordan Leslie (WR)

Leslie is coming off a career day at Cal, in which he posted 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Since transferring from UTEP, he has become BYU's best playmaking wideout and may pose problems for Cal's stout defense.

Christian Stewart (QB)

Perhaps the most impressive player in last week's game, Stewart completed 23 of 38 passes for 433 yards and five touchdowns. He has been outstanding in the past four games, resurrecting BYU's season and leading them to bowl eligibility. A big game from him against Memphis will cement his place as a memorable Cougar quarterback.

Kai Nacua (DB)

Nacua had an outstanding game last week, posting career-highs in solo tackles (9) and total tackles (14). As only a sophomore, Nacua is set to have a bright future at BYU, and could have a breakout bowl game.

Brandon Hayes (RB)

As Memphis' top running back, Hayes hashed an impressive senior season, tallying 900 rushing yards and eight total tackles. His final collegiate game against BYU could prove to be a memorable one, as the Cougar rushing defense has been inconsistent and porous at times.

Look for Hayes to carry the Tiger rushing offense and to have a solid game.

Tank Jakes (LB)

With 83 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and four forced fumbles on the year, Jakes is the undisputed leader of the Memphis defense. He is a legitimate pro prospect and could be the type of guy to watch around the NFL Draft.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall (via the Deseret News):

"Our team is excited to be in the postseason for a 10th-straight season and looking forward to the challenge of facing Memphis in the Miami Beach Bowl. Memphis had a great regular season, winning a share of the AAC title. They are well coached with a strong defense and a balanced offense. It should be a great matchup in Miami."

Memphis head coach Justin Fuente (via the Commercial Appeal):

"We would've been happy with going anywhere. We're excited to go to Miami and to play an opponent like BYU. We have a lot of work to do to be prepared and to kind of earn that invitation...We're looking forward to going."

There's no doubt that this game will be an entertaining one, as both teams have proven themselves as great squads. BYU and Memphis matchup together well and will make for an interesting game.

In the end, BYU's offense will be too much for the Memphis D to handle, and the Cougar defense will get enough stops to win the game.

Prediction: BYU wins, 35-24