The path to the AAC championship game is simple for the Memphis Tigers (6-2 overall, 4-2 in AAC).

Just win and hope the chips — meaning a few Tulsa losses —fall where they may.

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All season, coach Ryan Silverfield has preached to the team to control what it can control, and this week, that’s beating a Green Wave team that is actually favored.

The line is slim, sitting at just +1.5; experts are basically saying this is a pick 'em. It’s an interesting line considering Tulane is just 2-5 in the AAC (5-5 overall). Those AAC wins came over East Carolina and Temple, but the Green Wave has won three of its past four games overall, the lone defeat coming Nov. 19 against No. 24 Tulsa in double overtime.

Tulane is playing its best football, while Memphis has been disjointed in different phases the past few weeks, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Memphis managed just 10 points against Navy, and it needed a half to wake up against Stephen F. Austin.

That could be why Vegas is leaning toward Tulane, but what are the answers to get the offense going Saturday for the 11 a.m. kickoff in New Orleans?

Effective Offense

It starts with the offensive line winning against the Green Wave defensive front, led by one of the country’s best pass rushers in Patrick Johnson.

Their bread and butter defensively is getting after the quarterback to make him uncomfortable. With the Tigers’ struggles running the ball lately, expect the Green Wave to come at Brady White hard.

If you take out the win against Army, Tulane has managed at least four sacks in its past three games. It leads the AAC this season with 35 sacks.

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It will be just the latest test for the Memphis offensive line. The Tigers kept SMU’s pass rush at bay until the latter stages of the game, while they were thoroughly dominated by Cincinnati.

If the Memphis offensive line can pass this test, it increases the chances of victory.

Make Michael Pratt beat you

When the Memphis defense is on the field, it’ll be a battle of strength on strength. The Green Wave’s rushing attack is among the best in the AAC, but so is the Tigers’ run defense.

They are holding teams to less than four yards per carry and shut down Navy’s triple option attack to just seven points — its lone score was spurred by a long fake punt.

Memphis should have confidence the defense can handle the versatile Tulane rushing attack. The goal should be to force true freshman quarterback Michael Pratt to win the game. Pratt has gotten better during the season as he adjusts to the college game, but the Green Wave don’t ask him to do much.

Pratt has attempted more than 30 passes just once, against East Carolina. Tulane offensive coordinator Will Hall prefers to keep Pratt to about 25 attempts or fewer and let his talented group of backs carry the load. Taking that away will put pressure on the young quarterback to make plays against a veteran secondary that is playing its best.

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Quindell Johnson and Rodney Owens have been standouts all season. Sanchez Blake had a dozen tackles against Navy, and TJ Carter looks healthy. Memphis should have the edge if the defense can make Tulane one dimensional.

Asa’s turn

Silverfield made a comment earlier in the week that the running back competition is still wide open, and at this point the Tigers still lack a clear-cut No. 1. Dreke Clark has filled that role most of the season, but an injury could open the door for others to make their mark.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Johns pointed out Asa Martin is one of those players who have earned more reps after a positive showing against Navy last week. The former four-star recruit was slowed by a hamstring injury in the preseason, but he looks to be rounding back into form.

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At this point the Memphis backfield has been a group of specialists. Clark is the power back, Kylan Watkins the receiving back and Marquavius Weaver the pass blocking back. Martin could present the offense with the most complete package, showing his versatility as a receiver against the Midshipmen with a 43-yard reception that set up the score.

If we take Johns at his word, Saturday could be the day we see the most of Martin so far. Could he provide the spark to the run game that hasn’t been the same since Cincinnati in late October?

It would be a big boost for the offense. Martin has waited all season for his moment, and it looks like it’s about to occur; it’s on him to make the most of it.

Get Calvin Austin III back involved

For the first time in more than a month, an opposing defense found a way to slow down wide receiver Calvin Austin. He was held to just two receptions for 21 yards against Navy, which made it its mission to not get beat over the top by his dynamic speed.

The Green Wave no doubt will try to emulate parts of that game plan. How exactly will Johns and Silverfield get Austin involved if Tulane doesn’t elect to use press coverage and plays two high safeties most of the game? We should see Austin more involved in the short passing game with screens and crossing routes across the middle of the defense.

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You knew sooner or later teams would adjust how they’d play Austin, so now it’s time for Memphis to develop a counterpunch. Maybe we’ll see more of Austin in the slot, where it will be easier to create mismatches. Tulane is surrendering close to 300 receiving yards per game, which bodes well for White and the rest of the receivers.

But for the offense to function at its highest level, the Tigers need Austin to be a bigger part of the offense than he was against Navy.

Rely on special teams if need be

From kicker Riley Patterson to punter Adam Williams to Austin as a punt returner, the Tigers’ special teams unit remains one of the best in the country. As well as the defense played last week, the special teams was right there with them as Williams pinned the Midshipmen four times inside their own 20.

By winning the battle of field position, the Tigers were constantly at an advantage as Navy needed to drive the length of the field just to get into field goal range. A similar showing against another run-heavy attack could be the difference once again.