Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch and the Tigers’ offense ensured Justin Fuente’s Tulsa homecoming ended with another Memphis victory.
For the fourth time this season, Lynch set a career high in passing yards with 447 and accounted for five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing), as No. 18 Memphis defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 66-42 at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Friday night. The 108 points scored in tonight’s game is the most in any college football game in 2015.
The Tigers (7-0, 3-0 American Athletic Conference) have now won 14 consecutive games dating back to last season, and haven’t lost in more than a calendar year.
While Lynch torched the Golden Hurricane's secondary through the air, the Memphis running game, which has had its struggles in recent weeks, looked back to its early season form. Redshirt sophomore running back Doroland Dorceus ran for a career-high 138 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. Freshman running back Jamarius Henderson had a breakout game – apart from a first half fumble – as he recorded 133 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns in the win.
Memphis’ wide receivers also got in on the action as Lynch completed passes to six different receivers (10 players in total). Redshirt senior Mose Frazier led the Tigers with 10 catches for a career-high 128 yards. Anthony Miller recorded five catches for 106 yards and a 45-yard touchdown catch. Tevin Jones had two touchdowns on four catches for 77 yards. In total, Memphis’ offense recorded 704 yards of total offense, a new program record.
The Tigers’ defense once again made enough plays to keep the Golden Hurricane at shore, despite giving up 42 points. Six different players recorded a sack, including sophomore linebacker Genard Avery, who had eight tackles, two being tackles for loss. The Memphis defense also forced three turnovers in the win.
The Golden Hurricane offense, which came into tonight’s game in the top 10 in yards per game in the FBS, gained more than 500 yards of total offense. Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans, who threw for 421 yards and four touchdowns, continued to find senior wide out Keyarris Garrett for big play after big play for the Golden Hurricanes. Garrett finished with 14 catches, 268 yards and three touchdowns.
Memphis returns to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for a two-game home stand starting next Saturday when the Tulane Green Wave visits the Bluff City.
