The Tigers fell to the Cyclones in the 59th AutoZone Liberty Bowl 21-20. The game was sold out with an announced attendance of 57,266.
The Tigers finished their season 10-3, and the Cyclones finished 8-5. Ten wins ties the Tigers’ win record from 2014 under former head coach Justin Fuente. This was the Tigers fourth consecutive bowl appearance and their first appearance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
“We were so very honored to be a part of the AutoZone Liberty bowl,” Memphis head coach Mike Norvell said. “It was a hard fought contest….it came down to just a few plays, which is pretty much what we expected coming into it.”
Running back Darrell Henderson did not play today. His leg was taped up during pre-game warm ups.
“(Henderson’s absence) definitely tested our depth,” Norvell said. “We weren’t able to rotate as much. Patrick (Taylor). and Tony (Pollard) pretty much played the entire game which is a challenge in it’s own regard…Darrell is a great back. He was a 1,000 yard back this season. Not having him definitely affected us in some sorts.”
The Cyclones got an early lead. In less than two minutes they took the ball 65 yards. A pass from quarterback Kyle Kempt threw to Hakeem Butler for a touchdown gave the Cyclones the lead. Garret Owens’ extra point kick took the Cyclones lead to 7-0.
After a possession where Memphis was unable to to cross into ISU territory, Memphis defense forced Iowa State into a fourth down situation. A turnover on the punt gave the Tigers the ball at the ISU 30.
Quarterback Riley Ferguson threw to wide receiver Anthony Miller, who caught the ball and ran to the end zone. Riley Patterson scored the extra point, and it took the Tigers 16 seconds in a drive to tie the game at 7.
After some stops by the Tiger defense, Iowa State was forced to punt from their own 15. Memphis looked to get down the field and put points on the board by bringing out the field goal unit, but Patterson missed the kick an the game remained tied at 7 as they Cyclones and Tigers entered the second quarter.
On Memphis’ first possession of the second quarter, Ferguson tried to carry on third and fourth downs, but was sacked both times, which gave the Cyclones the ball at about midfield. Ferguson was sacked a total of six times by the Cyclone’s defense.
Memphis defense brought up fourth down for the Tigers, but the Cyclones were able to convert for a first down. Linebacker, Joel Lanning ran the ball into the end zone. Owens’ kick took the Cyclones took the lead to 14-7.
Memphis was unable to produce much on their next possession. The Cyclones’ defense was able to bring up fourth and 18.
Memphis had the final possession go the first half that resulted in a field goal from Riley Patterson to cut the Cyclones lead to 14-10.
In the second half, Memphis received. Ferguson threw to Miller on second down for 21 yards. A pass from Ferguson to Phil Mayhue gave the Tigers the touchdown and Patterson’s extra point gave the Tigers a 17-14 lead.
Memphis defense struggled to stop the Cyclones. Kempt threw to Lazard for a touchdown. Owens’ kick put the Cyclones up 21-17.
On Memphis’ next possession Patrick Taylor ran for 47 years, but the Tigers settled for a field goal. Patterson cut the Cyclones lead to 21-20.
Memphis defense brought up fourth down, but the Cyclones brought in Lanning at quarterback to give the Cyclones a first down. Montgomery appeared to make a touchdown but fumbled for the Cyclone’s first fumble of the season. The Tigers recovered with 4:06 to play.
On fourth and 10. Ferguson threw to Damonte Coxie for a first down with two and a half minutes to play. However, Iowa State defense continued challenge the Tiger offense. At fourth and 10 Ferguson threw an incomplete pass intended for Mayhue.
Iowa State received the ball back and made small plays to run out the clock, and take home the win.
Tigers' wide receiver, Anthony Miller, stretches over the goal line for a touchdown. Miller had one touchdown and 55 yards in his final game for Memphis.
Fans bundle up to watch the Cyclones and Tigers in the 59th AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The high temperature the day of the game was 39 degrees. The game was sold out with an announced attendance of 57,266.
