The Memphis Tigers defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 24-7, bouncing back from last week’s loss against Navy, but the game was sloppy from the opening kick.
“When you come out with a win, that’s what it's all about,” said Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan. “You can’t hang your head after a win.”
Memphis started out slow, punting on their first drive and missing a 35-yard field goal attempt on their second.
Middle Tennessee also struggled, punting on their first two offensive possessions. On their third drive on offense, Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato hit Wide Receiver Omari Kelly for a 69-yard touchdown, but, upon review, it was ruled a fumble in the endzone, giving the ball back to Memphis.
The Tigers failed to capitalize on the turnover, punting once again. At the end of the first quarter, it was still 0-0.
Memphis cornerback Kobee Minor forced a fumble on the first play of the second quarter, and Linebacker Chandler Martin recovered it putting the Tigers on MTSU’s 12-yard line.
Running back Brandon Thomas rushed into the endzone from two yards out to give Memphis the first lead of the night. That rushing touchdown also gave Thomas his 30th career rushing touchdown as a Memphis Tiger.
After an MTSU 3-and-out, the Tigers went on a 16-play drive, capped off by a Mario Anderson Jr. 4-yard touchdown.
At the half, Memphis led 14-0. During the first half, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan moved up to second all-time in AAC passing yards with 12,053.
On the first drive of the second half, Middle Tennessee marched down the field, scoring in eight plays with running back Terry Wilkins rushing into the endzone to make the score 14-7. Memphis started their first drive of the second half on the 50-yard line as wide receiver Jamari Hawkins returned the kick-off for 31-yards putting the Tigers in great field position. Memphis scored another rushing touchdown as Brandon Thomas, who returned in the second half after leaving the game with an injury, rushed in the endzone for 1-yard.
After an MTSU punt, the Tigers put three more points on the board thanks to a 47-yard field goal from kicker Caden Costa. Heading into the fourth, Memphis led 24-7.
The fourth quarter saw Memphis’ defense lock down the Blue Raiders, while the Tiger offense ran out the clock. As the clock expired, Memphis moved to 4-1 on the season, winning 24-7. Mario Anderson Jr. and Elijah Herring shined for the Tigers, with Anderson rushing for 118 yards on 18 carries and adding 48 yards on 6 catches, while Herring recorded ten tackles in his return to action.
“Any time you can hold an opponent to seven points, that’s tremendous,” said Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield postgame.
Seth Henigan did not throw for a passing touchdown, snapping his streak of 41 consecutive games with a passing TD which was tied for second in FBS history.
The Tigers have their bye week next week, and they will prepare for a crucial road game against South Florida the following weekend.
