In what was a showcase day for Memphis’ transfer class, the Tigers comfortably beat Troy 38-17 to improve to 2-0 on the season behind strong performances from South Carolina transfer running back Mario Anderson Jr and Tennessee transfer linebacker Elijah Herring.
The day began with two quick three and outs forced by the Memphis defense, followed by a methodical 14 play, 70-yard touchdown drive led by Seth Henigan and Mario Anderson Jr.
Troy responded with a score to tie the game to start the second quarter, where starting quarterback Goose Crowder gave the Tigers’ defense issues with his mobility. On Crowder’s touchdown scramble though, he got knocked out for the game, limiting Troy’s offensive firepower and options for the rest of the game.
After Troy tied the game, Memphis immediately responded with another touchdown drive led by their rushing game, ending with a Brandon Thomas goal line touchdown, his second touchdown in as many rushing attempts. Thomas became the 5th all-time rushing touchdown leader in program history with his second touchdown. After a quick defensive stop, Memphis scored again to go up 21-7 on a rapid two play, 50-yard drive finished with a Mario Anderson Jr. 21-yard rush.
The play of the game came at the beginning of the third quarter. Memphis left the door open for Troy to get back into the game after starting the quarter with a three-and-out, but Elijah Herring forced and recovered a fumble on the first defensive play of the half, setting Memphis up in excellent field position. Memphis followed this fumble up with a 32-yard Caden Costa field goal.
After another defensive stop, Henigan threw a 4-yard touchdown to Brendan Doyle to go up 31-7, his 82nd passing touchdown of his career, passing Danny Winprime for No. 2 on Memphis’ all-time touchdown leader list. Henigan is nine touchdowns away from sole possession of No. 1, as his predecessor Brady White sits at 90 career passing touchdowns all time.
After a Troy field goal, Mario Anderson Jr. rushed for his second touchdown of the day, effectively sealing the game at 38-10.
Anderson Jr. had a bounce back game totaling 125 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Anderson averaged a ridiculous 7.4 yards per carry, displaying his ability to get into the open field and make defenders miss.
Anderson Jr. was not the only running back to have a great day, as UMASS transfer Greg Desrosiers Jr. showed promise in being a viable change of pace and pass catching back now that Sutton Smith is out for the season, which head coach Ryan Silverfield announced in the postgame press conference.
“There hasn’t been too many times in my career we rushed for 200 yards,” said quarterback Seth Henigan after the game, praising the performance of the running backs today.
On the defensive side, junior linebacker Elijah Herring had a huge day and led the Tigers with eight total tackles (6 solo), two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He anchored a defense that was incredibly stout against Troy’s calling card, the run game. Troy rushed for 101 yards on 34 attempts, only 2.97 yards per rush. While it is early and the competition has not been the strongest, this defense looks like one of the strongest Memphis has had in recent memory.
Henigan, although not as efficient as last week, put up another clean performance going 20 of 32 for 161 yards and a touchdown. Even with his second straight game with no interceptions and completing a pass to nine different receivers, Henigan missed some key throws early in the game, and the deep ball was not an effective move throughout the course of the game.
On the day, Henigan said he gave himself a 7.5/10, wishing he had hit some of the deep balls. Despite this, Henigan remained confident and positive with his unit and hopes to rise to new heights.
The marquee game of the non-conference schedule awaits Memphis next week, as they travel to Tallahassee to play former coach Mike Norvell and Florida St. The game will be on ESPN at 11 a.m. CT Saturday.
Although the first two games have gone off without a hitch, the team believes there is another level they can reach.
“I think we’re not even close to our peak performance,” said Henigan.
