MEMPHIS, Tenn — Despite a slow start on offense the Memphis Tigers (8-2, 4-2 AAC) managed to beat the Rice Owls (3-7, 2-4 AAC), 27-20 on Friday night inside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
It was Memphis' 8th win of the season and a big bounce back after falling to UTSA last Saturday.
On Memphis' opening offensive drive, Seth Henigan was picked off and things didn't get much better on the next two drives as the Tigers couldn't get the ball past halfway.
During that time the Memphis defense came up with a couple of big time stops in the red zone to hold the Owls to two made field goals.
The Tigers finally got things rolling on their fourth drive. Not only did they pass halfway for the first time, but they made it to the red zone and eventually the end zone. Seth Henigan faked a handoff before finding tight end Brenden Doyle for the score to take a 7-6 lead.
From there Memphis lent on the run game. Mario Anderson Jr. rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown while Brandon Thomas, who has missed the last two game due to an injury, rushed for 26 yards and one powerful and bullish touchdown.
Anderson now had 977 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season, while Thomas has seven touchdowns on the year.
Henigan completed 14-31 for 159 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the win. He was also sacked once.
Chandler Martin led the team with 11 total tackles, 9 of which were solo. He also had one pass breakup, one QB hurry and one fumble recovery. Meanwhile Daveon Ross had 9 total tackles, 3 pass breakups and one QB hurry.
In the second quarter of the game linebacker Karmelo Overton collapsed on the field as he tried to make his way to the sideline after being hit by two Rice players on a kickoff. Postgame head coach Ryan Silverfield said Overton was at a local hospital getting tests and said that he was able to talk and communicate before being carted off the field. He asked Tiger nation to keep Overton in their thoughts and prayers.
Memphis are back at home next Saturday against UAB at 7 p.m. in what will be Henigan's final home game of his illustrious career as a Memphis Tiger.
