MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Tigers win the interstate battle and their non-conference finale against Middle Tennessee 24-7. The dub gets Memphis back in the win column and keeps their hopes of winning the American and advancing to the playoffs alive, albeit slim.
After the heartbreaking 56-44 loss to Navy last week, Memphis needed to bounce back and although it took a while to get things going, the Tigers did just that.
Memphis had three drives in the first quarter, the first ended in a punt after four plays, the second ended with a failed field goal attempt and the third, another punt. Lucky for the Tigers, the Blue Raiders weren't much better - two punts and then a fumble out of the back of the end zone.
But that's the only time the two teams looked comparative. Memphis flipped a switch in the second quarter which started with a monster hit from Kobee Minor on MTSU quarterback Nicholas Vattiato. The hit forced a fumble and star linebacker Chandler Martin was there to recover and a few players later the short yardage monster, Brandon Thomas chugged in for a 2-yard TD to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
It was one of two touchdown runs from BT on the night. The second of those coming after Thomas left the game for part of the second quarter with what appeared to be an injury to the right leg.
His return a big relief for the Tigers who are already dealing with injuries to running backs Sutton Smith (out for the season with knee injury) and Greg Desrosiers Jr. (missed two games with a clavicle injury).
Fellow running back Mario Anderson Jr. also rushed for a touchdown and led the Tigers on the ground with 118 yards on 18 attempts. Anderson has now scored 8 touchdowns for the Tigers this season.
Meanwhile QB Seth Henigan went 26-41 for 227 yards. He did not throw a touchdown in the game which ends his 41-game long streak.
Memphis' D looked much improved this week but in fairness against a much easier opponent. The Tigers allowed one touchdown and just 44 yards on the ground, while forcing two turnovers and producing four sacks.
The Tigers move to 4-1 on the season as they now head into a bye week. When they return they'll head to South Florida on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
