University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Cincinnati
Tigers Hold Off Cincinnati, 21-16
Nov 22, 2003 | Football
Nov. 22, 2003
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Darron White ran for one touchdown and threw for another as Memphis used a late defensive stand to beat Cincinnati 21-16 on Saturday.
White finished with only 3 yards rushing, but his touchdown with just under six minutes remaining gave the Tigers (8-3, 5-2 Conference USA) the winning score.
It was Memphis' fifth straight victory, and marked the first time the Tigers have won eight games in a season since 1973.
Cincinnati (5-6, 2-5) capitalized on several Memphis mistakes, but lost for the third time in four games.
With Memphis quarterback Danny Wimprine struggling with his passing, and leading rusher DeAngelo Williams injured, it was up to the Tiger defense to turn the game around trailing 16-14 entering the fourth quarter.
Wesley Smith's interception and return to the Bearcat 10 set up the go-ahead touchdown run by White with 5:57 remaining. Then the Tiger defense stopped the Bearcats on the ensuing series that took Cincinnati to the Memphis 30.
Williams, who leads the nation in all-purpose yards averaging 190.7 a game, left the game in the third quarter with a sprained left knee after rushing for 136 yards on 23 carries.
Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli was 18-of-39 passing on the day for 272 yards, the majority to Hannibal Thomas. Thomas, who entered the game with only seven catches on the season, had 10 receptions for 173 yards.
Cincinnati took advantage of Memphis miscues to lead 13-7 at the break. Wimprine, who finished 8-of-26 for 80 yards, recorded just 18 yards passing in the first half because of tight defense by the Cincinnati secondary.
