University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Smith Named American Player of the Week
Sep 28, 2015 | Football
Sophomore punter’s performance third-best in program history
University of Memphis sophomore punter Spencer Smith was named the American Athletic Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the Tigers' 53-46 win over Cincinnati last Thursday night.
Smith averaged 52.7 yards on six punts in the Cincinnati win as the Tigers improved to 4-0 and opened American play with a victory over the conference's preseason favorite.
In the win, Smith flipped field position with each of his punt including three after the Tigers were pinned inside their own 20. Smith had four punts of 50-plus yards including a career-long, 72-yarder which was his only touchback. The 72-yard punt is currently the eighth-longest punt in NCAA FBS Football this season.
Even without the punt of 72 yards, Smith averaged 48.8 yards over the other five punts in the Cincinnati game. The 52.7-yard performance tied for the third-best punting performance in program history.
For the year, the sophomore from Newnan, Ga., is averaging 49.9 yards per punt which ranks third nationally. Of his 15 punts, nine have been 50-plus yards and five have been downed inside opponents' 20.
In addition, Memphis junior quarterback Paxton Lynch was named to the American's Weekly Honor Roll.
For the third time in as many weeks, Lynch established a new career passing yardage mark, completing 24-of-36 passes for 412 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Cincinnati. Lynch also led Memphis with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries and made a two-point conversion with a rushing attempt in the fourth quarter.
Memphis plays on the road Friday night, taking on USF in a game which will be televised on ESPN2. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Central at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Smith averaged 52.7 yards on six punts in the Cincinnati win as the Tigers improved to 4-0 and opened American play with a victory over the conference's preseason favorite.
In the win, Smith flipped field position with each of his punt including three after the Tigers were pinned inside their own 20. Smith had four punts of 50-plus yards including a career-long, 72-yarder which was his only touchback. The 72-yard punt is currently the eighth-longest punt in NCAA FBS Football this season.
Even without the punt of 72 yards, Smith averaged 48.8 yards over the other five punts in the Cincinnati game. The 52.7-yard performance tied for the third-best punting performance in program history.
For the year, the sophomore from Newnan, Ga., is averaging 49.9 yards per punt which ranks third nationally. Of his 15 punts, nine have been 50-plus yards and five have been downed inside opponents' 20.
In addition, Memphis junior quarterback Paxton Lynch was named to the American's Weekly Honor Roll.
For the third time in as many weeks, Lynch established a new career passing yardage mark, completing 24-of-36 passes for 412 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Cincinnati. Lynch also led Memphis with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries and made a two-point conversion with a rushing attempt in the fourth quarter.
Memphis plays on the road Friday night, taking on USF in a game which will be televised on ESPN2. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Central at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
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