Defense leads Memphis to 38-7 win over Tulane

Saturday, November 15

New Orleans, La.

2:30 PM

University of Memphis

7-3 , 5-1

Tulane

3-7 , 2-4

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Memphis

Tulane

Nov 15, 2014 | Football

Box Score

Nov. 15, 2014

NEW ORLEANS - Memphis cornerbacks Bobby McCain and Dontrell Nelson each had pick-six interceptions as the Tigers defeated Tulane 38-7, spoiling the Green Wave's first on-campus homecoming game in more than 40 years.

The 2014 season marks Tulane's first playing back on campus in Yulman Stadium.

With the win, Memphis notched its fourth American Athletic Conference road win. Memphis won four conference road games for the first time in program history. At 4-2, the Tigers equaled their best road mark since 2004.

"I think that we have a group that, I kind of like when we get them out of town," explained Memphis head coach Justin Fuente. "Quite honestly, we have an ability to focus and to dial in to the task at hand. We're here for only one reason, and we don't stay very long. We come in here to play a game and then get the heck out."

Memphis' defense set the tone during its first series on the field.

On Tulane's second play from scrimmage, McCain stepped in front of a receiver, picking off a pass and returning it 15 yards for the Tigers' first points. Memphis led 7-0 less than two minutes into the game. Tulane quarterback Tanner Lee was also intercepted on the Green Wave's second series by Andrew Gaines.

With an offense that struggled early, accounting for just 93 total yards in the first half, Memphis would need a solid defensive performance along with solid special teams.

Memphis place-kicker Jake Elliott gave the Tigers a 10-0 lead in the second quarter with a 22-yard field goal.

Freshman punter Spencer Smith would average 46.9 yards on eight punts, including four of 50+ yards and three inside Tulane's 20.

A Tulane fumble recovered by Ryan Coleman would set up the Tigers' first offensive touchdown.

Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch was able to find receiver Mose Frazier deep for a 38-yard touchdown pass.

"I saw him rolling and I just got in his vision," Frazier said. "I was hoping he would look up field. He did, he let it go, and I went and got it."

Frazier led Memphis with five receptions for 59 yards. Lynch completed 14-of-25 passes for 178 yards.

The Tigers would stretch their lead to 24-0 on Nelson's 58-yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:56 to play in the third quarter.

"The defense played a great game today," Frazier said. "They constantly bailed us out even though the offense started very slow. Bobby came out with a pick-6 and then Dontrell came out with a pick-6. Throughout the game they made stops every time we couldn't get anything going. Every time we got stopped, they went out and made a stop too."

Lynch would cap Memphis' next offensive series with a four-yard touchdown run, extending the Tigers' lead to 31-0 with four seconds left in the third quarter.

The Tiger defense pitched a shutout for three quarters. Tulane would finally get on the board by going 91 yards on 11 plays with Dontrell Hilliard scoring from 19 yards out with 1:55 to play.

Memphis would answer the late, Green Wave score. After a failed on-side kick by Tulane, Memphis running back Robert Davis had three straight runs, scoring from two yards out. Davis began the drive with a 39-yard run and also carried for a six-yard gain.

Davis was the Tigers' co-leader in rushing yards with 47, matching Brandon Hayes' game total. Tulane outgained Memphis 351 yards to 334. The Tigers, however, forced a season-high five takeaways - three picks and two fumble recoveries.

Memphis scored a season-high 21 points off turnovers in the win.

McCain's first-quarter interception marked the senior's fourth career pick-six. He also had an interception returned for a touchdown at Tulane his freshman season.

In addition to his interception returned four a touchdown, Nelson had a quarterback sack for a five-yard loss and two tackles for lost yardage.

At 7-3, Memphis guaranteed its first winning season since 2007. The Tigers are now one win shy of equaling a five-game winning streak strung together during the second half of the 2003 season.

Memphis closes out the regular season with two straight home games, starting Saturday against USF. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. Central and the game will be televised by ESPNews.