Tigers Take Down No. 23/24 SMU, 28-25

Saturday, November 6

Memphis, Tenn.

11 a.m.

University of Memphis

5-4 , 2-3

SMU

7-2 , 3-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

SMU

Memphis

Nov 06, 2021 | Football

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Postgame Notes Watch | Coach Silverfield Press Conference Watch | Seth Henigan Press Conference Watch | Javon Ivory Press Conference Watch | Rodney Owens Press Conference

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Tigers defeated the No. 23/24-ranked SMU Mustangs, 28-25, on Homecoming at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The Tigers (5-4, 2-3 American Athletic Conference) earned the program's first win over a ranked opponent since beating No. 21/21 Cincinnati in the AAC Championship Game, 29-24, on Dec. 7, 2019.

Memphis' defense had one of their best efforts of the year on Saturday, recording a season-high five sacks by five different players. Entering the game, SMU (7-2, 3-2 AAC) had only allowed five sacks across eight contests. The Tigers forced three turnovers on the day – two fumbles and one interception.

Back from injury, true freshman quarterback Seth Henigan lit up the Mustangs' defense, completing 34-of-53 passes for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III led 11 Tigers with at least one reception, reeling in eight passes for 88 yards.

Trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, Memphis tied the game with just 16 seconds left in the half on a two-yard touchdown pass from Henigan to Eddie Lewis. SMU ended the first 30 minutes with the lead, however, as they were able to kick a 47-yard field goal as time expired to take the 10-7 advantage into the break.

The Tigers exploded out of halftime, scoring the game's next 21 points to take a 28-10 lead with 11:01 left in the game.

After a one-yard touchdown run from running back Asa Martin gave Memphis the 14-10 lead, Javon Ivory continued the scoring streak with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Henigan to make the score 21-10. Ivory totaled six catches for 67 yards and a score.

Memphis then brought out the trickery on a critical, 4^th-and-2 play to push the lead to 28-10. Running back Rodrigues Clark took the snap directly through Henigan's legs and connected with tight end Sean Dykes down the field for a 40-yard score.

SMU answered back to make it a one-score game, posting 15-straight points. After a Memphis punt, the Mustangs had the ball, down three, with 2:19 left in the contest.

For one last time on the day, the Tiger defense made a play. On 1st-and-10 at the Memphis 43-yard line, defensive back Rodney Owens intercepted the SMU pass, sealing the win for the Tigers. Owens ended the game with six tackles, one sack and one pick.

Defensive back Quindell Johnson had a game-high seven tackles and a fumble recovery, while linebacker JJ Russell recorded six stops, one sack and two tackles for loss. Defensive linemen Maurice White, Morris Joseph and linebacker Jaylon Allen all had one sack for Memphis.

For the Tigers, Lewis ended the game with six catches for 43 yards and a TD, while Dykes finished with three receptions for 64 yards and a score.

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