University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
1-0
Nicholls
0-1
Tigers Take Down Nicholls, 42-17, in Season Opener
Sep 04, 2021 | Football
With the win, Memphis (1-0) extended the team's overall winning-streak at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to 16 games and to 21-consecutive over non-conference opponents.
After falling behind 7-0 to Nicholls (0-1), the Tigers reeled off the game's next 32 points to seize control of the game thanks a to potent running attack. Redshirt freshman Brandon Thomas led the charge, rushing for a game-high 147 yards on 16 carries with a score.
Running backs Marquavius Weaver and Rodrigues Clark each had rushing scores as well for the Tigers, who ran for 322 yards as a team.
Quarterback Seth Henigan became the first true freshman to start a season-opener in program history, finishing the game 19-for-32 for 265 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown on his final throw of the game to wide receiver Calvin Austin III.
Defensively, the Tigers were led by defensive back Quindell Johnson and linebacker JJ Russell, who each finished with a team-best seven tackles. Defensive back Sylvonta Oliver recorded his second career interception for Memphis in the fourth quarter, stopping the final drive of the game for the Colonels.
The Tigers return to the field on Saturday, Sept. 11 when the team heads to Jonesboro, Ark. to face Arkansas State. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. CT kickoff and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Team Stats
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 0
NICHOLLS - Franklin,KJ 10 yd pass from Scott,Lindsey (Lasseigne,Gavin kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:47
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 3
MEM - Doyle, Joe 26 yd field goal 10 plays, 57 yards, TOP 2:56
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 10
MEM - Clark, R. 13 yd run (Doyle, Joe kick), 12 plays, 72 yards, TOP 3:45
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 17
MEM - Thomas, Brandon 10 yd run (Doyle, Joe kick), 5 plays, 69 yards, TOP 1:32
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 20
MEM - Doyle, Joe 33 yd field goal 10 plays, 60 yards, TOP 3:27
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 26
MEM - Weaver, M. 1 yd run (Henigan, Seth rushfailed), 8 plays, 78 yards, TOP 2:17
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 29
MEM - Doyle, Joe 24 yd field goal 11 plays, 54 yards, TOP 1:31
NICHOLLS 7, MEM 32
MEM - Doyle, Joe 38 yd field goal 8 plays, 54 yards, TOP 3:11
NICHOLLS 14, MEM 32
NICHOLLS - Scott,Lindsey 5 yd run (Lasseigne,Gavin kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:47
NICHOLLS 14, MEM 35
MEM - Doyle, Joe 25 yd field goal 8 plays, 61 yards, TOP 3:05
NICHOLLS 14, MEM 42
MEM - Austin III, C. 11 yd pass from Henigan, Seth (Doyle, Joe kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:20
NICHOLLS 17, MEM 42
NICHOLLS - Lasseigne,Gavin 35 yd field goal 9 plays, 56 yards, TOP 3:33
