University of Memphis
1-0
Nicholls
0-1
Tigers Take Down Nicholls, 42-17, in Season Opener
Sep 04, 2021 | Football
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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.
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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.
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Running backs Marquavius Weaver and Rodrigues Clark each had rushing scores as well for the Tigers, who ran for 322 yards as a team.
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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.
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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.
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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+.
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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
