University of Memphis Athletics
NOTES: Memphis Hosts No. 25/25/25 UCF on Homecoming
Nov 03, 2022 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis will host the No. 25/25/25-ranked UCF Knights on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m. for Homecoming. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
Tickets for the 2022 Memphis Football season are available at GoTigersGo.com. Tickets in the family zone for all home games start at $20 and in the endzone for $25.
SETTING THE SCENE
• On Oct. 22, the Tigers fell on the road at No. 25/25 Tulane, 38-28. Quarterback Seth Henigan completed 26-of-41 passes for 312 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, while wide receiver Eddie Lewis had three catches for a career-high 94 yard and two scores.
• The Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 11 of their last 13 games, piling up 25 takeaways over that span.
• Memphis posted a record of 6-6 last season, earning the program's eighth-straight bowl appearance.
• The Tigers were named the EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl Champions after Hawai'i was unable to participate.
• The eight-consecutive bowls streak is tied for the eighth-best in the nation and is the best among all non-Power 5 programs.
SCOUTING UCF
• UCF comes into Saturday's game ranked No. 25 in the nation in the CFP Playoff Rankings, Associated Press and AFCA Coaches Poll with a 6-2 record on the season overall and a 3-1 mark in AAC play.
• Last week, UCF took down No. 20/19 Cincinnati, 25-21, on Homecoming in Orlando.
• The Knights have limited opponents to 20 or less points in nine of the team's last 11 games. They are ranked first in the nation in red zone defense (.621), fifth in total offense (510.2) and eighth in rushing offense (244.4).
• Prior to the season, UCF was picked to finish third in the AAC by the media, earning seven first-place votes.
• In 2021, the Knights finished with an overall record of 9-4 and a mark of 5-3 in conference play. UCF earned a berth to the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, defeating Florida, 29-17.
INSIDE THE SERIES
• The meeting between Memphis and UCF on Saturday will mark the 17th all-time game between the two programs dating back to 1990.
• UCF holds the advantage in the all-time series, 14-2, and have won six of the eight games played in Memphis.
• The teams have split their last two games in the series, with the Tigers winning, 50-49, in 2020. That victory snapped a 13-game winning streak for UCF against Memphis.
• Last season, UCF defeated the Tigers, 24-7, in Orlando in the only game that quarterback Seth Henigan has missed due to injury in his career.
• Wide receiver Calvin Austin III had a team-best seven receptions for 44 yards, while defensive back Quindell Johnson led the Tigers with a game-high 11 tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss.
ONE OF THE ELITE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
• Memphis has posted 75 victories since 2014, tying for 13th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 75 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers also rank 18th in the country in winning percentage dating back to 2014 with their 75-36 (.676) mark.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
• Memphis has had a great home field advantage at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, posting a record of 39-6 (.867) since head coach Ryan Silverfield joined the coaching staff in 2016.
• As a head coach, Silverfield is 14-3 (.824) at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
BEST AGAINST THE BEST
• Since 2015, Memphis has posted a record of 8-10 (.444) against top-25 ranked opponents.
• The winning percentage is the best mark for any non-Power 5 team in the country.
COMING OFF THE BYE
• Since 2014, Memphis is 10-0 in games coming off bye weeks.
• The Tigers are 2-0 in games after bye weeks under head coach Ryan Silverfield.
DISCIPLINED TEAM
• Entering Saturday's game, Memphis is ranked sixth in total penalties (34) and seventh in the nation in fewest penalties per game (4.25).
• The Tigers did not have any penalties at No. 25/25 Tulane on Oct. 22, marking the first time since 2020 against Houston the team accomplished that feat.
RANKED OPPONENTS
• Saturday's game against No. 25/25 UCF will mark the fourth opponent for Memphis this season that has been ranked at some point during the year.
• Houston (No. 24/25 in the preseason) Mississippi State (as high No. 16/17) and Tulane (currently No. 19/21) are the other three opponents.
HONORING BILLY J. MURPHY
• The University of Memphis football program will honor Billy J. Murphy between the first and second quarters at the team's game.
• Murphy, former head football coach and athletic director for the University of Memphis for more than 30 years, will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class on Dec. 6.
• The winningest coach in Memphis history, Murphy headed the Tigers' program for 14 years, posting winning records in all but two seasons and leading the school into the national rankings. Murphy passed away on Feb. 21, 2008 at the age of 87.
FORCING TURNOVERS
• Dating back to the 2021 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 11 of the last 13 games.
• Over that stretch, the Tigers have totaled 17 interceptions and eight fumbles.
• Memphis has forced multiple turnovers in eight of the last 12 contests.
HENIGAN IN THE RECORD BOOKS
• In just 19 career games, qua3terback Seth Henigan has moved into the Memphis record books.
• The sophomore ranks sixth all-time in passing yards (5,546), passing touchdowns (40), career completions (413) and career attempts (668).
• Henigan has also thrown for at least one touchdown in all 19 games he's played for the Tigers.
SPREADING THE BALL AROUND
• A total of 14 players have at least one catch this season for the Tigers.
• Six players have at least one touchdown reception and eight players have at least 12 receptions.
• Memphis has had three games this year that at least 10 players had at least one reception - Temple (11), No. 25/25 East Carolina (10) and Tulane (10).
TIGER PLAYERS IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
• Tight end Caden Prieskorn is tied for second in the nation amongst all tight ends with six receiving touchdowns and is tied for 27th amongst all positions.
• Linebacker Xavier "Zay" Cullens is eighth in the country with his two fumble recoveries.
• Defensive back Quindell Johnson ranks 14th in the NCAA in interceptions with three.
• Running back Brandon Thomas is 31st in the nation with eight rushing touchdowns.
• Kicker Chris Howard is tied for first for first in the country in field goal percentage (1.000), ranks ninth in field goals per game (1.75) and 25th in total points scored (67).
• Punter Joe Doyle ranks second in the NCAA in punting (47.9).
MEMPHIS IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
• Entering Saturday's game, the Tigers rank in the top-25 nationally in 11 statistical categories.
• Memphis has the sixth-fewest penalties committed (34) in the nation this season, ranks seventh in fewest penalties per game (4.25) and red-zone offense (.944), ninth in fewest penalty yards per game (36.75), 10th in fewest penalty yards (10), 13th in defensive touchdowns (2), 18th in net punting (41.62) and 22nd in interceptions (9) and fourth-down conversion defense (40%).
• The Tigers, along with most of the country, are tied for first in blocked kicks allowed (0) and blocked punts allowed (0).
• Memphis leads the AAC in passes intercepted (9) and red-zone offense (.944). Additionally, the Tigers rank second in the AAC in fewest penalties committed (34), fewest fumbles lost (5) and turnovers gained (13).
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.
Tickets for the 2022 Memphis Football season are available at GoTigersGo.com. Tickets in the family zone for all home games start at $20 and in the endzone for $25.
SETTING THE SCENE
• On Oct. 22, the Tigers fell on the road at No. 25/25 Tulane, 38-28. Quarterback Seth Henigan completed 26-of-41 passes for 312 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, while wide receiver Eddie Lewis had three catches for a career-high 94 yard and two scores.
• The Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 11 of their last 13 games, piling up 25 takeaways over that span.
• Memphis posted a record of 6-6 last season, earning the program's eighth-straight bowl appearance.
• The Tigers were named the EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl Champions after Hawai'i was unable to participate.
• The eight-consecutive bowls streak is tied for the eighth-best in the nation and is the best among all non-Power 5 programs.
SCOUTING UCF
• UCF comes into Saturday's game ranked No. 25 in the nation in the CFP Playoff Rankings, Associated Press and AFCA Coaches Poll with a 6-2 record on the season overall and a 3-1 mark in AAC play.
• Last week, UCF took down No. 20/19 Cincinnati, 25-21, on Homecoming in Orlando.
• The Knights have limited opponents to 20 or less points in nine of the team's last 11 games. They are ranked first in the nation in red zone defense (.621), fifth in total offense (510.2) and eighth in rushing offense (244.4).
• Prior to the season, UCF was picked to finish third in the AAC by the media, earning seven first-place votes.
• In 2021, the Knights finished with an overall record of 9-4 and a mark of 5-3 in conference play. UCF earned a berth to the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, defeating Florida, 29-17.
INSIDE THE SERIES
• The meeting between Memphis and UCF on Saturday will mark the 17th all-time game between the two programs dating back to 1990.
• UCF holds the advantage in the all-time series, 14-2, and have won six of the eight games played in Memphis.
• The teams have split their last two games in the series, with the Tigers winning, 50-49, in 2020. That victory snapped a 13-game winning streak for UCF against Memphis.
• Last season, UCF defeated the Tigers, 24-7, in Orlando in the only game that quarterback Seth Henigan has missed due to injury in his career.
• Wide receiver Calvin Austin III had a team-best seven receptions for 44 yards, while defensive back Quindell Johnson led the Tigers with a game-high 11 tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss.
ONE OF THE ELITE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
• Memphis has posted 75 victories since 2014, tying for 13th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 75 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers also rank 18th in the country in winning percentage dating back to 2014 with their 75-36 (.676) mark.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
• Memphis has had a great home field advantage at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, posting a record of 39-6 (.867) since head coach Ryan Silverfield joined the coaching staff in 2016.
• As a head coach, Silverfield is 14-3 (.824) at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
BEST AGAINST THE BEST
• Since 2015, Memphis has posted a record of 8-10 (.444) against top-25 ranked opponents.
• The winning percentage is the best mark for any non-Power 5 team in the country.
COMING OFF THE BYE
• Since 2014, Memphis is 10-0 in games coming off bye weeks.
• The Tigers are 2-0 in games after bye weeks under head coach Ryan Silverfield.
DISCIPLINED TEAM
• Entering Saturday's game, Memphis is ranked sixth in total penalties (34) and seventh in the nation in fewest penalties per game (4.25).
• The Tigers did not have any penalties at No. 25/25 Tulane on Oct. 22, marking the first time since 2020 against Houston the team accomplished that feat.
RANKED OPPONENTS
• Saturday's game against No. 25/25 UCF will mark the fourth opponent for Memphis this season that has been ranked at some point during the year.
• Houston (No. 24/25 in the preseason) Mississippi State (as high No. 16/17) and Tulane (currently No. 19/21) are the other three opponents.
HONORING BILLY J. MURPHY
• The University of Memphis football program will honor Billy J. Murphy between the first and second quarters at the team's game.
• Murphy, former head football coach and athletic director for the University of Memphis for more than 30 years, will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class on Dec. 6.
• The winningest coach in Memphis history, Murphy headed the Tigers' program for 14 years, posting winning records in all but two seasons and leading the school into the national rankings. Murphy passed away on Feb. 21, 2008 at the age of 87.
FORCING TURNOVERS
• Dating back to the 2021 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 11 of the last 13 games.
• Over that stretch, the Tigers have totaled 17 interceptions and eight fumbles.
• Memphis has forced multiple turnovers in eight of the last 12 contests.
HENIGAN IN THE RECORD BOOKS
• In just 19 career games, qua3terback Seth Henigan has moved into the Memphis record books.
• The sophomore ranks sixth all-time in passing yards (5,546), passing touchdowns (40), career completions (413) and career attempts (668).
• Henigan has also thrown for at least one touchdown in all 19 games he's played for the Tigers.
SPREADING THE BALL AROUND
• A total of 14 players have at least one catch this season for the Tigers.
• Six players have at least one touchdown reception and eight players have at least 12 receptions.
• Memphis has had three games this year that at least 10 players had at least one reception - Temple (11), No. 25/25 East Carolina (10) and Tulane (10).
TIGER PLAYERS IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
• Tight end Caden Prieskorn is tied for second in the nation amongst all tight ends with six receiving touchdowns and is tied for 27th amongst all positions.
• Linebacker Xavier "Zay" Cullens is eighth in the country with his two fumble recoveries.
• Defensive back Quindell Johnson ranks 14th in the NCAA in interceptions with three.
• Running back Brandon Thomas is 31st in the nation with eight rushing touchdowns.
• Kicker Chris Howard is tied for first for first in the country in field goal percentage (1.000), ranks ninth in field goals per game (1.75) and 25th in total points scored (67).
• Punter Joe Doyle ranks second in the NCAA in punting (47.9).
MEMPHIS IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
• Entering Saturday's game, the Tigers rank in the top-25 nationally in 11 statistical categories.
• Memphis has the sixth-fewest penalties committed (34) in the nation this season, ranks seventh in fewest penalties per game (4.25) and red-zone offense (.944), ninth in fewest penalty yards per game (36.75), 10th in fewest penalty yards (10), 13th in defensive touchdowns (2), 18th in net punting (41.62) and 22nd in interceptions (9) and fourth-down conversion defense (40%).
• The Tigers, along with most of the country, are tied for first in blocked kicks allowed (0) and blocked punts allowed (0).
• Memphis leads the AAC in passes intercepted (9) and red-zone offense (.944). Additionally, the Tigers rank second in the AAC in fewest penalties committed (34), fewest fumbles lost (5) and turnovers gained (13).
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.
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