University of Memphis Athletics
NOTES: Memphis Opens 2023 Season Against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday
Sep 01, 2023 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis will open the 2023 season against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
SETTING THE SCENE
• The Tigers will open the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the 12th time in the last 13 years.
• Memphis is 43-61-3 all-time in season-opening contests.
• The Tigers have won nine-straight home openers and have posted a record of 53-49-5 all-time in home opening games.
• Memphis (51) is one of four teams with 50 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama (59), Clemson (59) and Ohio State (55).
• Memphis is one of nine teams in the FBS with nine or more consecutive bowl-game appearances along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State.
• In 2022, the Tigers defeated Utah State, 38-10, in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, improving the program's record to 7-8 in bowls games.
• Memphis has posted 78 victories since 2014, tying for 14th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 78 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 15 of their last 18 games, piling up 34 takeaways over that span.
SCOUTING BETHUNE-COOKMAN
• Bethune-Cookman enters the 2023 season against the Tigers after going 2-9 (2-6 SWAC) in 2022.
• The Wildcats picked up wins last season over SWAC opponents Grambling State and Mississippi Valley State.
• Bethune-Cookman is entering its first season under new head coach Raymond Woodie, Jr.
• The Wildcats had a pair of players earn First Team All-SWAC honors from the conference as well as Phil Steele - safety Darnell Deas and defensive back Omari Hill-Robinson.
• In 2022, Deas ranked eighth in the FCS in kick-return yardage (745) and second in the FCS with a pair of kick-return touchdowns. His 26.6 yards-per return was good for No. 11 in the FCS.
INSIDE THE SERIES
• Saturday's game will mark the first meeting between Memphis and Bethune-Cookman.
ONE OF THE ELITE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
• Memphis has posted 78 victories since 2014, tying for 14th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 78 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers also rank 19th in the country in winning percentage dating back to 2014 with their 78-38 (.672) mark.
• Memphis' streak of nine-straight seasons with a record of .500 or better is tied for the fourth-longest streak among Group of 5 and independent schools and is the longest such streak in the AAC.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
• The Tigers (51) are one of four teams with 50 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama (59), Clemson (59) and Ohio State (55).
• Memphis has had a great home field advantage at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, posting a record of 41-7 (.854) since head coach Ryan Silverfield joined the staff in 2016.
• As head coach, Silverfield is 16-4 (.800) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
HOME SEASON OPENER
• The Tigers will open the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the 12th time in the last 13 years.
• 2022's season-opening game on the road at Mississippi State snapped an 11-season streak of opening the season in Memphis.
• The Tigers are 43-61-3 all-time in season-opening contests.
• Memphis has won nine-straight home openers and have posted a record of 53-49-5 all-time in home opening games.
BOWL STREAK
• Memphis is one of nine teams in the FBS with nine or more consecutive bowl-game appearances along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State.
• In 2022, the Tigers defeated Utah State, 38-10, in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, improving the program's record to 7-8 in bowl games.
• The 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl was canceled due to COVID issues in the Hawai'i program last year and Memphis was named champions.
• Ryan Silverfield has led the program to bowl games in all three seasons as head coach and has been on staff for the past seven years, with Memphis earning bowl berths each season.
SIVERFIELD STATS
• Head coach Ryan Silverfield totaled 21 wins through his first three seasons as head coach, tying him for second-most in program history.
• Silverfield is the only head coach in Memphis history with three bowl titles.
• Among head coaches hired in 2020, Silverfield is the only one with three bowl championships and his 21 wins through three seasons ranked fifth in that group.
RARE SWAC OPPONENT FOR MEMPHIS
• Prior to Saturday's contest against Bethune-Cookman, the Tigers have only faced one current SWAC team in program history.
• On Sept. 7, 2019, Memphis faced Southern at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, earning a 55-24 victory.
TIGERS PICKED FOURTH IN PRESEASON AAC POLL
• Prior to the season, Memphis was picked to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) preseason media poll.
• The Tigers (362 points, 1 first-place vote) were picked behind Tulane (457, 20), UTSA (440, 9) and SMU (397, 3)
• Memphis won the AAC Championship in 2019, 29-24, over No. 24-ranked Cincinnati.
NINE TIGERS EARN PRESEASON ALL-AAC HONORS FROM PHIL STEELE
• Prior to the 2023 season, nine Tigers were named Preseason All-AAC by Phil Steele.
• Defensive lineman Jaylon Allen and defensive back Simeon Blair were tabbed first team, while linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku and offensive lineman Jacob Likes were named to the second team.
• Earning places on the third team were long snapper Colby Cox and running back Blake Watson, while offensive lineman Davion Carter, defensive lineman Josh Ellison and quarterback Seth Henigan were on the fourth team.
FORCING TURNOVERS
• Dating back to the 2021 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 15 of the last 18 games.
• Over that stretch, the Tigers have totaled 24 interceptions and 10 fumbles.
• Memphis has forced multiple turnovers in 11 of the last 18 contests.
BEST AGAINST THE BEST
• Since 2015, Memphis has posted a record of 8-11 (.421) against top-25 ranked opponents.
• The winning percentage is the best mark for any non-Power 5 team in the country.
HENIGAN EARNS NUMEROUS PRESEASON HONORS
• Junior quarterback Seth Henigan earned numerous preseason honors this summer.
• Henigan was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, the Davey O'Brien Award Preseason Watch List, the Manning Award Preseason Watch List and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watchlist.
• In 2022, Henigan completed 286-of-446 passes for 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 289 yards and four scores.
• The junior will be the youngest third year starting quarterback (20 years old) in the FBS this coming season.
LIKES NAMED TO PAIR OF PRESEASON WATCHLISTS
• Offensive lineman Jacob Likes earned a pair of honors prior to the 2023 campaign.
• Likes was named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist, as well as a nominee for Allstate's AFCA Good Works Team.
• Likes has appeared in 33 games in his Tiger career entering 2023, earning Second-Team Preseason All-AAC honors from Phil Steele prior to this coming season. Likes is a three-time Academic All-AAC honoree and earned a place in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2023.
BAUER NAMED TO RAY GUY AWARD PRESEASON WATCHLIST
• Punter Reid Bauer was named to the Ray Guy Award Preseason Watchlist in August.
• The Ray Guy Award honors the nation's top collegiate punter in the FBS.
• Bauer came to Memphis prior to the 2023 season from Arkansas, where he played in 48 games from 2018-22.
• During that time, he averaged 42.0 yards on 179 punts. In 2021, Bauer won the Peter Mortel Holder of the Year award.
• In 2013, Memphis' Tom Hornsey was named the winner of the Ray Guy Award.
ALLEN EARNS SPOT ON LOMBARDI AWRD WATCHLIST
• Defensive lineman Jaylon Allen was named to the Lombardi Award Watchlist this summer.
• The Lombardi Award goes annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi in addition to outstanding performance and ability.
• For his career, Allen has played in 47 games with 110 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one interception, three passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
HENIGAN IN THE RECORD BOOKS
• In just 24 career games, quarterback Seth Henigan has claimed his place in the Memphis record books.
• The junior ranks fifth all-time at Memphis in attempts (839), completions (521), yards (6,893) and touchdown passes (47).
• In 2022, Henigan completed 286-of-446 passes for 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 289 yards and four scores.
• The junior will be the youngest third year starting quarterback (20 years old) in the FBS this coming season.
SPREADING THE BALL AROUND
• A total of 14 players had at least one catch in 2022 for the Tigers.
• Seven players had at least one touchdown reception and nine players had at least 11 receptions.
• Memphis had three games in 2022 that at least 10 players had one reception or more - Temple (11), No. 25/25 East Carolina (10) and Tulane (10).
DISCIPLINED TEAM
• Memphis was ranked fifth in the nation in total penalties (53) and sixth in fewest penalties per game (4.08) in 2022.
• The team was also ranked eighth in the country in fewest penalty yards per game (36.85) and 10th in fewest penalty yards (479).
• The Tigers did not have any penalties at No. 25/25 Tulane on Oct. 22, 2022, marking the first time since 2020 against Houston the team accomplished that feat.
STANDOUT FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN FOR HENIGAN
• Quarterback Seth Henigan posted one of the best seasons in program history in 2021 and he did it as a true freshman.
• In 2021, Henigan earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors after starting all 11 games in which he played for the Tigers.
• The Denton, Texas native completed 235-of-393 passes for 3,322 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
• His 3,322 passing yards shattered the school's freshman record previously held by Paxton Lynch in 2013 (2056) and rank sixth overall on the program's single-season list. His 25 touchdowns are tied for the seventh-most in school history.
• Henigan also became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener in school history.
SILVERFIELD SECURES ANOTHER TOP-5 RECRUITING CLASS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
• For the third-straight year, head coach Ryan Silverfield has recruited one of the top-5 classes in program history.
• The 2023 class, which includes 22 student-athletes, is ranked No. 61 by Rivals, making it the fifth-best class in program history. It ranks as the second-best class among Group of Five programs.
• The 2022 class was the best class in program history (No. 47), while the 2021 class is the second-best in school history (No. 49).
• Both classes were ranked No. 2 in the AAC those seasons behind only Cincinnati.
• Prior to Silverfield, Memphis has never had a top-50 recruiting class in Rivals rankings.
TRANSFORMATIVE RENOVATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR SIMMONS BANK LIBERTY STADIUM
• The University of Memphis and the City of Memphis have announced plans to pursue a $150-200 million renovation to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to revitalize and modernize the home of Memphis Tiger Football.
• Priority elements of the wide-ranging project include a transformation of the stadium's west side, providing several innovative premium seating options, creating a hospitality experience within the halo space surrounding the stadium, other new seating options, such as family boxes on the north end and party deck patios for students on the south end and a potential repurpose and retrofit of the east side suite tower.
• The goal for completion of the project is prior to the 2025 football season.
MEMPHIS IN OVERTIME GAMES
• Memphis has been involved in nine overtime games (2-8). The Tigers have played a total of five multi-overtime affairs and have a 2-3 record in those games.
• The Tigers came up just short in the 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship game in double-OT at UCF, 62-55. The Tigers and Knights combined to score 117 points, the highest total in a conference title game in FBS history.
• Memphis ended the 2014 season with the first overtime game in five seasons, defeating BYU 55-48 in double-OT at the Miami Beach Bowl.
MADE IN MEMPHIS
• Since 2015, 13 Memphis players have been drafted by the National Football League.
• OL Dylan Parham was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, while WR Calvin Austin III was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round.
• With the selections, Memphis has had at least one player selected in nine of the last 10 NFL Drafts, with 15 players being taken over that span.
• On current NFL rosters, four former Tigers are listed at running back (Antonio Gibson, Tony Pollard, Kenneth Gainwell and Patrick Taylor Jr.).
• Currently, 18 Tigers are on NFL rosters – WR Calvin Austin III (Pittsburgh), DL Genard Avery (Indianapolis), CB Chris Claybrooks (Jacksonville), K Jake Elliott (Philadelphia), CB Jacobi Francis (Houston), RB Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia), RB Antonio Gibson (Washington), DL Bryce Huff (New York Jets), S Quindell Johnson (Los Angeles Rams), CB Arthur Maulet (Baltimore), S Bobby McCain (New York Giants), WR Anthony Miller (San Francisco), LB Tyler Murray (Cincinnati), OL Dylan Parham (Las Vegas), K Riley Patterson (Jacksonville), RB Tony Pollard (Dallas), LB JJ Russell (Tampa Bay) and RB Patrick Taylor (Green Bay).
MEMPHIS ATHLETICS UNVEILS MAXIMIUM
• In response to the July 1, 2021 NCAA ruling permitting student-athletes to use their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for personal gain, the University of Memphis launched MaximUM– an in-house NIL resource program designed to help student-athletes get the maximum out of their NIL.
• MaximUM provides best-in-class education and services to student-athletes as well as resources for the community to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and understanding of NIL.
• Memphis Marketplace, powered by Opendorse and launched in May, was one of the first school-specific NIL marketplaces, creating a consumer-facing avenue for completing deals.
• Now, Memphis fans, brands, sponsors, and donors can browse, book, pitch, and pay any Memphis student-athlete for NIL activities in one compliant platform, built specifically for the athletes' needs.
STERLING START
• Head coach Ryan Silverfield had a tremendous first season at the helm of the Tiger Football program in 2020, leading the team to an 8-3 record and a win in the Montgomery Bowl, the first for the Tigers since 2014.
• With that victory over Florida Atlantic in the Montgomery Bowl, Silverfield became the first head coach in school history to win a bowl game in his first year.
• Silverfield set the program record for winning percentage (.727) by a first-year head coach, while also matching the school mark for most wins in a debut year (Mike Norvell, 2016).
• For his efforts, he was named the 2020 Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Coach of the Year.
• Prior to be naming named head coach in 2019 before the team's appearance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Silverfield served as deputy head coach and offensive line coach during the 2019 season as the Tigers won their first outright conference title in 50 years.
• Silverfield also was part of Memphis staffs that led the program to three-straight American Athletic Conference West Division crowns from 2017-19 and four-straight bowl appearances from 2016-19.
• Behind Silverfield's contributions, Memphis won 38 games during those four seasons, including going 10-3 in 2017 and 12-1 in 2019. He is the only member of the staff to be part of both 10-plus win seasons.
MEMPHIS RETIRES DANTON BARTO'S NO. 59 JERSEY
• One of the best players in the history of University of Memphis Football, Danton Barto's jersey (No. 59) was retired in a ceremony at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Nov. 19, 2022 against North Alabama.
• A 2007 M-Club. Hall of Fame inductee, Barto remains the school record holder for career solo tackles (273) and career total tackles (473) and ranks second all-time with 200 assisted career tackles. Barto passed away in August of 2021 at the age of 50.
• Barto joined a prestigious group of former Tigers to have their jersey retired: John Bramlett (No. 64), Isaac Bruce (83), Dave Casinelli (30), Charles Greenhill (8), Harry Schuh (79) and DeAngelo Williams (20).
TIGERS RECOGNIZE GLENN ROGERS SR.
• Memphis honored Glenn Rogers Sr., the first Black player to integrate the team in the spring of 1968, at halftime of the team's game against Tulsa on Nov. 10, 2022.
• Rogers Sr. played for the Tigers from 1969-71 after walking on to the team in the spring of 1968.
• In 1969, both Rogers Sr. and Stan Davis, who joined the team in the fall of 1969, became the first Black players to appear in a game for Memphis.
• For all his service and contributions to the community, Rogers Sr. was honored with the M Club Hall of Fame Billy J. Murphy Award in 2000.
MEMPHIS HONORS BILLY J. MURPHY
• The University of Memphis football program honored Billy J. Murphy at the team's game against No. 25/25/25 UCF on Nov. 5, 2022.
• Murphy, former head football coach and athletic director for the University of Memphis for more than 30 years, was 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.
THANK YOU, TOM III
• TOM III, the beloved Bengal Tiger mascot for the University of Memphis who was a part of one of the most glorious periods in University and athletics history, passed away on Sept. 18, 2020, less than three weeks after his 12th birthday.
• TOM III was remembered with a moving ceremony as his ashes made a final lap around Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in his custom-designed, climate-controlled trailer prior to the 50-49 win over UCF on Oct. 18, as the Tigers' 21-point come-from-behind victory was the largest in school history.
• TOM III's last game attended came as the No. 16 Memphis Tigers defeated No. 21 Cincinnati in a come-from behind, 29-24 victory in the 2019 American Athletic Conference Championship at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Dec. 7.
• TOM III attended his first game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as a cub in 2008.
• He was born Aug. 31, 2008 and arrived in Memphis a few short months later on Oct. 23. His first game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium was on Nov. 22 against UCF. In 73 games attended, TOM III produced a 44-29 home record. Since he arrived in Memphis, the Tigers went 73-73 (.500) overall and 45-29 at home.
TIGER GREATS WHO PLAYED IN THE LEAGUE
• Charlie Babb, DB, member of the Miami Dolphins' undefeated, Super Bowl VIII championship team (1972-79).
• Marcus Bell, DT, played for the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and New York Giants (2001-07).
• John Bramlett, LB, Pro Bowl player for both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins before concluding his playing career with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons (1965-71).
• Isaac Bruce, WR, four-time Pro Bowl selection whose 15,208 receiving yards ranks fourth all-time in the league. Played for the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers (1994-2008).
• Ken Irwin, DB, played for the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings (1995-2005). Inducted into the University of Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Harry Schuh, OT, a member of the Oakland Raiders' All-Time Team who played in the second AFL-NFL World Championship Game. Was an All-Pro player for the Raiders before concluding his playing career with the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers (1965-74).
• DeAngelo Williams, RB, was a first-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2006 and rushed for over 8,000 yards in his 11-year NFL career. In 2008 and 2015, Williams was the NFL's rushing touchdowns leader. Williams is one of six Tigers to have their jerseys retired and he was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2014.
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.
SETTING THE SCENE
• The Tigers will open the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the 12th time in the last 13 years.
• Memphis is 43-61-3 all-time in season-opening contests.
• The Tigers have won nine-straight home openers and have posted a record of 53-49-5 all-time in home opening games.
• Memphis (51) is one of four teams with 50 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama (59), Clemson (59) and Ohio State (55).
• Memphis is one of nine teams in the FBS with nine or more consecutive bowl-game appearances along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State.
• In 2022, the Tigers defeated Utah State, 38-10, in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, improving the program's record to 7-8 in bowls games.
• Memphis has posted 78 victories since 2014, tying for 14th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 78 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 15 of their last 18 games, piling up 34 takeaways over that span.
SCOUTING BETHUNE-COOKMAN
• Bethune-Cookman enters the 2023 season against the Tigers after going 2-9 (2-6 SWAC) in 2022.
• The Wildcats picked up wins last season over SWAC opponents Grambling State and Mississippi Valley State.
• Bethune-Cookman is entering its first season under new head coach Raymond Woodie, Jr.
• The Wildcats had a pair of players earn First Team All-SWAC honors from the conference as well as Phil Steele - safety Darnell Deas and defensive back Omari Hill-Robinson.
• In 2022, Deas ranked eighth in the FCS in kick-return yardage (745) and second in the FCS with a pair of kick-return touchdowns. His 26.6 yards-per return was good for No. 11 in the FCS.
INSIDE THE SERIES
• Saturday's game will mark the first meeting between Memphis and Bethune-Cookman.
ONE OF THE ELITE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
• Memphis has posted 78 victories since 2014, tying for 14th-most in the nation during that stretch.
• The 78 wins are the most among American Athletic Conference schools during that span.
• The Tigers also rank 19th in the country in winning percentage dating back to 2014 with their 78-38 (.672) mark.
• Memphis' streak of nine-straight seasons with a record of .500 or better is tied for the fourth-longest streak among Group of 5 and independent schools and is the longest such streak in the AAC.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
• The Tigers (51) are one of four teams with 50 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama (59), Clemson (59) and Ohio State (55).
• Memphis has had a great home field advantage at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, posting a record of 41-7 (.854) since head coach Ryan Silverfield joined the staff in 2016.
• As head coach, Silverfield is 16-4 (.800) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
HOME SEASON OPENER
• The Tigers will open the season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the 12th time in the last 13 years.
• 2022's season-opening game on the road at Mississippi State snapped an 11-season streak of opening the season in Memphis.
• The Tigers are 43-61-3 all-time in season-opening contests.
• Memphis has won nine-straight home openers and have posted a record of 53-49-5 all-time in home opening games.
BOWL STREAK
• Memphis is one of nine teams in the FBS with nine or more consecutive bowl-game appearances along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State.
• In 2022, the Tigers defeated Utah State, 38-10, in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, improving the program's record to 7-8 in bowl games.
• The 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl was canceled due to COVID issues in the Hawai'i program last year and Memphis was named champions.
• Ryan Silverfield has led the program to bowl games in all three seasons as head coach and has been on staff for the past seven years, with Memphis earning bowl berths each season.
SIVERFIELD STATS
• Head coach Ryan Silverfield totaled 21 wins through his first three seasons as head coach, tying him for second-most in program history.
• Silverfield is the only head coach in Memphis history with three bowl titles.
• Among head coaches hired in 2020, Silverfield is the only one with three bowl championships and his 21 wins through three seasons ranked fifth in that group.
RARE SWAC OPPONENT FOR MEMPHIS
• Prior to Saturday's contest against Bethune-Cookman, the Tigers have only faced one current SWAC team in program history.
• On Sept. 7, 2019, Memphis faced Southern at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, earning a 55-24 victory.
TIGERS PICKED FOURTH IN PRESEASON AAC POLL
• Prior to the season, Memphis was picked to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) preseason media poll.
• The Tigers (362 points, 1 first-place vote) were picked behind Tulane (457, 20), UTSA (440, 9) and SMU (397, 3)
• Memphis won the AAC Championship in 2019, 29-24, over No. 24-ranked Cincinnati.
NINE TIGERS EARN PRESEASON ALL-AAC HONORS FROM PHIL STEELE
• Prior to the 2023 season, nine Tigers were named Preseason All-AAC by Phil Steele.
• Defensive lineman Jaylon Allen and defensive back Simeon Blair were tabbed first team, while linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku and offensive lineman Jacob Likes were named to the second team.
• Earning places on the third team were long snapper Colby Cox and running back Blake Watson, while offensive lineman Davion Carter, defensive lineman Josh Ellison and quarterback Seth Henigan were on the fourth team.
FORCING TURNOVERS
• Dating back to the 2021 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 15 of the last 18 games.
• Over that stretch, the Tigers have totaled 24 interceptions and 10 fumbles.
• Memphis has forced multiple turnovers in 11 of the last 18 contests.
BEST AGAINST THE BEST
• Since 2015, Memphis has posted a record of 8-11 (.421) against top-25 ranked opponents.
• The winning percentage is the best mark for any non-Power 5 team in the country.
HENIGAN EARNS NUMEROUS PRESEASON HONORS
• Junior quarterback Seth Henigan earned numerous preseason honors this summer.
• Henigan was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, the Davey O'Brien Award Preseason Watch List, the Manning Award Preseason Watch List and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watchlist.
• In 2022, Henigan completed 286-of-446 passes for 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 289 yards and four scores.
• The junior will be the youngest third year starting quarterback (20 years old) in the FBS this coming season.
LIKES NAMED TO PAIR OF PRESEASON WATCHLISTS
• Offensive lineman Jacob Likes earned a pair of honors prior to the 2023 campaign.
• Likes was named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist, as well as a nominee for Allstate's AFCA Good Works Team.
• Likes has appeared in 33 games in his Tiger career entering 2023, earning Second-Team Preseason All-AAC honors from Phil Steele prior to this coming season. Likes is a three-time Academic All-AAC honoree and earned a place in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2023.
BAUER NAMED TO RAY GUY AWARD PRESEASON WATCHLIST
• Punter Reid Bauer was named to the Ray Guy Award Preseason Watchlist in August.
• The Ray Guy Award honors the nation's top collegiate punter in the FBS.
• Bauer came to Memphis prior to the 2023 season from Arkansas, where he played in 48 games from 2018-22.
• During that time, he averaged 42.0 yards on 179 punts. In 2021, Bauer won the Peter Mortel Holder of the Year award.
• In 2013, Memphis' Tom Hornsey was named the winner of the Ray Guy Award.
ALLEN EARNS SPOT ON LOMBARDI AWRD WATCHLIST
• Defensive lineman Jaylon Allen was named to the Lombardi Award Watchlist this summer.
• The Lombardi Award goes annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi in addition to outstanding performance and ability.
• For his career, Allen has played in 47 games with 110 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one interception, three passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
HENIGAN IN THE RECORD BOOKS
• In just 24 career games, quarterback Seth Henigan has claimed his place in the Memphis record books.
• The junior ranks fifth all-time at Memphis in attempts (839), completions (521), yards (6,893) and touchdown passes (47).
• In 2022, Henigan completed 286-of-446 passes for 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 289 yards and four scores.
• The junior will be the youngest third year starting quarterback (20 years old) in the FBS this coming season.
SPREADING THE BALL AROUND
• A total of 14 players had at least one catch in 2022 for the Tigers.
• Seven players had at least one touchdown reception and nine players had at least 11 receptions.
• Memphis had three games in 2022 that at least 10 players had one reception or more - Temple (11), No. 25/25 East Carolina (10) and Tulane (10).
DISCIPLINED TEAM
• Memphis was ranked fifth in the nation in total penalties (53) and sixth in fewest penalties per game (4.08) in 2022.
• The team was also ranked eighth in the country in fewest penalty yards per game (36.85) and 10th in fewest penalty yards (479).
• The Tigers did not have any penalties at No. 25/25 Tulane on Oct. 22, 2022, marking the first time since 2020 against Houston the team accomplished that feat.
STANDOUT FRESHMAN CAMPAIGN FOR HENIGAN
• Quarterback Seth Henigan posted one of the best seasons in program history in 2021 and he did it as a true freshman.
• In 2021, Henigan earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors after starting all 11 games in which he played for the Tigers.
• The Denton, Texas native completed 235-of-393 passes for 3,322 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
• His 3,322 passing yards shattered the school's freshman record previously held by Paxton Lynch in 2013 (2056) and rank sixth overall on the program's single-season list. His 25 touchdowns are tied for the seventh-most in school history.
• Henigan also became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener in school history.
SILVERFIELD SECURES ANOTHER TOP-5 RECRUITING CLASS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
• For the third-straight year, head coach Ryan Silverfield has recruited one of the top-5 classes in program history.
• The 2023 class, which includes 22 student-athletes, is ranked No. 61 by Rivals, making it the fifth-best class in program history. It ranks as the second-best class among Group of Five programs.
• The 2022 class was the best class in program history (No. 47), while the 2021 class is the second-best in school history (No. 49).
• Both classes were ranked No. 2 in the AAC those seasons behind only Cincinnati.
• Prior to Silverfield, Memphis has never had a top-50 recruiting class in Rivals rankings.
TRANSFORMATIVE RENOVATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR SIMMONS BANK LIBERTY STADIUM
• The University of Memphis and the City of Memphis have announced plans to pursue a $150-200 million renovation to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to revitalize and modernize the home of Memphis Tiger Football.
• Priority elements of the wide-ranging project include a transformation of the stadium's west side, providing several innovative premium seating options, creating a hospitality experience within the halo space surrounding the stadium, other new seating options, such as family boxes on the north end and party deck patios for students on the south end and a potential repurpose and retrofit of the east side suite tower.
• The goal for completion of the project is prior to the 2025 football season.
MEMPHIS IN OVERTIME GAMES
• Memphis has been involved in nine overtime games (2-8). The Tigers have played a total of five multi-overtime affairs and have a 2-3 record in those games.
• The Tigers came up just short in the 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship game in double-OT at UCF, 62-55. The Tigers and Knights combined to score 117 points, the highest total in a conference title game in FBS history.
• Memphis ended the 2014 season with the first overtime game in five seasons, defeating BYU 55-48 in double-OT at the Miami Beach Bowl.
MADE IN MEMPHIS
• Since 2015, 13 Memphis players have been drafted by the National Football League.
• OL Dylan Parham was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, while WR Calvin Austin III was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round.
• With the selections, Memphis has had at least one player selected in nine of the last 10 NFL Drafts, with 15 players being taken over that span.
• On current NFL rosters, four former Tigers are listed at running back (Antonio Gibson, Tony Pollard, Kenneth Gainwell and Patrick Taylor Jr.).
• Currently, 18 Tigers are on NFL rosters – WR Calvin Austin III (Pittsburgh), DL Genard Avery (Indianapolis), CB Chris Claybrooks (Jacksonville), K Jake Elliott (Philadelphia), CB Jacobi Francis (Houston), RB Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia), RB Antonio Gibson (Washington), DL Bryce Huff (New York Jets), S Quindell Johnson (Los Angeles Rams), CB Arthur Maulet (Baltimore), S Bobby McCain (New York Giants), WR Anthony Miller (San Francisco), LB Tyler Murray (Cincinnati), OL Dylan Parham (Las Vegas), K Riley Patterson (Jacksonville), RB Tony Pollard (Dallas), LB JJ Russell (Tampa Bay) and RB Patrick Taylor (Green Bay).
MEMPHIS ATHLETICS UNVEILS MAXIMIUM
• In response to the July 1, 2021 NCAA ruling permitting student-athletes to use their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for personal gain, the University of Memphis launched MaximUM– an in-house NIL resource program designed to help student-athletes get the maximum out of their NIL.
• MaximUM provides best-in-class education and services to student-athletes as well as resources for the community to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and understanding of NIL.
• Memphis Marketplace, powered by Opendorse and launched in May, was one of the first school-specific NIL marketplaces, creating a consumer-facing avenue for completing deals.
• Now, Memphis fans, brands, sponsors, and donors can browse, book, pitch, and pay any Memphis student-athlete for NIL activities in one compliant platform, built specifically for the athletes' needs.
STERLING START
• Head coach Ryan Silverfield had a tremendous first season at the helm of the Tiger Football program in 2020, leading the team to an 8-3 record and a win in the Montgomery Bowl, the first for the Tigers since 2014.
• With that victory over Florida Atlantic in the Montgomery Bowl, Silverfield became the first head coach in school history to win a bowl game in his first year.
• Silverfield set the program record for winning percentage (.727) by a first-year head coach, while also matching the school mark for most wins in a debut year (Mike Norvell, 2016).
• For his efforts, he was named the 2020 Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Coach of the Year.
• Prior to be naming named head coach in 2019 before the team's appearance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Silverfield served as deputy head coach and offensive line coach during the 2019 season as the Tigers won their first outright conference title in 50 years.
• Silverfield also was part of Memphis staffs that led the program to three-straight American Athletic Conference West Division crowns from 2017-19 and four-straight bowl appearances from 2016-19.
• Behind Silverfield's contributions, Memphis won 38 games during those four seasons, including going 10-3 in 2017 and 12-1 in 2019. He is the only member of the staff to be part of both 10-plus win seasons.
MEMPHIS RETIRES DANTON BARTO'S NO. 59 JERSEY
• One of the best players in the history of University of Memphis Football, Danton Barto's jersey (No. 59) was retired in a ceremony at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Nov. 19, 2022 against North Alabama.
• A 2007 M-Club. Hall of Fame inductee, Barto remains the school record holder for career solo tackles (273) and career total tackles (473) and ranks second all-time with 200 assisted career tackles. Barto passed away in August of 2021 at the age of 50.
• Barto joined a prestigious group of former Tigers to have their jersey retired: John Bramlett (No. 64), Isaac Bruce (83), Dave Casinelli (30), Charles Greenhill (8), Harry Schuh (79) and DeAngelo Williams (20).
TIGERS RECOGNIZE GLENN ROGERS SR.
• Memphis honored Glenn Rogers Sr., the first Black player to integrate the team in the spring of 1968, at halftime of the team's game against Tulsa on Nov. 10, 2022.
• Rogers Sr. played for the Tigers from 1969-71 after walking on to the team in the spring of 1968.
• In 1969, both Rogers Sr. and Stan Davis, who joined the team in the fall of 1969, became the first Black players to appear in a game for Memphis.
• For all his service and contributions to the community, Rogers Sr. was honored with the M Club Hall of Fame Billy J. Murphy Award in 2000.
MEMPHIS HONORS BILLY J. MURPHY
• The University of Memphis football program honored Billy J. Murphy at the team's game against No. 25/25/25 UCF on Nov. 5, 2022.
• Murphy, former head football coach and athletic director for the University of Memphis for more than 30 years, was 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.
THANK YOU, TOM III
• TOM III, the beloved Bengal Tiger mascot for the University of Memphis who was a part of one of the most glorious periods in University and athletics history, passed away on Sept. 18, 2020, less than three weeks after his 12th birthday.
• TOM III was remembered with a moving ceremony as his ashes made a final lap around Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in his custom-designed, climate-controlled trailer prior to the 50-49 win over UCF on Oct. 18, as the Tigers' 21-point come-from-behind victory was the largest in school history.
• TOM III's last game attended came as the No. 16 Memphis Tigers defeated No. 21 Cincinnati in a come-from behind, 29-24 victory in the 2019 American Athletic Conference Championship at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Dec. 7.
• TOM III attended his first game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as a cub in 2008.
• He was born Aug. 31, 2008 and arrived in Memphis a few short months later on Oct. 23. His first game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium was on Nov. 22 against UCF. In 73 games attended, TOM III produced a 44-29 home record. Since he arrived in Memphis, the Tigers went 73-73 (.500) overall and 45-29 at home.
TIGER GREATS WHO PLAYED IN THE LEAGUE
• Charlie Babb, DB, member of the Miami Dolphins' undefeated, Super Bowl VIII championship team (1972-79).
• Marcus Bell, DT, played for the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and New York Giants (2001-07).
• John Bramlett, LB, Pro Bowl player for both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins before concluding his playing career with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons (1965-71).
• Isaac Bruce, WR, four-time Pro Bowl selection whose 15,208 receiving yards ranks fourth all-time in the league. Played for the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers (1994-2008).
• Ken Irwin, DB, played for the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings (1995-2005). Inducted into the University of Memphis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Harry Schuh, OT, a member of the Oakland Raiders' All-Time Team who played in the second AFL-NFL World Championship Game. Was an All-Pro player for the Raiders before concluding his playing career with the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers (1965-74).
• DeAngelo Williams, RB, was a first-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2006 and rushed for over 8,000 yards in his 11-year NFL career. In 2008 and 2015, Williams was the NFL's rushing touchdowns leader. Williams is one of six Tigers to have their jerseys retired and he was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2014.
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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