Memphis Comes Up Short at East Carolina

Saturday, November 15

Greenville, N.C.

3 p.m.

University of Memphis

8-3 , 4-3

East Carolina

7-3 , 5-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Memphis

East Carolina

Nov 15, 2025 | Football

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Postgame Notes (PDF)

GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Memphis Tigers left everything on the field Saturday night, pushing East Carolina to the very end, before dropping a 31-27 road game at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium. Playing through an ankle injury, quarterback Brendon Lewis once again showed toughness and leadership, nearly guiding the Tigers to a late comeback.

Memphis' offense racked up 457 total yards and maintained a balanced attack between the run and the pass. Quarterback Brendon Lewis completed 32-of-41 passes for 209 yards, throwing a touchdown and adding another on the ground. The Tigers spread the ball effectively, with 12 different receivers catching passes, led by Cortez Braham Jr. who hauled in nine receptions for 79 yards, and tight end Matt Adcock, who caught a touchdown in the red zone.

On the ground, Memphis eclipsed 240 rushing yards, its first 200-yard rushing game since September. Sutton Smith led the way with 109 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries, including an explosive 84-yard scamper in the second quarter. Lewis contributed 61 yards on 12 carries, and Greg Desrosiers Jr. added 53 yards, helping the Tigers average 7.3 yards per rush.

The Memphis defense was led by linebackers Sam Brumfield and Everett Roussaw Jr., who recorded 12 and 11 tackles, respectively. Roussaw also added a sack and a forced fumble, while Drue Watts chipped in a sack. Defensive backs Samson Israel and Jeremiah Jordan were active in coverage, combining for a pair of pass breakups.

The Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 51-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021.

Dating back to a win over UAB during the 2023 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 26 of the last 31 games. Over the stretch the Tigers have created 56 takeaways (32 interceptions, 24 fumble recoveries).

Memphis took a 27-24 lead with 2:29 remaining after linebacker Roussaw Jr. stripped ECU quarterback Katin Houser, and Pooda Walker pounced on the fumble. Kicker Gianni Spetic drilled a 30-yard field goal, putting the Tigers back in front. But the Pirates answered immediately. Houser led ECU 75 yards in under 90 seconds and hit Payton Mangrum for a 30-yard go-ahead touchdown with 1:08 to play. Memphis drove to the ECU 49-yard line in the closing moments, but a last-second hail mary was intercepted.

After not scoring in the opening quarter for the first time this season, the Tigers got on the board early in the second frame when Brendon Lewis connected with tight end Matt Adcock on a fourth-and-goal strike from five yards out in the back of the endzone to tie the game at 7-7.

Moments later, after a Drue Watts sack that led the Pirates to a turnover on downs, Sutton Smith burst free for an 84-yard touchdown run, pushing Memphis in front 14-7 with 5:42 remaining in the first half.

Spetic added a 44-yard field goal just before halftime to make it 17-10 Tigers at the break. Memphis extended its lead again (24-17) in the third when Lewis kept it for a 7-yard rushing touchdown, his ninth score on the ground this season.

East Carolina rallied with 21 second-half points, including two touchdowns in the final six minutes, to outlast the Tigers. It was the most points the Tigers have allowed all season in the second half.

The Tigers are now 43-for-45 in red zone possessions this season, including scoring a touchdown on 35 of 45 trips in the red zone.

UP NEXT:
The Tigers will take their second bye week of the season before hosting Navy in the regular season finale on Thanksgiving night at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT with coverage available on ESPN.

New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week and again by an additional $5 on game day at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.

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.