Tigers Drop 38-20 Contest at Boise State

Saturday, September 12

Boise, Idaho

5 p.m.

University of Memphis

2-1 , 0-0

Boise State

1-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Memphis	7	13	0	0	20
Boise State	3	14	14	7	38

Sep 12, 2026 | Football

Box Score

BOISE, Idaho – The RV/RV University of Memphis football team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday evening, falling 38-20 to RV/RV Boise State in a hostile environment at Albertsons Stadium.

Despite career performances from quarterback Marcus Stokes and tight end Hunter Tipton, the Tigers (2-1) could not slow a Boise State (1-1) rushing attack that amassed 352 yards on the ground. The Broncos' strong ground game contributed to a nearly two-to-one time of possession advantage (39:56 to 20:04) and helped fuel a second-half surge that saw Boise State pull away.

Stokes turned in a career-high 384 passing yards, completing 17-of-25 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Tipton also established career highs with nine receptions for 229 yards, becoming the first Tiger to record a 200-yard receiving game since Calvin Austin III had exactly 200 yards against Tulsa in 2021.

Memphis took a 20-17 lead into halftime behind a strong passing attack, but Boise State controlled the second half, outscoring the Tigers 21-0.

Boise State opened the game with a 39-yard field goal by Canaan Moore following a 12-play, five-plus-minute drive. Memphis responded with a productive opening possession but stalled at the two-yard line, and Boise State blocked Philippe Laforge's 20-yard field goal attempt. It marked the first time a Memphis field goal had been blocked since 2021 against SMU.

After a third-down stop by the Tigers, Memphis needed just two plays to find the end zone. Stokes floated a pass down the middle to Tipton, who outraced multiple Boise State defenders for an 87-yard touchdown, putting the Tigers ahead 7-3 late in the first quarter.

The Memphis defense provided a spark on the ensuing Boise State possession, making a huge fourth-down stop at the Tigers' own two-yard line. The momentum continued as Stokes connected with Terrell Timmons Jr. on a 68-yard pass down the Tigers' sideline in his first action of the season. The explosive play led to a 33-yard field goal by Laforge, extending the Memphis lead to 10-3.

Memphis forced a Boise State punt on the ensuing possession, and one play later, Jaylin Carter burst through the line for an 80-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 17-3 advantage with 7:19 remaining in the first half.

The Tigers appeared to have the Broncos on the ropes, but Boise State converted a pivotal fourth down that led to a 39-yard touchdown pass from Maddux Madsen to Akeem Wright, cutting the Memphis lead to 17-10.

Memphis moved into Boise State territory on its next possession, but a strong pass rush forced an errant throw from Stokes that resulted in the Tigers only turnover of the game. Two plays later, the Broncos tied the game at 17 apiece on a 19-yard reverse by freshman Rasean Jones.

Memphis closed the half with a two-minute drive that resulted in a 36-yard field goal by Laforge, giving the Tigers a 20-17 lead at the break.

The Tigers' offense recorded more than 500 yards for the second consecutive game, finishing with 519 yards of total offense.

UP NEXT

Memphis (2-1) returns to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium next Saturday to host FCS opponent UT-Martin (1-2), at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+ as the Tigers round out their nonconference schedule.

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