Memphis outlasts Charlotte 33-28 in big home win
Tigers’ Hennigan breaks school touchdown record
From the University of Memphis
GoTigersGo.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis football team had to dig deep after falling behind with 1:20 remaining, but the Tigers clawed their way back in front and escaped with a 33-28 victory over Charlotte Saturday afternoon at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The Tigers (7-1, 3-1 AAC) took the lead with just 31 seconds remaining on a 24-yard record-breaking touchdown pass from senior quarterback Seth Henigan to Roc Taylor.
The game-winning toss was the 91st of Henigan’s career, moving him past Brady White for the most touchdown passes in Memphis football history.
Memphis scored 12 points (field goal, touchdown, safety) in the final 1:56 of game time to earn its seventh win of the season and build on its best start to a season since 2019. The touchdown from Henigan to Taylor was set up by a 25-yard connection down the middle two plays prior from Henigan to tight end Anthony Landphere.
The defense sealed the victory with a safety from William Whitlow Jr. and Chandler Martin with 19 seconds to play. Memphis held Charlotte to just 52 offensive plays today – the lowest amount by a Tiger opponent this season.
Running back Mario Anderson Jr. racked up 141 rushing yards and a touchdown on 32 totes. It marked his fifth 100yard of the year, the most by a Tiger running back in the regular season since Kenneth Gainwell in 2019. His 32 carries were the most by a Tiger since Doroland Dorceus in 2015. On the season, Anderson Jr. has amassed 780 yards on the ground to go with 13 rushing touchdowns.
Freshman running back Makari Bodiford added a career- high 73 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
He broke off a 40-yard scamper – the third longest rush this season by a Tiger – to set up his 14-yard score a few plays later.
Henigan finished the afternoon completing 20-of-32 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while adding to his career- record list as a Tiger.
Taylor led the receiving corps with six catches for 99 yards and a score, while six other Tigers hauled in a pass.
Martin was again the leader on defense, totaling 10 tackles and a pair of sacks on the day. Fellow linebacker Elijah Herring was in on six stops to go with his second-quarter interception. Defensive back DJ Bell also came down with a big interception in the fourth quarter that led to Tristian Vandenberg’s 21-yard field goal. Dating back to UAB last year, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 12 of the last 15 games. Over that stretch, they have created 27 takeaways (15 INT, 12 FR).
After today’s win, the Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 35-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021.
Memphis (61) is one of just five teams with 60 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Michigan.
Martin Notches Third AAC Player of the Week Honor
University of Memphis redshirt- junior linebacker Chandler Martin was named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
The captain of the Tiger defense, Martin, totaled 11 tackles and a pair of sacks to grow his season total to 6.0 (No. 19 in FBS).
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Martin has been the anchor of a much-improved Memphis defense this season that held Charlotte to just 52 offensive plays – the lowest amount by a Tiger opponent this season.
It marks the third-career AAC Defensive Player of the Week honor for the Lithonia, Georgia, native who leads The American with 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss in 2024.
His three fumble recoveries are also good for the second most in FBS while his 12 tackles for loss rank sixth in the country.
As a unit, the Tiger defense ranks No. 5 nationally in turnover margin (+11), No. 12 in turnovers gained (16), No.
14 with 42.0 tackles for loss, No. 33 in scoring defense (20.9 avg.) and No. 34 in rushing defense (117.5).
The Tigers' 7-1 start is the best since Memphis did the same in 2019 before finishing 12-2. Memphis has scored 20 or more points in 35-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021.
What’s Next?
Memphis hits the road for San Antonio next weekend for an 11 a.m. kick on ESPN2 against UTSA.
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