Tigers’ run game powers Memphis past Rice, 27-20

Memphis football still eyeing 10-win season

From the University of Memphis

GoTigersGo.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis football team got back on track Friday night with a 27-20 win over Rice at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis’ 207 yards on the ground was the difference maker as the Tigers (8-2, 4-2 AAC) used a Brandon Thomas touchdown with 11:42 remaining in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

For the fifth time this season, the Memphis run game exploded for over 200 yards as Mario Anderson Jr. recorded his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season with a game-high 144 yards.

He added a 31-yard catch and run to total 175 yards in the win.

After Rice (3-7, 2-4 AAC) went up on Memphis 6-0 following the first quarter, senior quarterback Seth Henigan connected with tight end Brendan Doyle for a nineyard score. Just five minutes later, Anderson Jr. found pay dirt for the 15th time this season to give the Tigers a 14-6 lead.

Following a Rice touchdown in the final minute of the first half, Henigan led Memphis down the field to set up a 42yard field goal attempt for kicker Tristian Vandenberg.

He connected as the first half clock ticked down to give the Tigers a 17-13 lead at the break.

Thomas’ fourth-quarter rushing touchdown padded the Memphis lead to 24-13 before Vandenberg struck from 42 yards out once again, pushing the advantage to 14 points with 4:23 to play.

Rice quarterback E.J. Warner threw his second touchdown pass of the game with just under two minutes to go, but it was too little too late as the Tigers hung on in the game’s final minutes.

Memphis’ all-time leading passer Henigan finished the night with 159 yards passing to go with a touchdown and an interception. His secondquarter touchdown to tight end Brendan Doyle was the 96th of his career and marked the third of the campaign for Doyle.

Senior Roc Taylor led the Tigers in receiving with 52 yards on four receptions. It extended his streak to 32-consecutive games with a reception and the big-bodied receiver went over 50 yards for the eighth time in 10 games this season.

Linebacker Chandler Martin paced the Tigers once again defensively, totaling 11 tackles (nine solo) to go with a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry, as well as his fourth fumble recovery of the season (tied for NCAA lead).

Defensive back Davion Ross had a career night with nine total tackles (seven solo). Fellow defensive backs AJ Watts and Greg Rubin chipped in six stops apiece.

Dating back to the win at UAB last season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 13 of its last 16 games. Over that stretch, the Tigers have created 28 takeaways (15 INT, 13 FR).

The Tigers have now scored 20 or more points in 37-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021. Following the win, Memphis (62) is one of just five teams with 60 or more home wins since 2014, along with Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Michigan.

Up Next

The Tigers are back at home on Saturday, Nov. 16 against UAB on Senior Day with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis will look to retain possession of the Battle for the Bones trophy.

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