The Memphis Tigers dominated the SMU Mustangs 48-10 but it took a few possessions for the Tigers to get going.
The Tigers first possession ended on a turnover on downs when they failed to convert on a 4th and 1. The next possession saw RS Sophomore Paxton Lynch fumble to turn the ball over.
After that it was all Memphis. The Tigers scored on their next 4 possessions before the half to take a 31-7 halftime lead.
The Tigers then scored on their first 3 possessions and by the end of the game the score was 48-10.
Grade time-
Offense, A
It took them 3 possessions to get going but once they did they were flying. QB Paxton Lynch finished the game 17-for 23 for 307 yards and 1 touchdown.
Running backs Brandon Hayes and Jarvis Cooper ran all over the place. Hayes finished with 101 yards with 1 TD and Cooper finished with 93 yards with 2 TD's.
Freshman WR Phil Mayhue only had 2 receptions but one of those was a 54-yard TD. His other catch was for a 42-yard gain to finish with 96 yards.
Defense, A+
The Tigers defense was dominating the entire game. They held SMU to 126 first half yards and 251 yards for the game.
Memphis held SMU to less than 3 plays and out 5 times and got 2 interceptions. The Tigers still have an issue stopping a dual threat quarterback as SMU QB Matt Davis ran for 46 yards.
SMU only had 114 yards passing. SMU QB Garrett Kristich had a 19.7 QB rating; Matt Davis was slightly better at 37.9.
Coaching, A
The coaching staff got the Tigers to rebound after the loss to Houston. The only negative from the game was the slow start but they quickly turned it around and never looked back.
They got this team to win big when they are expected to win big. The Tigers were focused and played as if SMU were the favorites. They will need to do that again as Tulsa comes into Memphis next week with just 1 win on the year.
Final thoughts-
It was a very impressive win for Memphis. Sam Craft missed the game due to an injury but he wasn't needed. He won't be needed against Tulsa either. It's possible Craft will be out for the regular season but we'll have to wait and see.
Jarvis Cooper and Phil Mayhue have filled in nicely and will get more playing time next week.
With the win the Tigers are now 2-1 in conference play for the first time since 2007. That year they went 7-6 overall and 6-2 in CUSA play.
The Tigers first possession ended on a turnover on downs when they failed to convert on a 4th and 1. The next possession saw RS Sophomore Paxton Lynch fumble to turn the ball over.
After that it was all Memphis. The Tigers scored on their next 4 possessions before the half to take a 31-7 halftime lead.
The Tigers then scored on their first 3 possessions and by the end of the game the score was 48-10.
Grade time-
Offense, A
It took them 3 possessions to get going but once they did they were flying. QB Paxton Lynch finished the game 17-for 23 for 307 yards and 1 touchdown.
Running backs Brandon Hayes and Jarvis Cooper ran all over the place. Hayes finished with 101 yards with 1 TD and Cooper finished with 93 yards with 2 TD's.
Freshman WR Phil Mayhue only had 2 receptions but one of those was a 54-yard TD. His other catch was for a 42-yard gain to finish with 96 yards.
Defense, A+
The Tigers defense was dominating the entire game. They held SMU to 126 first half yards and 251 yards for the game.
Memphis held SMU to less than 3 plays and out 5 times and got 2 interceptions. The Tigers still have an issue stopping a dual threat quarterback as SMU QB Matt Davis ran for 46 yards.
SMU only had 114 yards passing. SMU QB Garrett Kristich had a 19.7 QB rating; Matt Davis was slightly better at 37.9.
Coaching, A
The coaching staff got the Tigers to rebound after the loss to Houston. The only negative from the game was the slow start but they quickly turned it around and never looked back.
They got this team to win big when they are expected to win big. The Tigers were focused and played as if SMU were the favorites. They will need to do that again as Tulsa comes into Memphis next week with just 1 win on the year.
Final thoughts-
It was a very impressive win for Memphis. Sam Craft missed the game due to an injury but he wasn't needed. He won't be needed against Tulsa either. It's possible Craft will be out for the regular season but we'll have to wait and see.
Jarvis Cooper and Phil Mayhue have filled in nicely and will get more playing time next week.
With the win the Tigers are now 2-1 in conference play for the first time since 2007. That year they went 7-6 overall and 6-2 in CUSA play.
