In a game almost canceled due to Hurricane Milton, Memphis’ defense impressed, allowing only three points to South Florida.
Despite a 21-3 victory, Memphis fans have reason to be upset because of the lack of offensive firepower.
But don't let that get you down. This week was filled with uncertainty and Memphis "put the blinders on" and grabbed its first conference win.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game and some notes you have missed.
Everything went Memphis’ way in the first quarter. Demeer Blankumsee received his first TD of the season five minutes into the ball game. Mario Anderson caught and ran for a 9-yard touchdown later in the first quarter, giving Seth Henigan his second passing score in the contest.
Later in the first period, Seth Henigan threw one into double coverage, and a South Florida defensive back made an athletic play, forcing a Memphis turnover. But a flag was thrown for roughing the passer, giving Memphis the ball back.
But the breaks stopped going the Tiger's way in the second quarter. Caden Costa’s missed 39-yard field goal, Mario Anderson’s ejection for SPITTING(!?), and being stopped on fourth and two from Memphis territory all led to a scoreless Tiger second period.
A Brett Karhu roughing-the-passer penalty capped off a second-quarter full of bone-headed, momentum-stopping plays, allowing a South Florida 52-yard field goal with no time left.
But the Bulls’ momentum did not bother Memphis’ stout defense as it forced a South Florida turnover on downs thanks to a combined stop by Jordan Grier and Davion Ross on the first possession out of the half.
That theme of a dominant Memphis defense continued throughout the rest of the game. The onslaught was led by one of the best linebacker duos in the nation, Chandler Martin and Elijah Herring.
Memphis’ offensive scoring drought lasted the entire rest of the game.
Thanks to a Mario Anderson Jr. ejection, Memphis was down to its fourth running back and totally abandoned the running game. After allowing a touchdown on two of Memphis’ first three drives, USF began to drop eight defenders.
With the absence of a running game and the added pressure in the secondary, Memphis’ receivers were not running open like they were in the first quarter.
The play that sealed the deal was cornerback Kobee Minor’s weekly hit stick. He forced a fumble at the one-yard line and fell on by Chandler Martin, giving Memphis its only score outside of the first quarter.
Speaking of Martin, he stuffed the stat sheet, totaling 7 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, 1 quarterback hurry and 1 touchdown.
The Tigers will face North Texas (4-1) at home next Saturday
Reach Rivals contributor Sam Shoemaker on X @s_shoemaker52
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