Key Plays from Memphis' 38-32 Loss to Tulane
Memphis lost to Tulane 38-32 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. With this being the Tigers’ second loss of the season, their shot at the College Football Playoff and American Conference championship is on life support. Here are the key plays that shifted momentum the most in the game.
Tulane’s Opening Play Touchdown
This set the tone for the entire first half. Tulane offensive coordinator Joe Craddock was aggressive on the first play of the game, and dialed up a play-action shot on a big post. Jake Retzlaff dropped it in the bucket to wide receiver Shazz Preston for a 65-yard touchdown.
Retzlaff-to-Brown-Stephens Touchdown
This was the play that put Tulane in complete control. Retzlaff hit another deep shot with Duke Cooper in coverage. This time it was Anthony Brown-Stephens on the receiving end. Retzlaff finished the first half 14/15 for 284 yards and three touchdowns.
Brendon Lewis hits Brady Kluse for a Touchdown on a Free Play
Brendon Lewis found Brady Kluse in the end zone after Tulane jumped offsides to pull Memphis within six. It was one of Lewis’ better throws of the season. He put it in a good spot off his back foot and Kluse made the catch in double coverage.
Arrington Maiden’s 4th and 5 Conversion
This was the most important play on a Memphis scoring drive that cut the deficit to 38-25 early in the fourth quarter. In the same sequence, the Tigers then got three straight stops on defense. Arrington Maiden, replacing the injured Lewis, converted a fourth-and-five with his legs to keep the game alive for Memphis.
Jamari Hawkins’ First Touchdown of the Season
On Memphis’ second possession, Lewis hit Jamari Hawkins on a deep post on third-and-six to tie the game at 7. With good pass protection, Lewis dropped it in the bucket.
