Memphis Tops FAU 55-26

Memphis uses a 31-point 4th quarter to defeat the Owls

Memphis started slow yet again but finished strong with a 31-point 4th quarter to hold off a fiesty FAU squad that lead 16-10 with 2:18 left in the 2nd quarter.

The Tigers used timely plays in the passing game like a 73 yard touchdown from Brenden Lewis to Cortez Braham after FAU cut the Memphis lead to 24-19.

They were more than opportunistic in the running game amassing 291 yards on the ground- a total of 531 yards over the last two weeks.

Memphis had back-to-back Greg Desrosiers touchdowns- one to close the first half after Memphis put together a fantastic 2 minute offense.  Then he had his most spectacular play- a 90 yard touchdown virtually untouched that gave Memphis a 24-16 lead and totally demoralized the Owls.

Here’s my grades for the Tigers:

Offense: A

It was a fast start as Memphis needed just 2:18 to go 75 yards and get the first touchdown of the game.  After that, the offense sputtered just a bit untli the Greg Desrosiers show began.  Desrosiers broke several long runs the most electric of which was a 90-yard touchdown that was the longest run for Memphis since Herb Covington ran for 92 yards against Cincinnati in 1966.  Desrosiers finished with 204 yards on 19 carries which is the most yards for a Memphis running back since Kenneth Gainwell in 2019.  The Memphis offense racked up 291 yards on the ground- the most against an FBS opponent since 2019.  Brenden Lewis was efficient in the passing game finishing 13-19 with 2 touchdowns.  The only mistake came in the 3rd quarter on a blindside sack that caused a fumble which FAU used to score a touchdown.  All-in-all its hard to criticize a 31-point outburst in the 4th quarter.

Defense: C

It’s been a recurring theme.  The Tiger defense has started slow in 4 of the last 5 games and this was no exception as FAU answered the Memphis opening touchdown helped by a 35-yard catch and run.  The Tigers struggled with FAU’s receiving giving up 322 yards through the air.  That said, Memphis held the Owls to just 75 yards on the ground (2.8 yards per carry). Memphis outscored FAU 38-10 in the second half as the Memphis defense stiffened, allowing just 186 total yards (31 on the ground).  It’s still a troubling trend that the same issues with defending across the middle seem to continue.  While it hasn’t really been an issue thus far, it’s something Memphis has to get fixed with the offenses they will face in the back half of this season.

Special Teams: A

Memphis isn’t getting a chance to return many kicks, but the ones they have gotten their hands on have been close to breaking a long one.  Despite teams continuing to try and kick the ball away from Sutton Smith he made the most of his 1 opportunity taking a punt back 20 yards and nearly breaking away.  The Memphis special teams created a turnover late in the game when Jayden Flaker jarred the ball loose from the FAU kick returner giving Memphis a streak of causing a turnover in 21 of their last 25 games.

Final Thoughts:

Memphis extended two impressive streaks:  the nation’s longest winning streak at 9 games and a 45-game streak of 20 or more points.  While it was somewhat uneven, Memphis closed the door in dominant fashion in the second half against an inferior team which is something that they have struggled with over the past couple of seasons.  The challenging part of Memphis’ schedule lies ahead and the Tigers need to get their issues squared away moving forward.

What’s Next:

Memphis will host Tulsa on Saturday October 4th at 7pm back home at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.  The game will be broadcast on ESPNU