Tag: Memphis

Oct 13, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers linebacker Chandler Martin (11) against Tulane Green Wave offensive linemen Rashad Green (69) during the second half at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Memphis, South Florida, UTSA, Tulane pledge to stay in American

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The next spin on the conference realignment carousel won’t include Memphis, South Florida, UTSA or Tulane.

The American Athletic Conference released a statement Monday saying those four schools are committed to remaining in the league, following reports that they could be targets of the rebuilding Pac-12 Conference.

At the same time, all 15 member institutions published graphics on social media that plotted their locations on a map, with one word prominently featured: “Committed.”

“We are the American Athletic Conference. A conference that prioritizes student-athlete welfare, has proud academic institutions, produces fierce competition at the highest level, and has outstanding linear and direct-to-consumer national media partners,” the AAC’s statement read.

“Together, we are committed to continuing to build the American brand, exploring new opportunities for exposure and value, and developing innovative economic resources — all in service of our student-athletes.”

The statement acknowledged that some of its member institutions received interest from “other conferences.” Though the schools weren’t named, the corresponding social media post featured the logos of Memphis, South Florida, UTSA and Tulane across the top.

The AAC said it was “in our individual and collective best interests to uphold our commitment to each other.”

The Pac-12 began a regrowth of sorts two weeks ago when it was announced the league would add Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State from the Mountain West in 2026. Joining Oregon State and Washington State, that would bring the league to six members, with eight the minimum required for the league to be recognized as an FBS conference once again.

Memphis, Tulane and others were reported to be among the Pac-12’s next targets.

“The landscape of college athletics has shifted dramatically in the past few years,” the University of Memphis said in its own statement. “With that, our focus has remained on ensuring our student-athletes are given the best possible environment to perform their sports and academics at the highest level. After considering other potential options, we have decided our current partnership with the American Athletic Conference is in the best interest of our student-athletes and the future of our University.”

The AAC has 14 football-playing members after losing SMU to the ACC but adding Army ahead of the 2024 season. Army and Navy are football-only members, while Wichita State plays most of its sports in the AAC but does not field a football team.

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) is tackled against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State, desperate to avoid 0-3 start, hosts Memphis

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With his team reeling after an 0-2 start, Florida State coach Mike Norvell faces his former program on Saturday when the Seminoles host Memphis in Tallahassee, Fla.

Although Florida State leads the all-time series 10-7-1 and has won the past four meetings, this will be the first time the two teams have played since 1990.

There’s plenty of familiarity, though, as Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield leads the Tigers (2-0) into this huge opportunity game on the road against Norvell, who coached at Memphis from 2016-19. Silverfield served as one of Norvell’s assistants.

“Obviously, there’s a great relationship with Mike Norvell and everything he meant to this university, and I know quite a few people on that staff, but this game will not be a Silverfield vs. Norvell,” Silverfield said this week.

The Seminoles’ season couldn’t have gone any worse so far.

The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference champions went from top 10 to unranked, and are already in a major hole at 0-2 in the conference standings following losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College.

Memphis presents another challenge as it has designs on making the College Football Playoff as a Group of Five team.

The Seminoles rank last among 17 ACC teams in scoring offense, total offense and rushing offense. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei ranks 14th among ACC starting quarterbacks in passer rating (116.5).

“It’s definitely not all on him. I’ve really liked his mindset and his approach. He’s got a lot of experience, and he understands how to play the game,” Norvell said about Uiagalelei, who’s in his first season as Florida State’s starter after transferring from Oregon State. “He understands how to respond to good and obviously to responding to some of the challenges that showed up. I think he’s brought the right attitude and approach to what we need and to what we need to continue to do as this offense is growing together.”

The Memphis offense has not had much trouble in wins over North Alabama and Troy so far, averaging 39 points per game.

Quarterback Seth Henigan has been sharp, completing 42 of 60 passes for 469 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Mario Anderson is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and has 171 yards and four touchdowns through the Tigers’ first two games.

–Field Level Media

April 10, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Christian Kline of FedEx participates in a safety wiring demonstration as part of the aerospace maintenance competition at the Aviation Week Network's MRO Americas at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY NETWORK

FedEx, Memphis enter $25M NIL partnership

Posted on | by Field Level Media

FedEx is entering into a five-year, $25 million name, image and likeness commitment that will benefit student-athletes at Memphis, particularly in the Tigers’ football and men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as additional women’s sports.

The shipping giant, which launched its operations in Memphis in 1973, has annual revenues of $88 billion.

As part of the initiative, Memphis athletes receiving NIL funding will participate in FedEx initiatives via social media and in person around the city. The company supports events that include the FedEx/St. Jude Championships, the Southern Heritage Classic and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, all in Memphis.

“We evaluated the evolving NIL landscape, exploring how we can best deliver positive impact to student-athletes and connect them to meaningful opportunities for both themselves and the community and made the decision to reallocate marketing funds to an NIL platform,” said Brian Philips, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer at FedEx, in a news release. “This gives us an opportunity to invest in bright, young athletes in our great hometown of Memphis, strengthening our connection to the next generation of leaders.”

The program was announced Friday via a social media video that featured both FedEx employees and Memphis athletes.

The first FedEx in-person NIL initiative will be a tailgate event at Memphis’ spring football game, featuring the women’s soccer team.

Athletic director Laird Veatch told 929 ESPN radio in Memphis on Friday that the contribution includes a clause stipulating a 50 percent match and that the university will launch a campaign to raise $2.5 million per year.

Veatch acknowledged the boost the FedEx partnership will give to his department.

“It does elevate us to a highly competitive NIL space, and it’s something that’s sustainable at the same time,” Veatch said. “If you ask many athletic directors around the country, I don’t know that they’d be in a position to say that.”

This is not the first partnership between the company and school. The campus has a degree program for FedEx employees and also boasts the FedEx Institute of Technology. Company CEO Fred Smith agreed to donate $50 million from his personal foundation for renovations for the Tigers’ football stadium.

–Field Level Media

Memphis' Demeer Blankumsee (0) catches a pass for a touchdown in the opening drive during the game between the University of Memphis and Iowa State University in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Dec. 29, 2023.

Strong passing attack lifts Memphis over Iowa State in Liberty Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Seth Henigan passed for four touchdowns and ran for another to lead Memphis to a 36-26 victory over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Friday in Memphis, Tenn.

Henigan completed 24 of 34 passes for 364 yards with no interceptions against an Iowa State defense that had 16 picks during the regular season. Blake Watson rushed for 107 yards on 15 carries and Roc Taylor had eight catches for 102 yards for Memphis (10-3).

Henigan hit Sutton Smith for a 48-yard touchdown to put Memphis up 36-13 midway through the third quarter. Rocco Becht answered with a 15-yard scoring strike to Easton Dean to bring the Cyclones within 36-20.

Becht hit Jaylin Noel with a 23-yard scoring pass with 9:55 left, but the two-point pass failed, leaving Memphis up by 10.

Becht, the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, completed 22 of 38 passes for 446 yards with three touchdowns for Iowa State (7-6). The Cyclones were held to 0 yards rushing on 20 attempts.

Henigan completed two long touchdown passes and ran for another score to put the Tigers up 19-0 after one quarter.

Memphis struck quickly when Henigan connected with Demeer Blankumsee on a 70-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game. The PAT was missed.

The Tigers made it 13-0 on their second possession, converting a fourth-and-1 to set up Henigan’s 11-yard touchdown scramble on the following play.

On Memphis’ next possession, Henigan capped a four-play, 84-yard drive with a 51-yard scoring strike to Joe Scates.

The Cyclones got on the board early in the second quarter when Becht hit Jayden Higgins with a 29-yard scoring pass to make it 19-7.

Iowa State pulled within 19-10 when Becht connected again with Higgins for 53 yards to set up Chase Contreraz’s 22-yard field goal.

Contreraz added a 39-yard field goal with 35 seconds left in the half to make it 19-13. But the Tigers went 44 yards in four plays and Tanner Gillis hit a 49-yarder on the final play for a 22-13 halftime lead.

Watson’s 55-yard run to the Cyclones’ 5-yard line on Memphis’ first series of the second half set up Henigan’s short scoring pass to Anthony Landphere to put the Tigers in front 29-13.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Memphis Tigers defensive lineman Josh Ellison (4) attempts to block a pass from Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) in the first quarter at The Dome at America's Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

Brady Cook’s big night helps Missouri hold off Memphis

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Brady Cook passed for 341 yards and two touchdowns to drive Missouri to a 34-27 victory over Memphis on Saturday in a nonconference game at St. Louis.

Luther Burden III caught 10 passes for 177 yards for Missouri (4-0). Cody Schrader rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, and Nathaniel Peat produced 65 yards and a TD on 15 carries.

Seth Henigan completed 31 of 47 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns for Memphis (3-1). He was intercepted twice.

Blake Watson amassed 130 total yards and a touchdown for Memphis, and Roc Taylor caught seven passes for 143 yards.

On Missouri’s third offensive play, Cook hit Marquis Johnson in stride for a 76-yard touchdown pass.

Memphis responded with a 12-play, 50-yard drive that cut Missouri’s lead to 7-3 on Tanner Gillis’ 43-yard field goal. The key play was Henigan’s 11-yard pass to Demeer Blankumsee on fourth-and-8.

After Schrader lost a fumble on his 10-yard line, Memphis capitalized with Henigan’s 3-yard, fourth-down TD pass to Joseph Scates to move ahead 10-7.

Missouri surged ahead 14-10 with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by Peat’s 1-yard TD plunge. That score was set up by Burden’s 20-yard catch-and-run play.

Harrison Mevis made it 17-10 at the half with his 25-yard field goal to cap a 78-yard Missouri drive.

Spurred by Cook’s 56-yard pass to Burden, Missouri moved 76 yards in three plays to increase its lead to 24-10. Cook finished the drive with a 19-yard TD pass to Theo Wease Jr.

Memphis cut its deficit to 24-17 with a six-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. Watson finished it off with his 13-yard scoring catch and run.

Mevis hit a 32-yard field goal with 11:01 to play to cap a 74-yard drive and increase Missouri’s lead to 27-17.

Gillis answered with 22-yard field goal with 5:18 left, cutting the deficit to seven. Henigan’s 26-yard pass to Taylor on a fourth-and-3 play spurred the 72-yard drive.

Schrader’s 37-yard TD run with 2:46 left made it 34-20, and Memphis cut the gap to 34-27 on Koby Drake’s 21-yard TD catch with 1:21 to go.

–Field Level Media

The celebration begins after Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis's game-winning field goal during a game against Kansas State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbia, Mo.

Missouri, Memphis meet in battle of Tigers in St. Louis

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Upsetting then-No. 15 Kansas State 30-27 at home gave Missouri (3-0) its best start since 2018.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz, now 20-19 at Missouri, will try to build on the potential breakthrough against Memphis (3-0, 1-0 in American Athletic Conference) Saturday in The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.

He praised his team’s ability to overcome momentum shifts to edge Kansas State.

“That’s the type of game that we need as a team and an organization,” Drinkwitz said.

Now he’ll need to gauge their ability to adjust on the fly if quarterback Brady Cook misses time.

Cook delivered his career-best performance for Missouri: 23-for-35 for 356 yards and two touchdowns despite suffering a hyperextended knee. Drinkwitz said Cook would miss practice Tuesday due to the injury and is considered day-to-day.

Receiver Luther Burden III (seven catches, 114 yards, two touchdowns) enjoyed his second straight 100-yard receiving game. But the big hero was Harrison Mevis, whose 61-yard field goal won the game as time expired.

“That was truly a dream,” Cook said of the scene last week.

If he’s unavailable, redshirt freshman Sam Horn would be the starter for Mizzou.

“Fired up for these fans,” Drinkwitz said on building excitement around his program. “Our fans, storming the field, deserve that. The gold on that field was beautiful. I know our fans have been waiting a long time.”

Memphis is coming off a 28-24 victory at home over Navy.

The Tigers prevailed despite allowing the Midshipmen to build an edge in total yardage (432-408) and time of possession (32:49 to 27:11).

“A win is a win at the end of the day,” Memphis running back Blake Watson said. “We’re always going to have something to clean up, no matter how many we win by, no matter how we look.”

Watson gained 146 yards of his 169 yards rushing in the second half. He also caught six passes for 68 yards overall.

Quarterback Seth Hanigan completed 23 of 35 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He took a big hit in the game and briefly exited to be checked for a concussion.

Memphis is preparing for the Missouri defense, which ranked fourth in the SEC last season in yards allowed per game.

“They’re big, they’re physical,” Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said. “You watch what they did against Kansas State, they were effective in a lot of different ways. Kansas State was the 15th-ranked team in the country for a reason.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan (5) passes the ball against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis, Utah St. chase winning season in First Responder Bowl

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Utah State and Memphis finished the regular season on opposite trajectories, but the two .500 teams will collide at the First Responder Bowl on Tuesday in Dallas.

Utah State (6-6) won five of its last seven regular-season games to qualify for a bowl game for the second straight season and 10th time in the past 12 years.

Memphis (6-6) lost five of its last seven games but secured a bowl berth for the ninth consecutive season, the longest active streak of any non-Power 5 team in the country.

“Love the matchup against Memphis,” Utah State coach Blake Anderson said. “Really good football team.”

The Aggies haven’t played Memphis since 1977, but Anderson faced the Tigers in the 2020 season opener when he was coaching Arkansas State.

The 37-24 win by Memphis was also the first victory at the school for coach Ryan Silverfield.

“(I’m) familiar with those guys,” Anderson said. “I have watched them play several times this year and know what kind of challenge that’ll be.”

The Aggies defeated three teams that earned bowl invitations this season: UConn, Air Force and San Jose State.

Utah State is led by junior quarterback Cooper Legas, who has completed 61.2 percent of his passes this season for 1,465 yards and 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

His favorite receiver has been Brian Cobbs, who has 70 receptions for 844 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Calvin Tyler Jr. rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown in Utah State’s 42-23 loss to Boise State in the regular-season finale on Nov. 25, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark on the season for the first time in his five-year collegiate career.

“Got great respect for (Anderson) and what he’s done at Utah State,” Silverfield said. “We know that they are going to present a challenge. We know that they are only a year removed from an 11-win season. They’ve got an over 1,000-yard rusher and nine all-conference-type players.”

Seth Henigan started every game this season at quarterback for Memphis. He has completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,275 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

The Tigers lost running back Brandon Thomas to a season-ending injury on Nov. 10 against Tulsa, leaving Jevyon Ducker and Asa Martin to carry the load against Utah State.

“They run the ball and run it extremely well,” Anderson said.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan (5) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the UCF Knights at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Time running out on Memphis, Tulsa for bowl eligibility

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Memphis will look to end a four-game losing streak when it hosts struggling Tulsa in American Athletic Conference play on Thursday.

The Tigers (4-5, 2-4 AAC) are coming off a 35-28 loss to visiting UCF in which the No. 25 Knights broke open a tie game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to deal Memphis its longest losing streak since 2013.

Tulsa (3-6, 1-4) fell behind 17-3 midway through the second quarter and never recovered in a 27-13 loss at No. 19 Tulane. It was the Golden Hurricane’s fifth defeat in their past six games.

Memphis must win two of its final three games to be bowl-eligible for the ninth straight season, while the Golden Hurricane must win their final three games to qualify for the postseason for the third straight year.

“Nobody’s going to apply a sense of urgency more than our own selves,” Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said. “They’re ignoring the outside noise. They’re focused on what they need to focus on and all they can focus on is beating Tulsa.”

Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan has thrown two interceptions in each of the past three games to match his six touchdown passes during that stretch.

He went 26-of-39 passing for 284 yards with a touchdown against UCF on Saturday. But the Tigers allowed 427 yards and four touchdown passes, including one by Golden Knights running back Isaiah Bowser.

Tulsa will need to play much better on both sides of the ball against Memphis than it did against Tulane.

Braylon Braxton went 13-of-25 passing for 146 yards and a touchdown in his first start, replacing Davis Brin, who was sidelined with an injured right ankle. Brin’s availability for Thursday will be determined closer to game time, according to Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery.

Tulsa was outgained 482-257 and gave up 357 rushing yards on 53 carries, an average of 6.7 yards per attempt.

“We know we got a short week, so everybody has to be locked in, have the same agenda and goal,” Braxton said. “We just got to go 1-0.”

The Golden Hurricane defeated Memphis 35-29 last year to end a three-game losing streak to the Tigers, who lead the all-time series 19-12.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2022; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt (7) runs by Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jaylen Pickle (93) during the first quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

With rare ranking, No. 25 Tulane meets Memphis

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With its fourth American Athletic Conference game looming this season, Tulane finds itself in rare territory — as an Associated Press Top 25 team.

The No. 25 Green Wave (6-1, 3-0) will be back home in New Orleans on Saturday looking to keep the top spot in the AAC when they host Memphis (4-3, 2-2).

When Sunday’s rankings were released, the Green Wave ascended out of the AP’s “others receiving votes” category and crested in the final position in the poll. That marks the first time this century that Tulane has been ranked.

The most recent ranking was in 1998, a season in which quarterback Shaun King guided the Green Wave to a 12-0 record and the No. 7 spot in the final poll after beating BYU 41-27 in the Liberty Bowl.

In a current season highlighted by a 17-10 road win over Kansas State, Tulane has found success largely because of quarterback Michael Pratt.

For the second consecutive game, Pratt set a career high in passing yardage — going 23 of 35 for 329 yards with two touchdowns in his squad’s 45-31 win over South Florida.

The junior has passed for 1,560 yards and 11 TDs this season, with three interceptions, while completing 67.3 percent of his throws.

“I think one of the biggest things is the depth that we have at every position,” Pratt said. “I think we have a lot of talent all across the board. That’s something we emphasize, getting a lot of different guys in. It’s been really good to see the offensive line blocking its butt off. We have really good (running) backs. … When we can run the ball effectively, that opens up everything else.

“We’ve got guys that can win one-on-one (battles) and make great plays.”

After winning four consecutive contests following a season-opening 49-23 loss at Mississippi State, Memphis has lost consecutive games by a total of three points.

Still stinging from a 33-32 home defeat against Houston, when the Cougars rallied from a 26-7 fourth-quarter deficit, the Tigers fell again in a four-overtime setback at East Carolina last week.

Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan’s 13-yard scoring pass to Joseph Scates with 19 seconds to play forced overtime. The teams them matched scores, including a pair of two-point conversions in the third OT, before ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers’ pass to C.J. Johnson finished the wild affair.

For the fourth time in two seasons and for the second straight week, the Tigers watched a double-digit lead transform from joy to dismay.

“Obviously, (that’s) a heartbreaking loss, disappointed we didn’t find a way to finish it up at the end,” Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said. “The biggest thing for us right now is playing a complete game for four quarters. That’s one thing we’re not doing, (but) we’re seeing flashes of some pretty good stuff.”

Some of that stuff was Henigan (27 of 37, 407 yards, two TDs) and a pair of 100-yard receivers in Scates (five receptions for 112 yards, TD) and Caden Prieskorn (six catches, 104 yards).

Memphis kicker Chris Howard was named AAC Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after kicking three fields at ECU. Howard is 14 of 14 on field goals this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 30, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune (3) hands the ball off to running back Stacy Sneed (21) during the third quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis must play better against Houston to continue win streak

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Memphis will look to build on a four-game winning streak when it hosts stumbling Houston on Friday in an American Athletic Conference matchup.

With a win Friday, the Tigers (4-1, 2-0 AAC) can remain at the top of the conference standings and all but doom Houston’s chances for a repeat appearance in the league championship game.

Memphis heads into Friday’s game on the heels of a 24-3 win at home over Temple. The Tigers shrugged off a ragged first half in which they were held scoreless for the first time since 2017 and rolled to the victory.

“We’re doing enough to win games. It doesn’t mean that we’re even close to where we need to be,” Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said Sunday. “Everything that we’re doing has to get fixed and improved upon quickly because we know we can’t go out there and play like we did (against Temple).”

The Cougars head to Memphis on the heels of a 27-24 overtime loss at home to Tulane on Sept. 30. Houston has played three overtime games this season, a program record, and has dropped two of them.

Houston (2-3, 0-1 AAC) scored 14 straight points in the fourth quarter before Tulane produced a tying TD with 39 seconds left in regulation. The Cougars opted to take the ball first in overtime and kicked a field goal, but Tulane had the final say via a game-winning touchdown pass on its possession.

Prior to the season, Houston was picked to win the AAC in a media poll, edging Cincinnati. Linebacker Donavan Mutin was candid when asked about the Cougars’ struggle to close out games and what needs to be done to turn around the situation.

“(Our opponents) make more plays to win than we do,” Mutin said. “From the head of the snake to the tail of the snake, we need alignment. It needs to be coherent. The message needs to be clear. We’re going to have a chance to do that or not and our season will be the ramifications of whatever we do.”

Quarterback Clayton Tune threw for 208 yards and two scores in the loss, in which he became just the fourth player in Houston history to amass 10,000 career total yards.

Houston has won 16 of its 30 games against the Tigers in the all-time series. The teams have split the 16 contests played in Memphis.

–Field Level Media