The Memphis Tigers suffered a tough loss against Navy, which quickly brought the team back to reality following a sensational season opener. The team did have one bright spot from Saturday’s game, but there were many more areas that could use improvement than ones to be applauded.
First quarter
Things started off fairly rocky for the Tigers’ offense, which was held scoreless during the quarter and only able to muster 66 total offensive yards. Though quarterback Brady White was an efficient 6-7 passing with 53 yards, their offense was forced to punt and even suffered from a fumble loss by tight end Sean Dykes. The defense did a strong job of stopping the run, only allowing 39 net rushing yards. However, the Midshipmen still were able to score a field goal and take a quick lead.
Second quarter
Memphis was able to get on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run by Darrell Henderson that gave the Tigers the lead for a short time. Wide receiver Pop Williams made multiple catches throughout the quarter, including a big 23-yard gain that helped set up Memphis’ first touchdown. On defense, the secondary did a solid job of limiting passing, allowing Navy just one pass. But, a costly facemask penalty on corner back Tito Windham put Navy in scoring position, which allowed them to score a touchdown right before the end of the half and get back in the lead.
Third quarter
The Tigers used this quarter to show why they have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Henderson scored his second and third touchdowns of the game on 78 and 59-yard runs, respectively. Defensively, the unit was able to buckle down and prevent Navy from scoring again. Linebacker JJ Russell came up with a huge forced fumble that was recovered by safety Tyrez Lindsey, which set up Memphis’ second touchdown of the quarter.
Fourth quarter
Memphis’ offense struggles returned in the final quarter, as they were unable to make it back into the endzone to get the game out of reach. Running back Patrick Taylor Jr. fumbled the ball early in the fourth quarter, which set up Navy’s first touchdown of the final quarter. Defensively, it was clear that Navy’s ground-and-pound was beginning to wear the unit down, which allowed them to score two touchdowns in the quarter.
Post-game synopsis
Memphis’ uncharacteristicly slow start to this game and poor decision making in the fourth quarter led the team to suffer a defeat. As good as White played last week, he was the complete opposite against a tough Navy defense that was also able to force a couple of fumbles. The defense did start off strong against the run, but as the second half wore on, it was noticeable that they were getting fatigued. Next week, the Tigers face the Georgia State Panthers in a game that has potential to get out of hand very quickly.
Mike Norvell reflects
On an unseasonably cool Monday, the Memphis Tigers went back to the practice field in what will be a short week for the team. Memphis will play host to Georgia State on Friday evening, which means preparation for week three is shorter than normal, as they traditionally play on Saturdays.
Tigers head coach Mike Norvell spoke with reporters in Memphis about the loss to the Navy over the weekend, but the theme of the presser was learning from mistakes and moving forward.
“I was glad we have a short week this week because it is good to get back on the field here on Monday,” Norvell said. “Our guys came out with great energy and great focus. Saturday, we got knocked on our butt a little bit. Like I told you after the game, that was on me.”
Norvell described the game against Navy, which had seven fumbles collectively, as “physical.” Nevertheless, the Tigers are ready to face Georgia State, and he said he will have his guys prepared.
“Georgia State is a good football team,” Norvell said. “You look defensively, they are a very sound defense. They are going to attack in some areas, and they have good personnel. You look at the improvement on defense from last year and what they have started even this year. It’s impressive to see the guys they have.”
It is worth mentioning the Panthers lost to North Carolina State 41-7, though they only trailed 21-7 at the end of the third quarter. Regardless of that, Norvell said the Tigers are taking this team seriously.
“It is a team that you can tell they are well coached, and they have an athletic quarterback, some really good receivers and some running backs that I think are going to be really good players,” Norvell said. “It is going to take a great effort for us.”
Sports reporter Raven Moore
