Leading into last Saturday’s matchup against the Mercer Bears, it was well documented how well the Bears played against Auburn last season. As previously reported, this would be Tiger quarterback Brady White’s first time getting a snap since 2016.
Regardless of history, neither of those points mattered in the 66-14 rout of Mercer. White’s night finished by halftime.
“I didn’t really have much nerves,” White said. “I had some butterflies just out of excitement. The Liberty Bowl is a great venue. We have awesome fans. Just anticipation for the season to start, but no, I wasn’t nervous. I think that’s a credit to how we prepared throughout the week. We were ready to go, and I think we did a great job showcasing that tonight.”
White completed 22 of his 28 pass attempts for 358 yards and five touchdowns. His longest pass was a 75-yard touchdown to Patrick Taylor. In all, he had four passes that were 45 yards or more. Mercer’s defense was a no-show against the explosive quarterback, who seemed as though he did not miss a beat since his last start two years ago. Despite the number he put up Saturday, White declined to grade his performance.
“Like I said, I was just trying to do what I prepared to do this week,” White said. “When you have weapons like we do, you just want to give them the rock. You guys saw it. A lot of big plays that those guys can make. Without our O-line up front doing a great job like they did tonight, none of that is possible.”
White has not played since he was at Arizona State. Nearly two years later, he led his team past a Mercer team that could not do anything well. White said despite the gap of playing time, the intensity at practice is what helped him play at an elite level.
“I mean obviously you know when the last time you played like a real game, but like T.J. (Carter) and Monte (Damonte Coxie) mentioned at practice, we’re going at it, especially throughout the spring, summer and initially at fall camp, we’re competing our butts off,” White said.
White had a competitive quarterback battle with former Memphis Tiger quarterback David Moore during training camp. Moore ultimately transferred, even though head coach Mike Norvell had yet to name a starter. White said regardless of what was taking place, he was leaving it all on the field.
“To me, my preparation day in and day out at practice was to come in […] to prepare as if I’m the guy,” White said. “Because even if you are in a battle or aren’t starting, you never know what can happen. And when your opportunity presents itself, you have to be able to take advantage of that, and your team is counting on you, too.”
Many of the Tigers have been vociferous about playing with a chip on their shoulders. Last season, Memphis won the American Athletic Conference Western Division but did not win the conference. Though White wasn’t on the team, he said he is a Tiger now and has the same feelings as his teammates.
“I’m part of this team as well,” White said. “Even though it’s my first year. I followed the Memphis Tigers just from my connect with Norvell. I know they’ve done great things here, but at the end of the season, they’ve come short. There’s just a great drive and edge to us. We want a complete season.”
For the team to obtain that type of success, they must put the past behind them, White said. Additionally, he said this is a new year, and everyone must approach this season one week at a time, which includes Saturday’s game against Mercer. Though Memphis dominated this game, White said it is on to week number two.
“This game is behind us now,” White said. “Navy is a really good opponent. We’re going to have to get to the film right away and start studying them up.”
Though the Memphis Tigers came, saw and conquered the Bears, and White is ready to move on to the next opponent, White also said there are a few things he can learn from this blowout and use for Saturday’s game in Annapolis, Maryland.
“Just execution,” White said. “Like I said, just preparing. Understanding the game plan, doing my best to be ready, so I can help this offense succeed, and then when we get on the field, just execute. Take care of the ball, take what the defense gives me and hopefully put up points and get a W.”
Brady White throws a touchdown pass against the Mercer defense. White completed 22 of his 28 pass attempts for 358 yards and five touchdowns
