The Memphis Tigers were more than ecstatic to open their season against the Mercer Bears and put on quite a show in the process. They gave a 66-14 thrashing, which was not only intriguing to watch, but also allowed fans to see the talent on the team.
First quarter
As early as the opening kickoff, Memphis was on fire, and new quarterback Brady White was firing on all cylinders and started his first drive with six straight completions. Running backs Patrick Taylor, Jr. and Darrell Henderson did not take long to find the end zone, scoring a touchdown each in the opening quarter. The defense got in on the scoring action with a 31-yard pick-six by cornerback T.J. Carter. They were also stopping the run, allowing the Bears zero net rushing yards on six rushing attempts.
Second quarter
The scoring didn’t stop for the Tigers’ offense, as they were able to score on four straight drives, with White finishing the first half with an impressive 358 yards through the air. Wide receiver Kedarian Jones got in on the action and was able to come up with an impressive touchdown grab after previously being down with an injury. Defensively, the team’s secondary looked dominant and only allowed 19 passing yards in the quarter. The unit’s pass rush was impactful as well with linebacker Bryce Huff getting the first sack of the game.
Third quarter
Memphis decided to take out most of their starters, most notably their starting offense. Freshman quarterback Brady McBride came in, and despite the team having two drives which resulted in a punt, he made some quality plays with his legs. The defense was also without many of their starters, but it wasn’t noticeable in their play. They were able to force three fumbles, and defensive lineman Braylon Brown and linebacker JJ Russell got back-to-back sacks.
When asked about the quarterback changes, head coach Mike Norvell seemed pleased with the result.
“There was some good,” Norvell said. “It’s great to get them (Mcbride and Connor Adair) some experience. They were fired up, ready to go and though there were some learning things we definitely can grow from, to be able to get them starting off the third quarter and letting them roll from there, I thought it was a good experience. Those guys are still competing, so it’s fun to see them more.”
Fourth quarter
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to get on the board after being held scoreless in the third quarter. Not only were they able to notch a field goal, but wide receiver Calvin Austin III was able to turn a sweep play into an 83-yard touchdown. There were some slips along the way on defense, which resulted in Mercer scoring two touchdowns, but they added another sack to their stat sheet, courtesy of defensive lineman Jacoby Hill.
Post-game synopsis
As far as season openers go, things could not have been better for the Tigers. They added being one of the fastest offenses in the country to their reputation, and their defense was able to keep piling on turnovers. Players like wide receiver Damonte Coxie and linebacker Bryce Huff have shown they are more than capable of being as talented as their predecessors, and quarterback White proved he was a reliable passer. In next week’s away game against Navy, the team should find similar success, barring any unforeseen injuries or missteps.
When reporters asked White about what it would take for Memphis to pull out another victory, he said they would have to prepare.
“Navy is a really good opponent,” White said. “We have to get to the film right away and start studying them up. It’s a conference opponent, week two, so we have to go in there with our minds right and get ready to handle business.”
Tee Mitchell (28) falls to the ground as he is getting tackled by the Memphis defense. Despite the powerful defense by Memphis, Mercer scored 14 points.
