For the first time this season, the Memphis Tigers lost two games back-to-back after being defeated by the Missouri Tigers 65-33. This was one of the worst showings from the team since head coach Mike Norvell took over in 2016. This game gave him a lot of things to work on during the bye week.
Quarterbacks: D+
Before last week’s game, quarterback Brady White had only thrown one interception in the previous seven games. In the first half of last week’s game, he threw two in the first half, including a pick-six to cornerback Christi Holmes. He also struggled to complete his passes and finished the game completing only 15 of his 37 passes and two touchdowns.
Running backs: B-
Running back Darrell Henderson was relegated to the sideline with an apparent injury early in the first quarter, which opened the door for running backs Tony Pollard and Patrick Taylor Jr. to get more opportunities. Taylor took on the bulk of the carries and finished the game with 24 carries for 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Pollard made big plays on the ground and through the air. His biggest highlight came from a 30-yard touchdown reception he had in the second quarter.
Wide receivers and tight ends: C+
Wide receiver Damonte Coxie continued to show why he’s the Tigers’ leading receiver by using his size to make clutch third and fourth down conversions. He finished the game with eight catches for 111 receiving yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. No other pass catcher had more than 50 yards in the game.
Offensive line: C-
The offensive line continued with it’s struggles to protect White and this time allowed seven hurries and three sacks against a tough Missouri pass rush. They also accounted for two penalties, both being holding calls.
Defensive line: C-
The team’s pass rush was practically nonexistent and was unable to register a single sack on Missouri quarterback Drew Lock. As far as run stopping, they were very hit or miss. At times, they stopped the run with ease; other plays, Missouri had their way with the defensive line. But in the second half, Missouri hit their stride and wound up with 273 rushing yards on the day.
Even Lock was able to make some solid plays on the ground and rushed for 36 yards on four carries.
Linebackers: C-
Per usual, linebacker Curtis Akins led the team in tackles, but no other linebacker did anything noteworthy. If anything, the group was exploited by tight end Al Okwuegbunam, who had a monster game. He finished the game with six receptions, 159 receiving yards with three touchdowns, and each of his touchdown receptions were longer than 20 yards.
Defensive backs: D-
This was a very long game for the Tigers’ secondary, who struggled to stop much of anything. Lock harassed them through the air, especially when targeting speedy wide receiver Jalen Knox, who had five receptions for 104 yards and one receiving touchdown. They also missed big key tackles, which played a big role in Missouri finding the end zone often.
It also didn’t help that they practically gave away free yards to Mizzou on penalties. Leader of the unit T.J Carter had an uncharacteristic three penalties, including two pass interference calls.
As if their play wasn’t a problem enough, they also suffered a key injury to promising safety Joshua Perry, who left the game in the second quarter and didn’t return.
Special teams: C+
When your first special teams play of the game is a blocked punt, it pretty much knocks the wind out of the whole team, especially when the opposing team recovers the ball deep in your own territory. That’s precisely what happened when punter Adam Williams had his punt blocked on the first drive, and Mizzou recovered it at the Memphis 27.
On a positive note, place kicker Riley Patterson made a season-long field goal of 52 yards and finished the day a perfect 2-2 on field goal attempts but he did miss an extra point attempt.
Coaching: C
Not much can be said on Memphis’ coaching because they tried to run the same plays and schemes they’re accustomed to running. The biggest difference is that Mizzou is not a team they’re familiar with and can easily pick apart. Combine that with players not making plays, and it’s going to be a recipe for disaster.
The team’s bye week couldn’t have come soon enough, and they’ll have time to fix the many mistakes they made throughout the game.
Brady White throws the ball deep to his target. White had 208 passing yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions.
