The Memphis Tigers Charlotte matchup turned into a blowout Saturday, as Memphis beat the 49ers 59-8 in an American Athletic Conference opener at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Quarterback Marcus Stokes completed 20 of 25 passes for 318 yards and a career-high five touchdowns without an interception, and Memphis led 24-0 at halftime.
The Tigers (4-1, 1-0 American) scored eight touchdowns, according to Memphis athletics. Charlotte (0-5, 0-1) is still looking for its first win. Charlotte had lost its first four games before the Memphis visit. Kickoff was moved up to 10 a.m. because of weather concerns later in the day.
Memphis Tigers Charlotte takeaways: Stokes carries the offense
Stokes put the game away before halftime. He connected with Jermane Hayes on a 93-yard touchdown, then found Jemyri Davis from 25 yards and Hunter Tipton from 28 yards. Philippe Laforge added a 20-yard field goal for the 24-0 lead.
Hayes finished with six catches for 163 yards, per The Associated Press. Tipton made a one-handed grab on his score. Stokes later hit Burnside for a 19-yard touchdown, and backup quarterback Air Noland threw a scoring pass to Brady Kluse, so five different receivers caught touchdown passes…