Memphis gained 233 yards on the ground including a game-high 81 yards from Quarterback Brendan Lewis to do one of the things they’ve struggled with in the past- close out games.
Making his first start after transferring from Nevada to Memphis, Lewis used his legs and an efficient passing game (22-28, 198 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception) to lead the Memphis offense to a 28-3 lead at halftime in front of 25,011. The Tigers completed passes to 10 different receivers and had 3 running backs carry the ball for more than 60 yards. It was balance that was needed when Greg Desrosiers went down with a “lower body injury” after a strong first quarter. Coach Silverfield indicated that he opted not to have Desrosiers return to risk further injury.
The Memphis defense stifled the Chattanooga attack for much of the day holding the Mocs to just 114 first half yards. The Tigers defense forced two interceptions- including 1 by transfer from Florida State Demarco Ward when he returned an errant pass 27 yards to give Memphis a 38-3 lead. It was Ward’s first play in a Tiger uniform…