Tigers complete comeback to beat Mississippi State at home

Memphis rally puts Bulldogs away

gotigersgo.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Tigers extended the program’s winning streak at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to 17-straight with a come-from-behind, 31-29 victory over SEC rival Mississippi State on

Saturday night in Memphis.

The Tigers (3-0) overcame a 17-7 halftime deficit, outscoring the Bulldogs (21), 24-12, in the second half. With the victory, Memphis has defeated the last five Power 5 teams it has faced at the Liberty Bowl (MSU, Ole Miss, UCLA, Kansas and Ole Miss). Overall, the Tigers have won 22-consecutive non-conference home games.

Offensively, Memphis was led by wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who had nine

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receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns. The redshirt senior also returned a punt 94 yards for a score in the fourth quarter, the longest return for a Tiger since 1975.

True freshman quarterback Seth Henigan completed 16-of-28 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns, while redshirt freshman running back Brandon Thomas rushed for 83 yards on 16 carries.

Defensively, fifth-year linebacker JJ Russell had one of the best games of his career, recording a gamehigh and personal-best 14 tackles, 10 solo, with one tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Redshirt senior Sanchez Blake Jr. had 12 tackles and returned a fumble 49 yards for a touchdown on the first drive of the game.

Trailing 17-14 headed into the fourth quarter, Memphis took the lead with 7:48 left in the game on Austin III’s 25-yard reception from Henigan, 21-17.

After a defensive stop, the Tigers extended the lead to 28-17 on Austin III’s 94yard punt return.

Mississippi State responded, scoring a touchdown to cut the lead to 28-23 with 3:03 left.

With good field position after a failed onside kick, punter/kicker Joe Doyle padded the Tiger advantage with a 51-yard field goal.

The career-long effort pushed the lead to 31-23.

Once again, MSU answered quickly, scoring a touchdown in just two plays, covering 65 yards, making the score 31-29. On the game-tying two-point conversion attempt, the Memphis defense came up with another huge stop, preserving the lead.

Special teams sealed the win on the onside kick attempt, giving Memphis the 31-29 victory.

The Memphis Tigers will be back on the field on Saturday, Sept. 25 when the team hosts the UTSA Roadrunners at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and the game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.

Single-game and season tickets for Memphis Football are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.GoTigersGoTix.com or by calling (901) 6782331.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team’s social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.