Memphis Stuns No. 18 USF with Comeback Win

By Isaiah Magar

Memphis, TN – Saturday

18th-ranked USF traveled to western Tennessee on Saturday to take on the Memphis Tigers.

Expected to be a ranked matchup, it ended up being less climactic leading into the game, as Memphis had suffered a 24-31 loss to the UAB Blazers the week prior.

1st Quarter

The Tigers jumped out to a quick 7-0 start after recovering a USF fumble on the Bulls’ 28-yard line, but the Bulls responded quickly with a 12-play, 75-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7.

After forcing a punt on Memphis’ ensuing drive, USF followed with a turnover on downs. The Bulls were able to force another punt, which they turned into seven more points, giving USF a 14-7 lead.

2nd Quarter

Following another punt, the Bulls turned it over on downs for a second time. It wasn’t costly, though, as the Tigers were forced to punt once again. A couple more exchanged punts followed until the Bulls finally found some daylight on offense, catching fire on an 8-play, 92-yard drive resulting in a touchdown and a 21-7 lead for the Bulls.

Memphis quickly struck back, marching down the field on 11 plays in three and a half minutes. The drive ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Braham, cutting the Bulls’ lead to 7 with less than a minute to go in the first half.

The Bulls weren’t finished yet, however, as they easily walked down the field on eight plays in 50 seconds to kick a field goal before the half ended.

3rd Quarter

Memphis opened the second half with a solid five-minute drive, but they were only able to put three points on the board. Still, it cut the USF lead to a single possession.

The Bulls turned it over on downs for a third time on their next possession after driving down to the Tigers’ 7-yard line. But this wouldn’t result in any Memphis points, as the Tigers missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.

The Bulls took that miss and immediately turned around and scored on a 73-yard rush by Franklin. This extended the Bulls’ lead to 31-17 heading into the 4th quarter.

4th Quarter

The 4th quarter was full of success for the Tigers and failure for the Bulls, resulting in a complete turnaround. Leading 31-17 entering the quarter, the Bulls’ defense surrendered drives of 75, 81, and 70 yards — all resulting in 17 points for the home team.

USF had a chance to respond on their final drive but missed a field goal to tie. Memphis pulled out the 34-31 victory after their 17 unanswered points put them ahead for the first time since 7-0.

The Tigers are now 7-1, and the Bulls see their playoff hopes dim to nearly impossible as they fall to 6-2.

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