Memphis offense shines in 27-point win over Army

After three straight games of slow starts, Memphis got out to a great start against the Black Knights and used it to propel them toe a 49-22 win Saturday night.

The Tigers’ offense has struggled to get going early in games over the last three weeks, but that wasn’t the case on Saturday. Memphis scored on four of its five first half possessions, and the only drive it didn’t score on was the possession where Jemyri Davis fumbled on a reception.

The Tigers forced the Black Knights to punt on their first drive, and they put together a 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jermane Hayes. It was his first of two first-half touchdowns, and he recorded the second one on the very next drive.

Army responded to both touchdowns, even though Memphis forced a punt. After Davis’ fumble, Jeff Monken’s team took over on Memphis’ 27-yard line, and they tied the game after just four plays. 

That was the last time Army would score in the first half, and the Tigers’ defense held them to a punt with just a few minutes left in the half. 

After the fumble, Memphis’ offense responded with a pair of touchdowns before halftime. Jaylin Carter capped off an eight-play drive with a one-yard touchdown, and Stokes added his third touchdown pass of the half on a 15-yard touchdown throw to Davis.

It was easily the best first half the Tigers have put together since their road win against Charlotte, and they took a 28-14 lead into the break.

Stokes finished the half 20-for-23 for 258 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Memphis’ success continued in the second half, and after both teams started the half with punts, Stokes found Davis for his second receiving touchdown of the game to cap of a six-play, 50-yard drive. 

Memphis’ offense stalled a little bit in the second half, but the defense continued to come up with stops. After Hellums scored on a two-yard run to make it 35-22, the defense recorded back-to-back punts and an interception. 

Chauncey Logan Jr. picked off Hellums with 5:11 left in the fourth quarter, which felt like a play to seal the game. With how much time Army takes on its drives, it felt like it would be hard for them to erase the 20-point deficit. 

Memphis responded with another touchdown as Carter capped off the seven-play drive with a three-yard touchdown run. 

The Black Knights became desperate and Hellums threw a second interception to Ellis Ellis Jr. to end the game.

The Tigers scored on seven possessions, and Stokes finished with four touchdowns. The quarterback finished with 3371 yards, four touchdown and no interceptions. 

Hayes and Hunter Tipton both finished with 86 yards, and Hayes and Davis both recorded two interceptions. 

Memphis ran for 183 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Tigers held Army to 365 yards, and Mike Montgomery led the team with nine tackles.