Memphis dominates Middle Tennessee in Conference USA opener
- Memphis scored first after a turnover, with Brandon Thomas running in a 2-yard touchdown.
- Middle Tennessee responded with a touchdown but could not keep pace as Memphis extended their lead.
- The victory improved Memphis's record to 4-1, showcasing their strong offensive and defensive play.
On Saturday night in Memphis, the local football team secured a decisive 24-7 victory against Middle Tennessee in their Conference USA opener. The game began slowly, with neither team scoring until Memphis capitalized on a turnover early in the second quarter. A fumble by Middle Tennessee's quarterback, Nicholas Vattiato, was recovered by Chandler Martin, setting up a short touchdown run by Brandon Thomas. Memphis extended their lead with a 4-yard touchdown run from Mario Anderson Jr. just before halftime. Middle Tennessee managed to respond in the third quarter with a touchdown from Terry Wilkins, narrowing the score to 14-7. However, Memphis quickly regained control, with Thomas scoring again from the 1-yard line and Caden Costa adding a 47-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 24-7. The Memphis Tigers showcased a strong offensive performance, with Sam Henigan completing 26 of 41 passes for 227 yards, while Anderson led the rushing attack with 118 yards on 18 carries. In contrast, Middle Tennessee struggled offensively, particularly in their rushing game, managing only 29 yards on 25 carries. Vattiato had a solid passing performance, throwing for 283 yards, but it was not enough to overcome Memphis's defensive efforts. The victory improved Memphis's record to 4-1, while Middle Tennessee fell to 1-4. This game marked an important start to the conference season for Memphis, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain offensive pressure, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.