by Don Mooney
photo by Altonia Washington
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (6-2, 3-1 American) football team overcame a two-score deficit in the second half, eventually defeating East Carolina (3-4, 1-2 American) 41-34 in overtime Thursday night in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
With the win, Memphis becomes bowl eligible for the 13th season in a row, the longest streak among non-Power Four programs.For the second straight week, the Pirates saw a two-touchdown lead vanish, battled their way into overtime and then tasted a bitter pill of defeat on a game-ending interception. This time, Memphis prevailed when Ellis Ellis Jr. cradled a M. Griffis pass in the back corner of the end zone to preserve a 41-34 victory. A week ago, UAB rallied in the final minute of regulation, scored on the first possession of overtime then sealed a 30-17 win with a pick-six.
Memphis struggled in the first half, only scoring on a 31-yard field goal by P. Laforge and went into the half at a 16-3 deficit. Out of the half, Memphis needed just four plays to get on the board, with a 59-yard reception by J. Hayes, his second touchdown catch of the year of at least 50 yards. Marcus Stokes then engineered a nine-play, 75-yard drive, finding J. Davis from 20 yards out to keep it at a one-score game.
photo by Altonia Washington
The Tigers cut the deficit to four on Laforge’s second field goal make of the game with 1:28 left in the third quarter to make it 24-20. After East Carolina regained its seven-point lead, Memphis went three-and-out, but Jaylen Lewis recovered a muffed punt to give Memphis possession at the Pirate 28-yard line. Stokes found Davis for the second time just four plays later, tying the game at 27 apiece. Memphis took its first lead of the game on a 13-play drive, capped off by M. Stokes first rushing touchdown of the season.
photo by Altonita Washington
After an East Carolina score forced overtime, the Tigers took their first possession and scored in two plays, with M. Stokes flying into the end zone. The Pirates found themselves at the four-yard line and attempted to score on a rub route, but Ellis Ellis Jr. picked off the pass to seal the win for the Tigers.
Marcus Stokes logged his fourth 300-yard passing game of the year, setting a new career high in completions with 29 while accounting for all five of Memphis’ touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Wide receiver Jemyri Davis had a career night, setting new highs with seven catches for 91 yards and his first multi-touchdown game of his career.
photo by Altonita Washington
Defensively, Memphis’ line caused havoc with Taylor Burton recording two sacks and Elijah Kinsler and Kadan Spratling each having one. Corners Chauncey Logan Jr. and Ellis Ellis Jr. each snagged their first interceptions of the seasons, and the Memphis defense logged its third straight game with seven tackles for loss and its second-highest sack total of the year in four. The Tigers’ six pass breakups in the win were also the most since last season’s game against South Florida.