Playing in Montgomery, Alabama two days before Christmas was not a vision shared early on by Memphis’ football Tigers, yet it now is set to be their reality.
It’s what comes at the end of a 7-3 season punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, players opting out before a down was played and a slate of postponed and/or rescheduled games.
The 2020 Montgomery Bowl against Florida Atlantic University is itself a replacement – a sub for the Fenway Bowl that was canceled earlier this year.
It’s the kind of scenario that brings God readily to mind for some. Memphis quarterback Brady White makes a case in point.
“I would not be here (at Memphis) if God had not pointed my path here. I am thankful for my teammates, even though our year may not have turned out perfect,” said White, who became the Tigers’ all-time leading passer by throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns in a rollercoaster win over Houston at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium last Saturday.
After the game, White, whose 10,406 total passing yards moved him past Danny Wimprine, did a victory lap to thanks fans who stayed to the final horn; one fan netted his game gloves.
“It is a privilege to be number one in all of the bigtime categories and to be considered one of the best to ever play here,” said White. “I appreciate all of the people that have laid the foundation for me – Danny (Wimprine), Paxton (Lynch), all of those guys.”
Perseverance amounted to a one-word mantra for the “regular” season right down to the end with a thrilling 30-27 home-field victory over Houston’s Cougars.
The victory margin was a field goal as the clock expired by Riley Patterson, his first walk-off kick for a win. Memphis was in complete control of the game, but allowed the Cougars to erase a 21-point lead (27-6) in the third quarter.
The cardiac cats, as head coach Ryan Silverfield has nicknamed his team, were at it again.
Since joining the Memphis coaching staff, Silverfield has been a part of 31-3 record at home. This is the first time a first-year head coach at Memphis has been undefeated at home.
Memphis has won 15 straight home games, currently the fifth longest in the nation. Memphis has won 18 straight home games against unranked opponents.
The senior class won 37 games over the last four years. White logged a 19-1 record at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Against Houston, the Tigers’ defense came through. Near the end of the first half, Quindell Johnson picked off a pass for the third straight game.
The Memphis defense put points on the board when Jaylon Allen, who got his first career start, picked up a fumble and took it 85-yards for a touchdown. Coming into the game, Allen, who recorded three tackles against Houston, only had two tackles for the season.
“I have been waiting on this opportunity,” the Houston native said, reflecting on getting the start. “I have been praying on it. It is a dream come true.
“I knew if I had to put myself out there, I had to put my best foot forward and ball out.”
Morris Joseph had eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for losses and a sack. Thomas Pickens had nine tackles to lead the way for the defense.
NOTES:
- Calvin Austin III kept alive the team’s streak of having a 1,000-yard receiver. Austin needed 49 yards to eclipse the milestone. He had 74 yards on seven receptions, bringing his total to 1,025 yards.
- This is Memphis’ fifth straight year with a 1,000-yard-plus receiver: Anthony Miller, 2016, 2017; Damonte Coxie, 2018, 19.
- The Tigers’ string of post-season appearances extends to seven with the 2020 Montgomery Bowl.
Gallery: Photos by Terry Davis
