The Memphis Tigers capped off an undefeated season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with a dominant 53-18 victory over the UAB Blazers in the Battle for the Bones on Senior Night.
The win moved Memphis to 9-2 on the season, with a perfect 7-0 record at home, marking the first undefeated home season since 2020 and the most home wins since 2019.
It was a night to celebrate the contributions of 35 seniors, including several who still have eligibility remaining. While the Tigers fell short of their preseason goals of competing for a College Football Playoff spot or an American Athletic Conference Championship, the season was still one to remember.
Strong Start and a Trick Play
The Tigers wasted no time setting the tone, driving 75 yards on their opening possession, capped by a two-yard touchdown run by Brandon Thomas. Memphis added a spark with a trick play on the extra point, as punter Jashua Sloan connected with Colby Cox for a two-point conversion.
Quarterback Seth Henigan followed with the first of his four touchdown passes, finding tight end Anthony Landphere to give the Tigers an 18-0 lead. The Blazers responded with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Kitna to Kam Shanks and a two-point conversion to cut the lead to 18-8 at halftime.
Dominating the Second Half
Memphis overwhelmed UAB in the second half with physical play and a balanced attack. Mario Anderson Jr. rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown, marking his seventh 100-yard game of the season and pushing him past the 1,000-yard mark for the year. Thomas and Boyd Harris each added rushing touchdowns.
Henigan distributed the ball effectively, throwing touchdown passes to Greg Desrosiers Jr. and senior Jamauri Chislom, who notched his first career touchdown. Henigan, now one of just three active NCAA quarterbacks with 100 career touchdown passes, finished the night with 299 passing yards.
Reflecting on his emotions during his final home game, Henigan said, “My last game in the bowl, it is crazy to think about. I haven’t soaked it all in yet. It is all coming to an end, and it went by so fast. I was happy we came out here and played so well in all three phases.”
Stifling Defense
The Tigers’ defense continued its impressive play, holding UAB to just 28 net rushing yards and forcing four turnovers. Javon Dennis and Matt Hudson each recovered fumbles, while AJ Watts and Kourtlan Marsh recorded interceptions.
Head coach Ryan Silverfield praised the defensive growth, saying, “Last year we were not good statistically. This year we are doing some good things. There is still room for improvement. They are playing physical and playing with an edge. Playing with confidence is huge.”
Senior Greg Rubin, who starred in his final game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, reflected on the undefeated home season: “It means everything to me. It was a bittersweet moment. My last one in the bowl. I was taking a personal moment to soak it all in. It is a great feeling.”
Looking Ahead
The Tigers will close the regular season on the road against Tulane, but the game will not carry the stakes Memphis hoped for earlier in the season. Tulane and Army have already clinched spots in the American Athletic Conference Championship game. Memphis will await its bowl destination after the matchup with the Green Wave.
