The 2024 University of Memphis Homecoming celebration should have been drama-free. The Tigers entered the game as heavy favorites, looking to keep their hopes alive for the American Athletic Conference Championship game.
Memphis secured a last-minute 33-28 victory over the Charlotte 49ers before a crowd of 25,478.
Charlotte opened the game with a 67-yard drive, scoring on a 7-yard run by Cartevious Norton for an early lead. However, Charlotte’s offense stalled for the rest of the first half, only gaining 8 yards.
The Tigers responded with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Seth Henigan to Demeer Blakumsee, tying the game. Memphis moved into the red zone several times in the first half, but a missed field goal affected play-calling. The score remained tied at 7-7 at halftime.
Tigers running back Makari Bodiford proved his value after starter Mario Anderson left the game early in the third quarter. Bodiford rushed for 73 yards and scored a touchdown on one drive. Anderson later returned, adding an 11-yard touchdown run to give Memphis its largest lead at 21-7 with 2:23 left in the quarter.
But Charlotte wasn’t done. They tied the game with two touchdown passes from Jalon Purdie to O’Mega Blake and another run by Norton, making it 21-21 with 8:02 remaining.
Memphis made two drives deep into Charlotte territory but failed on fourth down attempts instead of opting for field goals. However, Tristian Vandenberg later kicked a 27-yard field goal to put Memphis ahead, 24-21, with 1:56 left.
On why they went for it on fourth down rather than attempting field goals, head coach Ryan Silverfield said, “Our field goal kicking game isn’t where it needs to be. You don’t want to crush a guy’s confidence. Normally we are pretty aggressive. That was the thought process going in. We were playing complimentary football. You have to do what is best for the entire team.”
Charlotte quickly responded. Two plays later, Hahsaun Wilson scored on an 18-yard rush, giving Charlotte a 28-24 lead with 1:20 left. Henigan, undeterred, connected with tight end Anthony Landphere on third down to keep the drive alive and then found Roc Taylor in the end zone with 31 seconds left, putting the Tigers ahead 31-28.
On staying calm under pressure, Henigan said, “Having faith that we will execute. Especially in end-of-game situations. The defense made a great play and gave us the ball on the 12-yard line. After they scored that touchdown to take the lead, you can’t be emotional or sad. You have to know you have a job to do.”
Memphis’s defense punctuated the win as William Whitlow Jr. sacked Purdie in the end zone for a safety. The Tigers then recovered Charlotte’s onside kick attempt to end the game.
(Photo: Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)
Anderson rushed for over 100 yards against Charlotte, finishing with 141 yards and bringing his season total to 788 yards. Henigan recorded 212 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Taylor adding 6 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown. Henigan’s touchdown pass to Taylor made him the all-time leading touchdown passer in Memphis history with 91 touchdowns.
Purdie led Charlotte (3-6, 2-2 AAC) with 152 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Backup quarterback Max Brown added 38 passing yards and an interception. Norton finished with 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Blake had 128 receiving yards on only three catches.
Both defenses performed impressively with three sacks each. The Tigers’ defense also notched two interceptions, with DJ Bell and Elijah Herring making the picks. Chandler Martin continued his strong play for the Tigers, recording 10 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Reflecting on the Tigers’ defense, Henigan said, “Having a defense like we have this year feels great. They have played extremely well. To have that faith in your defense, that they are going to make a play, when they need to make a play.”
Memphis (7-1, 3-1 AAC) will travel to San Antonio for a matchup against the University of Texas at San Antonio. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, on ESPNU. This game will be Memphis’s last chance to impress voters before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released on Nov. 5.
