A dismal running attack and Cincinnati’s relentless offensive and defensive lines contributed to the University of Memphis landing on the wrong end of an embarrassing 49-10 beatdown.
And, the No. 7-ranked Bearcats probably still were seething over losing to the Tigers twice last season.
The loss last Saturday at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium was the worst defeat by a Tigers’ team since the team lost at Missouri 65-33 in 2018.
Bearcats more physical
The Bearcats (5-0, 3-0) were the best defensive unit the Tigers faced this year, and they just were more physical than the Tigers. The Bearcats dominated the line of scrimmage on the offensive and defensive side.
This was the worst rushing performance in a long time for the Tigers (3-2, 2-2 AAC). Memphis finished the game with five net rushing yards.
Memphis likes to execute a balanced offensive attack to keep the defense off balance, but the Tigers could not establish a rushing game nor could they convert on many third- and fourth-and-short plays.
Do what you do
Memphis prides itself on the belief that you do what you do best and do not worry about what the other team is doing.
For the first time this season, the Tigers did not do what they do best and allowed the other team to dominate them.
Head Coach Ryan Silverfield was visibly upset about his team’s performance. He took full responsibility for the team not playing up to expectations.
“Not good enough in any phases of the game. It starts with me. We got outcoached and outplayed in all three phases. We have got to find ways to improve. It is embarrassing on how we ran the ball.”
Bright spots
The powerful Memphis offense was slowed, but not stopped. Quarterback Brady White threw for 316 passing yards and one touchdown. White has thrown for 300 yards in every game this season.
Calvin Austin III was held in check in the first half, but he finished with 121 receiving yards on six receptions.
Tahj Washington continues to impress as a receiver. Washington caught a swing pass and 92 yards later he was crossing the goal line for a touchdown. Washington finished with 104 receiving yards.
White continues to climb up the statistical charts. White has passed for 9,001 yards. He has passed Paxton Lynch and moves into second place, 1,300 yards behind Danny Wimprine as the all-time passing leader.
“It was embarrassing,” White said of the loss to Cincinnati. “We are going to get back to the drawing board. We will respond from this.”
Next up
On Saturday (Nov. 7) at 11 a.m., the Tigers host the University of South Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The game can only be seen on ESPN+. Three hundred tickets were made available to the public. For more information, visit www.gotigersgo.com or contact the Tigers’ ticket office.
