Memphis Wins Overtime Thriller in Charlotte, 44-38
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of Memphis football team came from behind to win a thriller in overtime at Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 11, 44-38, at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Trailing by 10 points with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation, the Tigers (8-2, 5-1 AAC) stormed back to force overtime. After a Blake Watson eight-yard rushing touchdown cut the lead to three with 5:25 left, Tanner Gillis tied the game with 35 seconds left with a 41-yard field goal.
In overtime, the 49ers (3-7, 2-4 AAC) had the ball first, but the Memphis defense forced a 37-yard field goal that missed wide right. On the ensuing possession, the Tigers handed the ball off to Watson on five-straight snaps, culminating in a two-yard TD rush to seal the victory. The game marked the seventh this season with over 100 combined yards for Watson.
Quarterback Seth Henigan was terrific for Memphis, completing 32-of-48 passes for 329 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Watson rushed 22 times for 83 yards and two scores, while also adding eight receptions for 41 yards and another TD.
Wide receiver Demeer Blankumsee had four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Anthony Landphere had a career-high seven receptions and 63 yards. Running back Brandon Thomas added his 24th career rushing score in the victory.
Defensively, the Tiger defense had four interceptions on the day, including a 60-yard, pick-six from linebacker Chandler Martin. Martin finished the game with nine tackles and two tackles-for-loss to go with his interception.
Linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku posted a game-high 12 tackles, one sack, one tackle-for-loss, one interception and one pass breakup, while both defensive backs Cameron Smith and Tyrin Taylor had a pick.
The Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 24-consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. Memphis has scored 889 points over that stretch for an average of 37.04 points per game.
Defensively, the Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 23 of its last 28 games, racking up 34 interceptions and 19 fumbles.
The Memphis Tigers will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 18 when the team hosts SMU at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 11 a.m.
