OT Thriller: Tigers Bowl Eligible after 41-34 win over ECU

Tigers Take Down East Carolina 41-34 in Overtime, Become Bowl Eligible for 13^th Straight Season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (6-2, 3-1 American) football team overcame a two-score deficit in the second half, eventually defeating East Carolina (3-4, 1-2 American) 41-34 in overtime Thursday night in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

With the win, Memphis becomes bowl eligible for the 13^th season in a row, the longest streak among non-Power Four programs.

Memphis struggled in the first half, only scoring on a 31-yard field goal by Philippe Laforge and went into the half at a 16-3 deficit. Out of the half, Memphis needed just four plays to get on the board, with a 59-yard reception by Jermane Hayes, his second touchdown catch of the year of at least 50 yards. Marcus Stokes then engineered a nine-play, 75-yard drive, finding Jemyri Davis from 20 yards out to keep it at a one-score game.

The Tigers cut the deficit to four on Laforge’s second field goal make of the game with 1:28 left in the third quarter to make it 24-20. After East Carolina regained its seven-point lead, Memphis went three-and-out, but Jaylen Lewis recovered a muffed punt to give Memphis possession at the Pirate 28-yard line. Stokes found Davis for the second time just four plays later, tying the game at 27 apiece. Memphis took its first lead of the game on a 13-play drive, capped off by Marcus Stokes’ first rushing touchdown of the season.

After an East Carolina score forced overtime, the Tigers took their first possession and scored in two plays, with Marcus Stokesflying into the end zone. The Pirates found themselves at the four-yard line and attempted to score on a rub route, but Ellis Ellis Jr. picked off the pass to seal the win for the Tigers.

Marcus Stokes logged his fourth 300-yard passing game of the year, setting a new career high in completions with 29 while accounting for all five of Memphis’ touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Wide receiver Jemyri Davis had a career night, setting new highs with seven catches for 91 yards and his first multi-touchdown game of his career.

Defensively, Memphis’ line caused havoc with Taylor Burton recording two sacks and Elijah Kinsler and Kadan Spratling each having one. Corners Chauncey Logan Jr. and Ellis Ellis Jr. each snagged their first interceptions of the seasons, and the Memphis defense logged its third straight game with seven tackles for loss and its second-highest sack total of the year in four. The Tigers’ six pass breakups in the win were also the most since last season’s game against South Florida.

UP NEXT

Memphis (6-2, 3-1 American) goes back to a Saturday schedule, hosting Army (4-2, 3-1 American) on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. The Golden Knights are on the road at Tulsa before they travel to Memphis.

Full coverage live on 92.9 FM ESPN, Memphis' Sports Station