Tigers Football Falls to 2-1 after 38-20 loss at Boise State

Tigers Drop 38-20 Contest at Boise State

September 12, 2026

BOISE, Idaho – The RV/RV University of Memphis football team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday evening, falling 38-20 to RV/RV Boise State in a hostile environment at Albertsons Stadium.

Despite career performances from quarterback Marcus Stokes and tight end Hunter Tipton, the Tigers (2-1) could not slow a Boise State (1-1) rushing attack that amassed 352 yards on the ground. The Broncos' strong ground game contributed to a nearly two-to-one time of possession advantage (39:56 to 20:04) and helped fuel a second-half surge that saw Boise State pull away.

Stokes turned in a career-high 384 passing yards, completing 17-of-25 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. Tipton also established career highs with nine receptions for 229 yards, becoming the first Tiger to record a 200-yard receiving game since Calvin Austin III had exactly 200 yards against Tulsa in 2021.

Memphis took a 20-17 lead into halftime behind a strong passing attack, but Boise State controlled the second half, outscoring the Tigers 21-0.

Boise State opened the game with a 39-yard field goal by Canaan Moore following a 12-play, five-plus-minute drive. Memphis responded with a productive opening possession but stalled at the Boise State two-yard line, and the Broncos blocked Philippe Laforge's 20-yard field goal attempt. It marked the first time a Memphis field goal had been blocked since 2021 against SMU.

After a third-down stop by the Tigers, Memphis needed just two plays to find the end zone. Stokes floated a pass down the middle to Tipton, who outraced multiple Boise State defenders for an 87-yard touchdown, putting the Tigers ahead 7-3 late in the first quarter.

The Memphis defense provided a spark on the ensuing Boise State possession, making a huge fourth-down stop at the Tigers' own two-yard line. The momentum continued as Stokes connected with Terrell Timmons Jr. on a 68-yard pass down the Tigers' sideline in his first action of the season. The explosive play led to a 33-yard field goal by LaForge, extending the Memphis lead to 10-3.

Memphis forced a Boise State punt on the ensuing possession, and one play later, Jaylin Carter burst through the line for an 80-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 17-3 advantage with 7:19 remaining in the first half.

The Tigers appeared to have the Broncos on the ropes, but Boise State converted a pivotal fourth down that led to a 39-yard touchdown pass from Maddux Madsen to Akeem Wright, cutting the Memphis lead to 17-10.

Memphis moved into Boise State territory on its next possession, but a strong pass rush forced an errant throw from Stokes that resulted in the Tigers only turnover of the game. Two plays later, the Broncos tied the game at 17 a piece on a 19-yard reverse by freshman Rasean Jones.

Memphis closed the half with a two-minute drive that resulted in a 36-yard field goal by Laforge, giving the Tigers a 20-17 lead at the break.

The Tigers' offense recorded more than 500 yards for the second consecutive game, finishing with 519 yards of total offense.

UP NEXT

Memphis (2-1) returns to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium next Saturday to host FCS opponent UT-Martin (1-2), at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+ as the Tigers round out their non-conference schedule.