Memphis drops first game of season to Navy, 45-20

All three games present a clash in styles, similar to Saturday’s win against Memphis, that could conceivably break either way for Ken Niumatlolo’s crew. Memphis’ passing attack is a concern and what might ultimately win the Tigers the game, but it’s going to be close.

Tickets are available online at www.gotigersgotix.com as well as by phone at (901) 678-2331 and at the Athletic Ticket Office located inside the Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame at the Athletic Office Building (570 Normal Street on campus).

Less than two minutes after kicker Jake Elliott drilled a 38-yard field goal to pull the Tigers within 24-20, fullback Chris Swain ripped off a 40-yard touchdown run off right guard for a 31-20 lead at the 3:28 mark. Memphis is third nationally in scoring at 47.9 points per game and sixth nationally in total offense at 560.2 yards per contest. The junior has completed 70 percent of his passes, including 18 touchdowns compared to only one interception. It used a four-play drive to cover 85 yards and capped it with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Paxton Lynch to Anthony Miller.

Reynolds gave Navy the lead early in the third quarter by crossing up the defense that was concentrating on the run with the long pass to Sanders. Navy recorded its first win against a top-15 opponent since 1984, when it beat No. 2 South Carolina.

Reynolds is one of college football’s most accomplished players, and on Navy’s last touchdown, it looked as if Reynolds might get the chance to set the FBS career rushing touchdowns record (he’s tied with Montee Ball at 77). Memphis is averaging over 14 possessions per game and has scored on better than half (62 scores on 115 possessions).

“It is a different mindset from playing Tulsa or Bowling Green, in terms of getting a lot of possessions”, Fuente said.

“I’ve seen what happens when you do this”, said Niumatalolo, patting his back to illustrate his point.

Navy’s run game was the Tigers’ downfall, with the team racking up almost 400 yards on the ground from eight different ballcarriers. “We can enjoy this tonight, but we have to get back to work tomorrow”. “They know what they’re doing”.

Being disciplined will certainly stretch across both sides of the ball and special teams for the Tigers.

There are a number of indicators out there that he could do it because, as good as Memphis is, the 8-0, 4-0 Tigers have a high-octane offense that is fueled by the number of opportunities it has with the ball. Navy is the nation’s least penalized team at 3.86 penalties per game. The Midshipmen are marked off an average 36 yards in penalties per game.

Saturday’s game can be heard locally on AM600 WREC as well as WAMB-AM 1160 in Nashville and WJAK-AM 1460 in Jackson, Tenn.

ESPN2 will have the broadcast of the game.