Memphis makes a big statement
They stood up ready to riot.
The Memphis fans in "Memphis vs. Everybody" shirts. The Memphis fans dressed as blind refs. The Memphis fans with anti-american Athletic Conference stickers. The Memphis fans with posters declaring #Joeycaughtit. The Memphis fans who never lost faith after last week’s loss. The Memphis fans who did. And the Memphis fans who were still just plain angry.
“The previous play, a catch, is unblame der review,” referee Charles Lamertina said over the public address system at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The boos arrived almost instantaneously. This catch, a 12-yard reception for a first down by wide receiver Damonte Coxie, wasn’t nearly as consequential as last week.
But Tiger fans were prepared to pounce, particularly since Coxie made this catch despite obvious pass interference that wasn’t called.
After a week in which the AAC never fully explained or showed how it determined there was indisputable evidence to overturn tight end Joey Magnifico’s catch, a controversial decision that cost Memphis a chance to beat Temple, who could them?
“The call stands,” Lamertina announced after the short review.
He sounded relieved. Like he knew what he was up against. Like a man who knew he had to walk out of this stadium at some point Saturday night.
Memphis 47, Everybody 17.
In this case, Tulane took the punishment on behalf of everybody.
Temple. The AAC. The AAC refs. The AAC commissioner. The coordinator of officials. And, of course, that replay official in Philadelphia from last week.
This was an offensive spectacle to behold, more reminiscent of coach
every day I come to practice, I do what I have to do and whatever happens, happens.”
Gainwell's 307 all-purpose yards are the third most in a single game in Memphis history, more than Deangelo Williams (305) or Darrell Henderson. Ryan Roskelly has the program record with 368 and Tony Pollard had 318 in last year's Birmingham Bowl.
Both Roskelly or Pollard, however, accomplished their totals with the aid of return yards. Gainwell did not.
“It's special when you get to see somebody that is as humble and puts in the work ethic that he puts in and is able to achieve success,” Norvell said..
Few could have known nearly two months ago when Patrick Taylor went down with an injury that Gainwell would step in and become a star.
With 1,270 all-purpose yards, he's close to Tony Pollard‘s freshman program record of 1,534.
It's almost fitting considering when he arrived last fall, Gainwell shadowed Pollard and learned how to be a better receiver as well as a runner.
Although Pollard is with the Dallas Cowboys, Gainwell stays in touch with him at least once a week. Gainwell usually initiates the texts but after Saturday, he expects it'll be different.
“He'd probably text me first and congratulate me,” Gainwell said. “I wouldn't even know what to say.”
His teammates and fans are running out of words, too. When it was announced at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium that Gainwell became the first Memphis player to have 100 rushing and 100 receiving yards, they gave him a rousing ovation.
It was the first time Gainwell's teammates realized what he had done and the video screen caught fellow running back Kylan Watkins with his mouth and eyes wide open. He did a double take looking at Gainwell in disbelief and shock.
Memphis fans couldn't be blamed for doing the same thing as they watched another star continue to emerge.
You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com