Tigers fall under .500 for first time in 8 years after defeat vs. Houston
HOUSTON — Anything can happen when Memphis football faces Houston. Comebacks. Thrilling games. Friday at TDECU Stadium was no exception.
Twice, No. 17 Houston had two unsportsmanlike penalties occur on one play. But for Memphis, something happened for the first time since 2013 and it wasn't good
The Tigers lost 31-13 to fall under .500 for the first time since 2013. It ended a five-year wining streak against the Cougars and kept the Tigers winless on the road in AAC play.
Here's what we learned as the Tigers now need to win next week to be bowl eligible.
Second quarter is all Houston needs
Memphis (5-6, 2-5 AAC) shut out Houston in the first quarter, the first time that's happened this season for the Cougars. The Tigers didn't allow a secondhalf touchdown until there was 1:43 left in the game and forced two takeaways.
But Houston (10-1, 8-0) did most of its damage in the second quarter with touchdowns on three consecutive drives. Alton Mccaskill had a 36-yard touchdown run after the Cougars blocked a punt and Clayton Tune had a passing and rushing touchdown.
It was all the scoring the Cougars needed to stay ahead with Memphis being held under 20 points for the second time this season.
Houston penalties give Memphis life
The Cougars were the Tigers' best friend in the third quarter. After Javon Ivory took a hit that was ruled targeting, Houston coach Dana Holgorsen nearly threw his hat down at an official, drawing an unsportsmanlike penalty.
Memphis scored on the next play on a touchdown pass from freshman Seth Henigan to Asa Martin. After the defense forced Memphis to punt, the Cougars had another late hit penalty coupled with another unsportsmanlike penalty. The Tigers turned that into another scoring drive with a field goal.
Houston had seven penalties for 82 yards in the third quarter alone and the Tigers took advantage. But it wasn't enough.
Calvin Austin III grits it out
Calvin Austin III barely finished drives as he alternated time on the field and the sidelines. After a 36-yard catch in the third quarter, he limped backed to the line of scrimmage and kept limping on the next play.
But Austin continued to play sparingly and still made an impact. He had his first 100-yard game since Tulsa on Oct. 9 and finished with 103 yards on five catches. He could've had more but a touchdown was wiped away by a penalty.
Poor third-down offense
Last week against ECU, it was thirddown defense that did Memphis in. This time, it was third-down offense that struggled.
Memphis finished just 2-for-13 on third downs, including zero conversions by passing. Houston entered Saturday ranked third nationally in third-down defense, but it still was another reminder how limited the Tigers' offense is without Austin.
At one point in the fourth quarter, the Tigers had a net of zero yards on their first three drives.
It was a dismal performance with the Tigers having just 322 yards of offense, fewer than the 341 they mustered against ECU.
Henigan threw for just 208 yards and two interceptions, both to the Cougars' Marcus Jones.
Win or stay home
Memphis now must beat Tulane to qualify for bowl eligibility. Tulane hasn't won at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium since 1998.
The Tigers, however, might be shorthanded. Ivory didn't return after absorbing that third quarter hit and leading rusher Brandon Thomas missed his second game in three weeks. Health will be as important as any factor going into the game.
Memphis has reached a bowl in seven consecutive seasons.