Tigers bowl eligible with win over North Alabama
It was only fitting that Memphis football’s seniors made sure there would be no hiccups towards bowl eligibility Saturday.
Quindell Johnson and Xavier Cullens led the way on senior day with takeaways then waved their teammates on to join them in celebrating in the end zone. Eddie Lewis dramatically leaped for the end zone to score on a punt return.
Memphis left no doubt with a commanding 59-0 win over FCS opponent North Alabama (1-10) on Saturday. The score proved a fine coincidence since the Tigers’ retired Danton Barto’s No. 59 jersey at halftime.
For the ninth consecutive season, the Tigers (6-5, 3-4 AAC) are bowl eligible. Here’s what we learned at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Johnson, Cullens leave their mark
Quindell Johnson and Xavier Cullens wanted to return for one more year to lead this Memphis defense. Both showed why in their final home game as Tigers.
Cullens had a recovered fumble and a 54-yard interception return touchdown complete with a dive into the end zone. Johnson forced the fumble that Cullens recovered and added his fourth interception of the season.
It was Johnson’s 10th career interception. Cullens now has four recovered fumbles this season along with two defensive touchdowns this season, both on interceptions.
Eddie Lewis does it all
Lewis’ 60-yard punt return was the Tigers’ first since Calvin Austin’s 94yard punt return score last season against Mississippi State.
The senior added a 38-yard touchdown on an over-the-shoulder catch from a perfect throw by Seth Henigan. Lewis could’ve had three touchdowns but a penalty wiped it away a 30-yard catch on the Tigers’ first drive.
Lewis didn’t participate in senior day festivities so he’s one of several Tigers seniors still mulling over his future.
Offense runs it up
Memphis played most of its backups in the second half as the Tigers had their highest scoring total of the season. It was the most since the Tigers scored 66 points against Mercer in 2018.
The ground game did most of the work as Jeyvon Ducker and Asa Martin each had two touchdowns. True freshman Sutton Smith had a 12-yard touchdown for his first career score with the Tigers. Andarius Coffey, in his first extended action of the season, had a team-high 83 yards, all in the second half.
The last two times Memphis scored at least 50 points at home came against FCS opponents. The Tigers put up 56 points on Stephen F. Austin in 2020.
Dominant defense
Memphis’ three takeaways were a welcome sign and the most since the Tigers had three against Temple. It was also the second game the Tigers held an opponent without a touchdown.
The defense did what was expected against North Alabama. The Lions failed to run a play past midfield and running back Shunderrick Powell, who entered with 1,468 yards this season, was held to under 50 yards for the third time this season.
Bowl streak continues
There hasn’t been much for Memphis to celebrate this season. But a ninth consecutive bowl game still means something for a program. It’s the longest active streak by a Group of Five school.
In a season that’s seen a four-game losing streak, the Tigers will still play in December. It’s a fine reward for the seniors, who will get one more chance to play in a Memphis uniform after going to SMU next week.