Memphis opened its season with a 27-21 victory over UNLV in Las Vegas on Saturday night, with quarterback Marcus Stokes leading the Tigers’ comeback. Stokes completed 15 of 26 pass attempts for 223 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers. Running back Jaylin Carter contributed 97 yards and a score on the ground, helping Memphis secure the win in the season opener for both teams.
UNLV controlled the first half, building a 14-7 advantage behind quarterback Jackson Arnold’s performance. Arnold threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Tavian McNair and added a rushing touchdown from six yards out. However, Memphis mounted a second-half surge, scoring 13 unanswered points to take control of the game. Stokes connected with Stonka Burnside on a 48-yard touchdown pass, while Carter added a rushing touchdown from 36 yards out. Kicker Philippe Laforge added two field goals to extend Memphis’ lead to 27-21.
The Tigers’ defense proved decisive down the stretch, recording six sacks and 11 tackles for loss throughout the contest. A critical fourth-quarter sack on UNLV’s Arnold with 6:08 remaining resulted in a turnover on downs that sealed the victory. The win marked a historic moment for Memphis head coach Charles Huff, who became the first Tigers coach to win a road opener. Arnold finished with 291 yards and two touchdown passes for the Rebels in the loss.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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