A week after a season-opening win over UNLV, Memphis returned to action Saturday night for its home opener against Arkansas State. Despite a back-and-forth first half, the Tigers controlled the second half to secure the 22-point victory.
After not releasing a depth chart before the game, Butch Jones started Texas transfer Trey Owens at quarterback. He moved the ball well on the first possession, but safety Dylan Smith recorded an interception in the red zone to put an end to the Red Wolves' first drive.
It was the first of four interceptions for Memphis' secondary.
Memphis took over, but they couldn't move the ball against Arkansas State's defense and were forced to punt after a three-and out.
Neither team was able to capitalize on their second possessions, and the Tigers' drive ended in the second turnover in the game after Marcus Stokes threw his first interception as a Tiger.
While it was a slow start to the game, the offenses picked up midway through the first quarter, and the Red Wolves got the scoring started with a 48-yard field goal.
That started the next seven drives that resulted in points between the two teams. Memphis got the scoring started with a touchdown run from Jaylin Carter, and it was the first of many from Carter.
The Southern Miss transfer led the team with 183 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, including a 74-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He became the first player to score four touchdowns for the Tigers since Mario Anderson scored four times against North Texas in 2024.
He wasn't the only running back to find success. Huff's team ran for 335 yards, and Manny Covey added 103 yards on 15 attempts.
Carter and Covey became the first two Tigers to both rush for more than 100 yards since Sutton Smith and Brendon Lewis both ran for more than 100 yards against Arkansas last season.
While Memphis ran for more than 300 yards, Marcus Stokes threw for 188 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He connected with eight receivers again, and Jermane Hayes led the team with 35 yards on three catches.
The Tigers scored three times in the second half, but the defense stepped up and only allowed one touchdown in the second half.
The defense recorded five tackles for loss and three sacks, and Ian Foster led the team with eight tackles. While they slowed down the Red Wolves' offense, Charles Huff's secondary was feast of famine.
The group allowed 325 yards through the air, but they recorded four interceptions for the first time since a 2023 game at Charlotte. Smith recorded two interceptions, while Zach Ruffin and Ahmere Foster both added one.
The home opener also marked the first game in the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and the program announced an attendance of 45,632, which is a sellout.
Following the 42-24 win, Memphis will head to Boise next Saturday for a matchup against Boise State. The Broncos played well against Oregon but lost 34-27 on the road.
