In Week 0, Memphis ushered in the Charles Huff era in spectacular fashion, showcasing the talent of the revamped defensive line.
In Week 1, the Tigers continued their winning ways but a different aspect of the roster was the headliner. This time, they unleashed an offensive superstar.
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Running back Jaylin Carter, one of 17 Southern Miss transfers to follow Huff from Hattiesburg to Memphis, made Liberty Stadium his sanctuary in his first home game as a Tiger. Carter attained 183 rushing yards and four touchdowns in Memphis' 42-24 victory over Arkansas State — putting up one of the best running back performances of the young season.
Carter's four rushing touchdowns tied a program record also held by DeAngelo Williams, Dante Brown, Curtis Steele, Patrick Taylor Jr., and Mario Anderson Jr. He also logged one 18-yard reception on the evening, putting him above 200 yards from scrimmage in Saturday's masterclass.
Most of Carter's damage was inflicted in the second half. He produced 110 rushing yards in the third quarter, highlighted by a 74-yard scamper. The Valdosta, GA native then added 40 in the fourth quarter as the Tigers enjoyed a second half offensive explosion.
Prior to the running back's takeover, it was a back-and-forth affair. Arkansas State held three separate leads in the first half. Texas transfer quarterback Trey Owens accounted for 325 passing yards in his first collegiate start, while showcasing some mobility outside of the pocket. Immediately after Memphis claimed a 14-10 lead in the second quarter, Owens responded by finding running back Kenyon Clay on a wheel route which went for a 75-yard touchdown.
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But the last three minutes of the first half and first three minutes of the second half turned the game back in the Tigers' favor. Memphis concluded the second quarter with a 31-yard touchdown connection from Marcus Stokes to Jermane Hayes, who was uncovered in the back corner of the end zone. Then Memphis opened the third quarter with its fourth-straight touchdown drive, with the scoring play courtesy of Carter.
Arkansas State's offense struggled to keep up, mainly due to turnovers. Owens threw four interceptions in his debut, and three occurred in Memphis territory in the second half. Oklahoma State transfer strong safety Dylan Smith was the recipient of two, while Zach Ruffin and Ahmere Foster corralled one pick apiece.
After being interception-free in Week 0, Memphis had its own turnover issues as Stokes threw a pair of picks. However, the starting quarterback finished an efficient 12-of-15, meaning only one attempt didn't land in the hands of a receiver — whether it be offense or defense. The Tigers didn't need to pass much considering the sheer dominance of the ground game. Not only did Carter post 183 yards, but Manny Covey added 103 in the team's 335-yard rushing performance.
Arkansas State (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) drops its sixth-straight Paint Bucket Bowl to Memphis, giving up 31 points or greater in all six defeats. The Red Wolves' losing streak in the series initiated in 2013 when Memphis joined the American Conference and sustains 13 years later. Butch Jones and his team will receive an opportunity to bounce back from the defeat when they host FCS West Georgia next Saturday in Jonesboro.
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Last week, Huff challenged the Memphis fanbase to pack the stadium, and they delivered. Liberty Stadium drew 45,632 spectators, marking the venue's largest crowd for a Tiger game since the 2023 Liberty Bowl vs. Iowa State and largest for a regular season environment since College GameDay came to town in 2019.
However, Memphis (2-0, 0-0 American) will not be accompanied by a supportive atmosphere next week. The Tigers take their undefeated record to the blue turf in Boise State in a pivotal non-conference matchup. Earl College Football Playoff stakes may be on the line, as well as the opportunity to start 3-0 for a fourth consecutive season.
