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Memphis got caught up in a game that went too fast for them, and the result wasn’t pretty. Missouri jumped out to a big lead, and kept piling on the points in Saturday’s 65-33 win. Here are a few things we learned from the game.
The offense looked lost without Henderson.
Darrell Henderson got hurt early in the game, and it had a huge effect on the offense’s performance. While Memphis scored 33 points, the offense couldn’t find much chemistry without their star. Patrick Taylor did well, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns, but Brady White couldn’t get the passing game going. He finished 15-for-37 for 200 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. White continues to struggle when the pressure is placed on his shoulders, and it has shown in the Tigers four losses.
Memphis couldn’t stop Drew Lock
Missouri’s star quarterback thoroughly dominated the Memphis defense the entire game. Lock completed 23 of his 29 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns, and also added 36 yards rushing. His favorite targets were Albert Okwuegbunam (159 yards, three touchdowns) and Jalen Knox (109 yards, one touchdown) who both produced long touchdown receptions. Memphis gave up way too many big plays all game, and couldn’t find an answer to get stops.
What now?
Memphis’ defense continues to look bad as it has for most of the year. This group has a ton of potential after returning so much experience, but it seems that they can’t find a way to be successful. Brady White has also been a frustration this season. He hasn’t been awful, but he also hasn’t been a great quarterback either. Memphis is now 4-4 just a year after making the AAC Championship game. One positive out of this could be that Mike Norvell might be sticking around another year, because it would be tough to see a Power 5 team wanting his services unless he can win the next four games and the bowl game.
Memphis was overmatched in this game, and it showed. There’s no shame in losing to an SEC team, but many believed that the Tigers could compete longer than they did. This was the final non-conference game for Memphis, and they can now look forward to finishing the year in conference play.