Studs and Duds from Memphis vs Temple
The Tigers couldn’t get plan A to work, so they went further down the alphabet, and they settled on Plan D, defense. The opportunistic Defense really kicked in once the Tigers got a late lead, and consecutive interceptions iced the game. The Final score of 24-3 does not reflect the close-fought game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday. Memphis beat Temple, but it was close most of the way.
Stud: Wardalis Ducksworth
It seemed every big series there would be a “credit for hurrying” for Wardalis Ducksworth. The Tigers defensive lineman seemed to take residence in the Temple Owl backfield. He had two hurries (in critical plays) and one tackle for loss, which was a sack.
Dud: The Memphis over-patience with play calling
There were even some scattered boos (VERY scattered) in the Memphis crowd as the third quarter ended. The Tigers trailed Temple 3- 0, despite the Tigers being greatly favored. The passing game could not get a rhythm going, and the running game was ineffective, especially early. Quarterback Seth Henigan ran an extraordinary 19 times, and it seemed many were scrambles, maybe even running for his life. He made the most of them, and by the end of the game, it seemed the overall plan worked. Even when he could find a receiver it often was a drop-off or safety valve, his passing average 4.3 yards per catch. (Yes, that’s a passing average).
Studs: Memphis Team defense
The Memphis Tigers intercepted Temple Quarterback C.J. Warner 3 times. They held him to a Quarterback rating of 17.5, but even your own eyes told you he never got comfortable. The Tigers had a sack, five quarterback hurries and four tackles for loss. They stopped Temple on every deep penetration into Tiger territory, holding them to 3 points. Their takeaway capabilities continue to propel the Tiger team, as they are fifth in the country in turnover margin. In an even game (like this one was for three quarters) they were the difference AGAIN.
Dud: Temple composure against late-game pressure
Temple controlled this game for the first three quarters. They had a great game plan against the Memphis Tigers, including multiple blitzes, great coverage, and they never let Memphis get Scates or Ivory free for a touchdown. But QB Seth Henigan once again was turnover-free. Temple forced a turnover from backup QB Ryan Glover (who did have several nice long QB draws), but Temple lost the turnover battle. Temple QB C.J. Warner threw three crucial interceptions, but all day he was under great pressure from the line or blitzing DB Greg Rubin. The late turnovers killed Temple’s chance for a comeback, for they moved the ball in the air but couldn’t complete drives in the red zone.