Memphis football's second half rally falls short to No. 25 Tulane
Just before halftime, several fans ran on the field at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans on Saturday and evaded security. They did a better job than the Memphis football team trying to find answers against No. 25 Tulane's defense in the first half.
But in the second half? Memphis figured it out. The Tigers went from being shutout at halftime to scaring Tulane fans who celebrated their first ranked team since 1998.
Memphis' rally fell short as Tulane won 38-28. The Tigers (4-4, 2-3 AAC) had four turnovers and it contributed to their losing streak growing to three games.
Here's what we learned on another loss by the Tigers.
So about that first half
Once again, Memphis made the wrong type of history down 35-0 at halftime. The last time that happened to the Tigers? 2010 against Louisville. It was also the second time the Tigers were shut out at halftime this season, something that hasn't happened since 2012.
Three first-half turnovers didn't help. Koby Drake ended the Tigers' longest first-half drive with a fumble. Eddie Lewis muffed a punt that Tulane (7-1, 4-0) later turned into a touchdown. Then Seth Henigan threw an interception in the second quarter that was tipped and caught by Larry Brooks.
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Memphis only mustered 84 first-half yards with just three plays in Tulane territory before halftime. Even former Tigers running back Kenneth Gainwell used social media to vent his frustration when he tweeted "Bro its 35-0 come on Memphis."
Special teams blunders return
Besides Lewis' fumble, the Tigers' special teams let them down again on kick return coverage. Tulane's Jha'Quan Jackson returned a punt in the first quarter for a 90-yard touchdown, the first punt return score Memphis allowed since 2010.
It's the second return touchdown Memphis has given up this season after Houston's Jayce Rogers returned a kickoff 100 yards. Tulane led 14-0 and kept on pushing to eventually lead 21-0 after the first quarter.
Even in a year where kicker Chris Howard and punter Joe Doyle are having strong seasons for Memphis, special teams has been disappointing during the three-game swoon.
Second half fight
Coach Ryan Silverfield has often said the Tigers haven't quit despite two gut-wrenching losses. They showed that urgency after an embarrassing start. Henigan shook off his interception with three second-half touchdown passes before his second interception ended the game.
Lewis redeemed himself with two touchdown catches (33 and 55 yards) as did Drake catching the Tigers' first second-half score. The defense held Tulane to just 13 yards in the third quarter and even secured a critical fourth-down stop that set up the Tigers' third touchdown.
The Tigers scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives in the second half. It was a positive sign but still part of another inconsistent performance this season.
Happy returns, Sutton Smith impresses
Senior safety Quindell Johnson returned after missing last week's game due to injury. The Tigers got a boost with his 13 tackles and held Tulane to 96 second-half yards, including a fourth-down stop that set up Memphis' third touchdown.
Brandon Thomas also missed last week's game due to injury but started at running back and scored in the fourth quarter, his eighth touchdown of the season. But with Asa Martin out due to injury, freshman Sutton Smith had a solid showing (56 total yards) and displayed some of the speed and cutting ability that the coaches admired.
Smith's effort was another good sign in a game with few until after halftime.
Now what, Memphis?
While the Tigers' second half surge was great, they're still sitting at .500 heading into their open week. They likely won't factor into the AAC championship race with three conference losses.
Perhaps the break comes at the right time. The Tigers must do some soul searching before they host their rival UCF one last time on Nov. 5
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football's second half rally falls short to No. 25 Tulane
