Tiger Triumph: Memphis Football Fights to Victory Against Navy

Tigers Memphis football overcomes shaky performance to beat Navy and remain unbeaten

By | September 17, 2021

A Hard-Fought Victory

The Memphis Tigers football team demonstrated their resilience and determination on Thursday night when they scraped by with a 28-24 win against the spirited Navy Midshipmen. Despite a shaky performance, marked by defensive struggles and a lackluster running game, the Tigers managed to hold off Navy and remain undefeated at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the AAC conference.

A Lesson in Perseverance

From the start of the game, it was clear that the Tigers would not have an easy night. Although they scored a touchdown on their first drive, Navy quickly answered back with a 75-yard touchdown run. The Midshipmen continued to put pressure on the Tigers’ defense, challenging them with their triple-option attack. Memphis was facing a level of competition they hadn’t encountered in their first two games of the season.

A Struggling Running Game

Memphis had hoped for improvement in their ground game this year, but their struggles continued against Navy. Holes in the offensive line were blocked effectively, making it difficult for the running backs to find open lanes. However, running back Blake Watson provided a glimmer of hope with two explosive 69-yard runs. Although one was followed by a fumble, Watson’s performance showcased his playmaking abilities and resilience.

Seth Henigan’s Heroics

Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan once again stepped up when the running game faltered. Despite taking a hard hit in the third quarter, Henigan displayed his toughness and leadership by returning to the game and engineering crucial drives. He threw for 218 yards and a touchdown, using his passing skills to compensate for the shortcomings in the running game. However, a late interception marred an otherwise impressive performance.

Looking Ahead to Missouri

The victory over Navy was hard-fought, but the Tigers must now prepare for their toughest challenge yet. In their next game, Memphis will face the University of Missouri, an opponent that represents a stark contrast from Bethune-Cookman and Arkansas State. Missouri, as an SEC team, brings a higher level of competition and will test the Tigers’ mettle in a hostile environment.

With a couple of extra days to prepare, Memphis must quickly bounce back from their underwhelming performance against Navy and regroup for the upcoming matchup. The game against Missouri will be a defining moment for the Tigers, as it will set the tone for the remainder of their season and determine their legitimacy as a contender.

Conclusion

The Memphis Tigers football team faced a significant challenge against Navy, with defensive struggles and a stagnant running game. However, they showcased their resilience by grinding out a hard-fought victory. Moving forward, the Tigers must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to improve their ground attack. With the tough stretch of games ahead, the Tigers must focus on their preparation and mental resilience in order to navigate the difficulties they will undoubtedly face.