Tigers Triumph: Memphis football battles past Navy in gritty victory

Tigers‘ Shaky Performance Against Navy Raises Concerns

The Memphis Tigers football team managed to secure a hard-fought victory against Navy, but their unconvincing performance has raised concerns about their ability to maintain their unbeaten record. Despite entering the game as heavy favorites, the Tigers struggled to find their rhythm and were tested by Navy‘s triple-option attack throughout the game.

Ugly Performance in Conference Opener

The Tigers started the game strong, forcing a three-and-out on defense and following it up with a touchdown drive. However, Navy immediately responded with a 75-yard touchdown run, showcasing the first cracks in the Memphis defense this season. The Midshipmen continued to challenge the Tigers, taking a 14-7 lead and making Memphis play catch-up for the first time this year.

Although Memphis managed to regain the lead and ultimately grind out a win, their performance fell short of expectations. Coming off dominant performances in their first two games, the Tigers‘ inability to assert control over Navy highlights the need for improvement as they enter a difficult three-game stretch against Missouri, Boise State, and Tulane.

Testing the Tigers Defense

Navy‘s success on offense exposed the Tigers‘ defense like never before this season. Previously dominant, Memphis entered the game as the only FBS defense yet to allow a touchdown. However, Navy‘s triple-option attack proved to be a formidable challenge, with fullback Alex Tecza running for a 75-yard touchdown, ending the Tigers‘ impressive touchdown-free streak.

Memphis will need to regroup defensively and learn from their performance against Navy in order to withstand the upcoming tests against stronger opponents in their upcoming schedule.

Struggles in the Running Game

The Tigers‘ running game continued to face difficulties against Navy‘s defense. Despite early hopes of improvement, Memphis found it hard to find running lanes and gain consistent yards on the ground. Running back Blake Watson was the lone bright spot, with his explosive 69-yard runs providing much-needed offensive sparks. However, a costly fourth-quarter fumble erased one of those impressive runs and undermined his otherwise impressive performance.

Seth Henigan Steps Up Under Pressure

Once again, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan had to shoulder much of the offensive burden as the running game faltered. Henigan delivered a solid performance, completing 23-of-35 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. His toughness was evident when he took a hard hit in the third quarter but quickly returned to the game, showcasing his resilience.

However, Henigan’s interception late in the game nearly cost the Tigers the victory. While he has shown promise, he will need to improve his decision-making under pressure, especially with tougher opponents on the horizon.

Looking Ahead to a Tough Test Against Missouri

The Tigers‘ victory over Navy was far from convincing, and their true test awaits them in their upcoming game against Missouri, an SEC team. Memphis will face the daunting challenge of playing in a hostile environment, which will truly gauge their abilities and expose any flaws in their game.

This game will be a significant step up in competition for the Tigers, who have had a slow start to their season against lesser opponents. Memphis will have a few extra days to prepare, but they must quickly address the issues that surfaced against Navy if they hope to compete against an SEC team like Missouri.

The outcome of the upcoming games against Missouri, Boise State, and Tulane will likely define the Tigers‘ season. They have managed to navigate their early challenges and remain undefeated, but they cannot afford another lackluster performance. It will require a collective effort from the coaching staff and players to elevate their game and prove their mettle against tougher opponents.

Overall, the Tigers‘ victory over Navy was a reminder that success cannot be taken for granted, and every opponent should be treated with respect. While the marathon of a season presents its fair share of challenges, it is imperative that the Tigers use this victory as a learning experience and take the necessary steps to improve in all areas of the game.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.