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Memphis football beats Middle Tennessee State: Highlights, updates from Week 5 game

jonah dylan, memphis commercial appeal
·4 min read

Memphis football is back in the win column.

It was a strange game, and it started slow, but the Tigers (4-1) ultimately managed to cruise past Middle Tennessee (1-4) and earn a 24-7 win on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Memphis defense kept the Blue Raiders in check, and the Tigers had enough offensively to outpace Middle Tennessee.

Neither team could score in the first quarter. Cornerback Kobee Minor forced a fumble deep in Middle Tennessee territory, and Memphis capitalized with a quick touchdown. Mario Anderson rushed for over 100 yards, while Elijah Herring had 10 tackles and two sacks for a Memphis defense that needed a bounce-back performance after last week’s debacle at Navy. They ultimately got it, holding the Blue Raiders to only seven points and forcing two turnovers.

It was the Tigers’ last nonconference game. They’ll have a bye week before heading on the road to face South Florida.

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Memphis vs MTSU score updates

Brandon Thomas scores again

Thomas, back in the game after leaving with an injury earlier, rushed for a short touchdown to extend the lead.

MTSU finds the end zone

Terry Wilkins rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, and the Blue Raiders are on the board.

Halftime: Memphis 14, MTSU 0

Mario Anderson adds to Memphis' lead

Anderson rushed for a 4-yard touchdown to put the Tigers up 14-0.

Thomas exits with apparent leg injury

Memphis' already-thin running back room got even thinner after Thomas went down an apparent right leg injury. He was unable to put any weight on it as he went into the medical tent.

Brandon Thomas gets Tigers on the board

Kobee Minor forced a fumble with a huge hit on MTSU quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, and Brandon Thomas rushed for a 2-yard touchdown on the ensuing possession to give the Tigers a lead.

Memphis, MTSU tied after scoreless first quarter

Both teams had chances to score, with Memphis missing a field goal and then MTSU fumbling out of the back of the end zone. It's been a sloppy game so far, and it's tied at the end of the first quarter with Memphis getting ready to punt.

Memphis vs MTSU time today

  • Date: Sept. 28

  • Time: 6:30 p.m.

  • Location: Memphis, Tennessee

What channel is Memphis vs MTSU game on today?

  • TV channel: ESPNU

  • Streaming:  Fubo TV

Memphis vs. MTSU will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU. Courtney Lyle and Rene Ingoglia will have the call.

Memphis vs MTSU history

  • Series record: Memphis leads, 17-9-1

  • Memphis' last win: Sept. 20, 2014 (36-17)

  • MTSU's last win: Sept. 14, 2013 (17-15)

Memphis vs MTSU predictions

Memphis 48, Middle Tennessee 14. The Tigers cruise to a blowout win over the Blue Raiders, setting up a critical conference game at South Florida in two weeks.

Memphis vs MTSU betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:

  • Spread: Memphis -25.5

  • Over/under: 61.5

  • Moneyline: Memphis -5000, MTSU +1450

Memphis vs MTSU injury updates

Running back Greg Desrosiers is not expected to play for Memphis. Receivers Roc Taylor and Koby Drake left Saturday's game with injuries but could play against MTSU. Linebacker Elijah Herring has missed two straight games but could return.

Memphis vs MTSU weather update

The forecast calls for a high of 73 degrees and a low of 61 degrees.

Memphis football 2024 schedule

  • Aug. 31: vs. North Alabama (40-0 W)

  • Sept. 7: vs. Troy (38-17 W)

  • Sept. 14: at Florida State (20-12 W)

  • Sept. 21: at Navy (56-44 L)

  • Sept. 28: vs. Middle Tennessee

  • Oct. 11: at South Florida

  • Oct. 19: vs. North Texas

  • Oct. 26: vs. Charlotte

  • Nov. 2: at UTSA

  • Nov. 8: vs. Rice

  • Nov. 16: vs. UAB

  • Nov. 28: at Tulane

Buy Memphis football tickets this season with StubHub

MTSU football 2024 schedule

  • Aug. 31: vs. Tennessee Tech (32-25 W)

  • Sept. 7: at Ole Miss (52-3 L)

  • Sept. 14: vs. Western Kentucky (49-21 L)

  • Sept. 21: vs. Duke (45-17 L)

  • Sept. 28: at Memphis

  • Oct. 10: at Louisiana Tech

  • Oct. 15: vs. Kennesaw State

  • Oct. 23: at Jacksonville State

  • Nov. 2: at UTEP

  • Nov. 9: vs. Liberty

  • Nov. 23: vs. New Mexico State

  • Nov. 30: at Florida International

Memphis football news

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis vs MTSU: Game updates, live score in college football