Memphis football’s season is still alive – barely.

The Tigers (7-1, 3-1 AAC) escaped with a 33-28 win Saturday against Charlotte (3-5, 2-2) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, blowing a 14-point lead in the second half but coming back in the final minute to retake the lead.

Charlotte took the lead with 1:20 to play, but Seth Henigan engineered a last-minute drive and connected with Roc Taylor for a 24-yard touchdown with 31 seconds to play. Henigan and the passing attack struggled for most of the game, but they came through in the most important moment.

Memphis’ defense played well after the first drive, but Charlotte’s quarterback switch at halftime from Max Brown to DeShawn Purdie helped the 49ers get back into the game down the stretch.

Mario Anderson was excellent in a featured role for Memphis, carrying 32 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. He left the game in the third quarter but returned.

Mario Anderson, Makari Bodiford shine for Memphis

Anderson has played a significant role in every game this season, but Memphis' running back room is down so many players that he had to play even more on Saturday. Greg Desrosiers is still out, while Brandon Thomas didn't play either.

A week after he rushed for four touchdowns, Anderson had 18 carries for 83 yards in the first half. But then he got injured on his first carry of the second half, meaning Memphis was suddenly down its top four running backs.

True freshman Makari Bodiford came in and immediately had success, rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown on his first drive. Anderson then returned to the game and rushed for a touchdown of his own.

DeShawn Purdie impresses for Charlotte

The 49ers went down by 14 points but came back in the second half thanks to their own true freshman, DeShawn Purdie. He entered the game after the half and had much more success than starter Max Brown, driving the 49ers down the field in the fourth quarter and finding open receivers everywhere.

Purdie finished with 152 yards and a touchdown.

Memphis' defense asserts itself again

The Tigers allowed 44 points to North Texas last week, but Charlotte didn't come to Memphis with nearly the same level of offensive potency as the Mean Green. Memphis was without starting cornerback Kobee Minor, but the defense played much better than last week.

Charlotte went down the field and scored easily on its first drive, but it was tough sledding after that.

Linebacker Chandler Martin was again the standout, tallying 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the day.

Kicking problems continue for the Tigers

A week after coach Ryan Silverfield benched Caden Costa in favor of Tristian Vandenberg, the Tigers again had kicking issues. Vandenberg missed a 37-yard field goal, but he did make all of his extra point attempts.

Costa was 7-of-12 on the season before Vandenberg replaced him last week.

Next up

Memphis will head to San Antonio to face UTSA next Saturday.

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football beats Charlotte on Seth Henigan TD in final minute