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Memphis Tigers Storm Back From An Early Deficit To Beat The Boise State Broncos, 35-32

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Football

The University of Memphis football team stormed back from an early, 17-0 deficit to take down Boise State, 35-32, on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

Running back Blake Watson led the way for the Tigers (4-1) rushed the ball 19 times for 113 yards and two scores, while wide receiver Roc Taylor posted his second-straight 100-yard receiving game, reeling in five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Seth Henigan completed 18-of-28 passes for 269 yards and two TDs.

Defensively, linebacker Chandler Martin led Memphis in tackles for a third-straight contest, posting a game-high nine stops along with one sack and a pair of tackles for loss. Defensive back Simeon Blair had six tackles, all solo, with two pass breakups.

Memphis improved to 44-7 (.863) at home since head coach Ryan Silverfield joined the coaching staff in 2016. As a head coach, Silverfield is 19-4 (.826) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers also improved to 26-1 in the team's last 27 home games against non-conference opponents.

After Boise State (2-3) took a 17-0 lead following back-to-back rushing touchdowns from Ashton Jeanty, Memphis kicked it into gear offensively – getting on the board with five minutes left in the second quarter following a 19-yard touchdown pass from Henigan to Taylor.

The Tigers cut their deficit to 17-14 just before the halftime break when Watson broke free for a five-yard touchdown run.

Memphis took its first lead of the game, 21-17, as time ticked down in the third quarter. On a 24-yard field goal attempt by Boise State, linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku broke through the middle of the line, blocking the attempt. He then scooped up the loose ball and darted down the field for an 80-yard score to give the Tigers a lead they wouldn't surrender.

The blocked field goal for a touchdown for Cantin-Arku was the first for a Tiger since Greg Jackson did it (80 yards) against Houston in 2006.

While Boise State added in two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Tiger offense answered with scores from DeMeer Blankumsee and another from Watson to secure the 35-32 win.

After a bye week, the Tigers will return to action on Friday, Oct. 13 against Tulane at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start and will be televised nationally on ESPN.