Memphis managed to secure a convincing 24-7 victory over Middle Tennessee in their Conference USA opener, with Mario Anderson Jr. leading the way with 118 rushing yards and a touchdown. Brandon Thomas also made significant contributions with two short touchdown runs during the game on Saturday night.

The match started with a lack of scoring, but Memphis took advantage of a turnover and turned it into a touchdown early in the second quarter to secure a 7-0 lead. Kobee Minor’s forced fumble on Nicholas Vattiato, the quarterback for Middle Tennessee, led to Chandler Martin recovering the ball and returning it 3 yards to the Blue Raiders’ 12-yard line. Brandon Thomas sealed the deal with a 2-yard run into the end zone.

Anderson further extended Memphis’ lead with a 4-yard touchdown run at the end of a 13-play, 70-yard drive, bringing the halftime score to 14-0. Middle Tennessee managed to cut the deficit with Terry Wilkins’ 5-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Nevertheless, Memphis responded promptly with another touchdown by Thomas and a crucial 47-yard field goal by Caden Costa with 1:21 left in the quarter, ensuring a 17-point lead going into the final stretch.

Sam Henigan, quarterback for Memphis, completed 26 of 41 passes for 227 yards, while Anderson showcased his talent with 18 carries. Thomas also made a notable contribution with 48 yards on six carries. On the other side, Vattiato from Middle Tennessee racked up 283 passing yards on a 21-for-31 completion rate, with Omari Kelly securing six catches for 174 yards. Despite their passing success, the Blue Raiders struggled on the ground, managing only 29 rushing yards on 25 carries throughout the game.