The Memphis Tigers went into their second American Conference game of the season when they hosted the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The result was a 45-7 blowout victory that further solidified Memphis’s status as one of the nation’s top Group of Five programs. The win also gives the Tigers their 12th-straight season of becoming bowl-eligible — an incredible mark of consistency for the program — while making them the first team in college football to reach 6-0 in 2025.
With the team entering a much-needed bye week, this victory stated that Memphis is not slowing down anytime soon. Here are four key takeaways from Saturday’s dominant win.
1. Total Domination by the Memphis Defense
Through the season’s first five games, the Tigers’ defense had been reliable and opportunistic — but Saturday’s showing may go down as its most complete performance of the year. From the opening series, coordinator Jordon Hankins’ unit dictated the pace and physically overpowered the Tulsa offense.
Quarterback Kirk Francis never found a rhythm, throwing for just 175 yards and three costly interceptions. The Tigers’ defensive front generated consistent pressure throughout the contest, collapsing the pocket and forcing errant throws into tight coverage. Cornerback Chris Bracy and safety Kamari Wilson were instrumental in shutting down passing lanes, while linebackers Sam Brumfield and Everett Roussaw Jr. ensured nothing got established on the ground.
Tulsa finished with an anemic 71 rushing yards for the game — a testament to Memphis’s ability to win the line of scrimmage. This marks the sixth straight game the Tigers have forced at least one turnover, a streak that underscores how balanced and disruptive this defense has become. Simply put, Hankins’ group has become one of the most fundamentally sound and aggressive defenses in the American Conference.
2. Efficient Ball Distribution Across the Passing Game
Cortez Braham Jr.’s one-handed touchdown grab in the first half will likely land on highlight reels this week, but the real story was how balanced and efficient Memphis’s passing attack looked. Quarterback Brendon Lewis spread the ball around, involving multiple receivers in key situations rather than relying on one primary target.
No one had a better shot of Cortez Braham’s ridiculous 1-handed TD than our very own @adamcrisler.
Enjoy the field level view of one of the plays of the year in college football.
It doesn’t get old. pic.twitter.com/5ogxNtvS6A
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) October 5, 2025
Sophomore wideout Jamari Hawkins had a breakout performance, hauling seven receptions for 110 yards, including several key third-down conversions that kept drives alive. Meanwhile, Marcelo Bussey provided another consistent option in the intermediate passing game with four catches for 68 yards, flashing great hands and route precision.
Although Braham was relatively quiet statistically with just two receptions for 26 yards, his red-zone impact and chemistry with Lewis continue to pay dividends. What’s more impressive is that Memphis achieved this level of aerial production without forcing the deep ball — a sign of maturity from Lewis and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, who continues to emphasize rhythm and ball control over big-play desperation.
3. The Rushing Attack Cooled Down — But Still Controlled the Game
For the first time this season, Memphis’s ground game didn’t surpass 200 total rushing yards — yet it still played a decisive role in the outcome. The Tigers ended the night with 191 yards on the ground, which speaks volumes about their offensive balance and efficiency even on a “quiet” rushing day.
Quarterback Brendon Lewis led the way with 67 yards on 14 carries, showing poise and toughness in extending plays and capitalizing on Tulsa’s aggressive blitzes. Running back Greg Desrosiers Jr., who had been explosive in previous weeks, played the complementary role this time, adding 53 yards on the ground.
While fans didn’t see the same long, breakaway runs from Sutton Smith or Desrosiers that defined earlier wins, the Tigers maintained control of the clock and wore down Tulsa’s front seven. The offensive line — anchored by veterans Austin Gentle and Travis Burke — handled the trenches efficiently, allowing the Tigers to sustain long scoring drives. Despite the flash, this rushing performance highlighted Memphis’s ability to adapt and execute across multiple offensive styles.
4. Brendon Lewis’s Resilience and Growth as a Leader
If one player embodies this Memphis team’s identity, it’s quarterback Brendon Lewis. The senior signal-caller started the game sluggishly, throwing two interceptions in the first half that could have swung momentum. But instead of folding, he regrouped — and delivered his most complete performance of the season.
Lewis finished the game with a season-high 266 passing yards, three touchdown throws, and 67 rushing yards. Overall, he accounted for 333 yards of offense, reflecting how central his dual-threat ability has become to Memphis’s success.
What stood out most wasn’t just the numbers but the mental toughness. After those early turnovers, Lewis responded by completing nine of his next eleven passes and leading back-to-back touchdown drives to close the first half. His pocket awareness, improved timing, and willingness to take calculated risks show how much confidence he’s playing with right now.
Lewis has surpassed 1,200 passing yards and 350 rushing yards through six games while maintaining a 66.9% completion rate. His ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver under pressure continues to reinforce why this Memphis team is legitimate both in the American Conference and on the national stage.
What Lies Ahead
The Tigers now head into a much-needed bye week before facing UAB in the annual Battle of the Bones on October 18. Sitting at 6-0, Memphis has emerged as the frontrunner in the American and entered the broader national playoff conversation.
If the Tigers can maintain their defensive discipline, offensive balance, and the leadership of Brendon Lewis, there’s no reason to believe their run will end anytime soon. As Memphis recharges during the bye, one thing has become abundantly clear — this team has the right combination of talent, toughness, and mentality to make history.
