Memphis vs. Iowa State Short Report | Dec 29, 2023
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Memphis, TN
Dec 29, 2023
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Game Recap
The Memphis Tigers secured their 10th win of the 2023 season by overcoming the Iowa State Cyclones 36-26 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, a game marking only the fifth time Memphis posted double-digit wins in a season. The victory, taking place on December 29, 2023, saw Memphis dominant from the start, establishing a resounding 19-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. A memorable 70-yard touchdown pass from Seth Henigan to Demeer Blankumsee set the tone early.
Henigan's performance was legendary, earning him the title of AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 364 yards, throwing four touchdowns, and even rushing for another score. On the other side, Iowa State's Rocco Becht put up a herculean effort, setting a Cyclone record with 446 passing yards and three touchdowns. Despite this, the deficit created by Memphis' early dominance proved insurmountable. Memphis showcased a balanced attack and consistent pressure, both offensively and defensively, leading to a decisive victory.
Key Plays:
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers)
Seth Henigan connected with Demeer Blankumsee for a spectacular 70-yard touchdown pass, initiating Memphis' early dominance. Blankumsee's swift route left defenders trailing, marking the start of a formidable offensive display.
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers)
Henigan showcased his agility by rushing 11 yards for a touchdown, further extending Memphis' lead to 13-0. This play exemplified his dual-threat capability and set a resilient tone for the game.
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers)
Seth Henigan delivered a perfect 51-yard touchdown pass to Joseph Scates, who outpaced the Iowa State secondary. This play concluded the first quarter with a commanding 19-0 scoreline for Memphis.
Rocco Becht (Iowa State Cyclones)
Rocco Becht's 29-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Higgins initiated Iowa State's comeback efforts. Higgins made an impressive leap to secure the ball, showcasing his athleticism and skill.
Chase Contreraz (Iowa State Cyclones)
Chase Contreraz converted a 22-yard field goal, reducing Memphis' lead. This successful kick improved Iowa State's morale and narrowed the deficit to 19-10.
Chase Contreraz (Iowa State Cyclones)
Chase Contreraz's reliable leg delivered a 39-yard field goal just before halftime, closing Iowa State's gap to 19-13. His accuracy kept Iowa State within striking distance.
Tanner Gillis (Memphis Tigers)
Tanner Gillis nailed a critical 49-yard field goal as the half ended, extending Memphis' lead to 22-13. His long-range accuracy contributed significantly to Memphis' momentum heading into the locker room.
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers)
Henigan linked up with Anthony Landphere for a 5-yard touchdown pass, reinforcing Memphis' control over the game and pushing the lead to 29-13.
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers)
Henigan's short pass to Sutton Smith turned into a 48-yard touchdown thanks to Smith's breakaway speed and agile maneuvers. This play highlighted Memphis' explosive offensive capabilities, extending their lead to 36-13.
Rocco Becht (Iowa State Cyclones)
Rocco Becht found Easton Dean for a 15-yard touchdown, marking a resilient fightback by Iowa State. Dean's secure hands and precision running brought the score to 36-20.
Rocco Becht (Iowa State Cyclones)
With a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel, Rocco Becht kept Iowa State's hopes alive. Despite the unsuccessful two-point conversion, this play demonstrated their efforts to close the gap.
Standout Players:
Seth Henigan (Memphis Tigers, QB)
Seth Henigan was instrumental in Memphis' victory, completing 24 of 34 passes for 364 yards. He threw four touchdown passes and rushed for an additional touchdown, earning the AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP title and breaking Memphis' single-season completions and attempts records during the game.
Rocco Becht (Iowa State Cyclones, QB)
Rocco Becht set a new Iowa State single-game passing record with 446 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing remarkable poise and resilience despite the Cyclones' deficit.
Jayden Higgins (Iowa State Cyclones, WR)
Jayden Higgins caught nine passes for 214 yards and a touchdown, tying for the second-most receiving yards in a single game by a Cyclone and proving a constant deep threat throughout the game.
Blake Watson (Memphis Tigers, RB)
Blake Watson tallied 107 rushing yards on 15 carries and added 22 receiving yards, contributing to Memphis' balanced offensive attack and demonstrating his versatility.
Chandler Martin (Memphis Tigers, LB)
Chandler Martin was crucial on defense, recording a team-high eight tackles, including five tackles for loss (a Memphis bowl and Liberty Bowl record), and one sack, earning him the title of Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Game.
References:
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Memphis Tigers
19
3
14
0
36
Iowa State Cyclones
0
13
7
6
26
