Memphis kicked up their 2026 college football season with an exciting 27-21 comeback win over UNLV Saturday nite in Las Vegas. The Tigers fell behind 14-7 at the half, but scored the final 13 points of the game for the comeback. The triumph provided new head coach Charles Huff a winning start and made him the first Memphis coach to win their road debut.
Memphis Offence Led by Marcus Stokes
Marcus Stokes sparked the comeback, completing 15 of 26 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers. His touchdown passes helped keep Memphis close until the Tigers broke away in the second half.
Running back Jaylin Carter also had a big day, carrying for 97 yards on 15 carries. His 36-yard TD run in the third quarter knotted it at 21-21 and turned the momentum to Memphis.
UNLV Races Ahead Before Half
In the first half, UNLV seemed like it had the game in hand. Quarterback Jackson Arnold tossed a 38-yard touchdown throw to Tavian McNair before adding a six-yard rushing touchdown to give the Rebels a 14-7 lead at the half.
Arnold passed for 291 yards and two touchdowns, then rushed for 54 and another score. And despite the tremendous individual effort, UNLV couldn’t keep pace in the second half.
Tigers rally in third quarter
But Memphis promptly cut the score in half after the half when Stokes found Stonka Burnside for a 48-yard touchdown. UNLV rallied with Arnold’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Kayden McGee, but Memphis answered with another big dash by Carter for a touchdown.
Philippe Laforge kicked a 32-yard field goal late in the third quarter to put the Tigers ahead for the first time. Laforge kicked a 36-yard field goal early in the fourth to give Memphis a six-point lead.
Memphis Defence Locks Up Win
The difference came late in the game on the Tigers’ defence. Memphis recorded six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, staying constant with pressure on Arnold late.
UNLV got to the Memphis 18 midway through the fourth, but the Tigers stopped the Rebels on fourth down with 6:08 left. That stop on defence kept UNLV from reclaiming the lead and allowed Memphis to hold on to its 27-21 lead.
Huff opens Memphis tenure with victory
The win gives Charles Huff a huge early benchmark in his first season at the helm of Memphis. The Tigers showed resilience after trailing at halftime and the ability to make changes on both sides of the ball.
UNLV, which led Memphis by seven points at the half and outgained the Tigers, was disappointed in losing. The Rebels ended up with 460 yards, to Memphis’ 418, but the Tigers took advantage of their opportunities in the second half.
Visit to Our Website for More articles: Techscar
