MEMPHIS, TN – In a game that featured four lead changes in the final eight minutes, Memphis survived a late scare from Charlotte, securing a 33-28 victory Saturday afternoon at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The Tigers (7-1, 3-1) needed a 24-yard touchdown pass from Seth Henigan to Roc Taylor with 31 seconds remaining to overcome a gutsy performance from the visiting 49ers (3-5, 2-2). Memphis added a safety in the closing seconds to seal the outcome.
Charlotte appeared poised for an upset when Hahsaun Wilson's 18-yard touchdown run with 1:20 remaining gave the 49ers a 28-24 lead. That score was set up by a spectacular 57-yard completion from quarterback Deshawn Purdie to O'Mega Blake. Purdie, who came in at halftime, threw for 152 yards and a touchdown to give the 49ers a chance to pull off the upset.
But Henigan, who finished 20-of-32 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrated a seven-play, 75-yard drive in just 49 seconds to reclaim the lead for Memphis.
The game's frenetic ending contrasted sharply with its methodical first half, which ended in a 7-7 tie. Charlotte struck first when Carson Norton scored on a 17-yard run in the opening quarter. Memphis answered early in the second quarter on Henigan's 2-yard touchdown pass to DeMeer Blankumsee.
Memphis controlled the third quarter, scoring twice on rushing touchdowns. M'Javius Bodiford broke free for a 14-yard score, and Blake Anderson Jr. added an 11-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 21-7 lead. Anderson finished with 141 yards on 32 carries.
Charlotte's offense found new life in the fourth quarter. Purdie connected with Blake on a 39-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap to 21-14. Blake finished with three catches for 128 yards. Norton's second touchdown run, from five yards out, tied the game at 21 with 8:02 remaining.
After a Charlotte interception, Memphis settled for a 21-yard field goal by Trey Vandenberg with 1:56 left, setting up the dramatic final minutes.
The 49ers had one final opportunity to respond after Taylor's late touchdown, but a disputed kickoff return ruling proved crucial. Henry Rutledge appeared to break free for a long return, but officials determined his knee was down, forcing Charlotte to start from its own 4-yard line instead of near midfield.
"The call on Henry changed the whole complexion of that last drive," Charlotte coach Biff Poggi said. "If that stands, we need about 25-30 yards and we're kicking a field goal to tie."
Memphis dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36:40 compared to Charlotte's 23:20. The Tigers outgained the 49ers 424-303 in total yards and converted 8 of 17 third downs.
Despite the loss, Charlotte's defense made several crucial stops, including three fourth-down stands. Dontae Balfour's first-quarter interception at the 1-yard line prevented an early Memphis score.
"I think our defense played really well," Poggi said. "We had a bunch of fourth-down stops and they're pretty good on offense. I thought we played pretty well, and I'm not ready to throw the defense under the bus — it was a really good college football game, we just lost it at the end."
The game's intensity left an impression on both sides. "Their coach came up to me at the end of the game and said, 'I'm sick and tired of playing you guys,'" Poggi reported.
Up Next
For Charlotte, the challenge is to regroup quickly. The 49ers host Tulane on Thursday night, while Memphis travels to take on UTSA.
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