MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis football team opened the 2023 season with a convincing, 56-14, victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday night at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The 42-point win is the largest in a season-opener since the Tigers (1-0) beat Mercer, 66-14, in 2018.
 
Both sides of the ball had their fair share of highlights on Saturday night. Offensively, the team racked up 551 yards of total offense and had 27 first downs. Defensively, the Tigers limited the Wildcats (1-0) to just 91 total yards, marking the first time a Memphis opponent had less than 100 yards since SMU in 2015 (97).
 
Sophomore running back Sutton Smith rushed for a game-high 115 yards on 18 carries with a pair of touchdowns for the Tigers, while fifth year running back Blake Watson had 75 yards on 10 carries, tallying three, first-half touchdowns.
 
Junior quarterback Seth Henigan completed 27-of-36 passes for 334 yards and two scores, while wide receiver DeMeer Blankumsee recorded six receptions for a game-high 98 yards and a score.
 
Defensively, Andres Fox had a team-best five tackles for the Tigers to go with one sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Defensive back An’Darius Coffey had four tackles, one sack and a quarterback hurry, while both CorMontae Hamilton and Jaylen Joyner also posted sacks in the win.