University of Memphis Athletics

Defense Leads The Way As Memphis Tops Troy, 28-7

09.13.25

TROY, Ala. — Sutton Smith rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 23 Memphis handled Troy 28-7 on Saturday, extending three long streaks.

The Tigers (3-0) earned their 13th straight victory over a Sun Belt Conference opponent, scored at least 20 points for the 43rd consecutive game — the longest such streak in FBS — and won their seventh straight overall, also the longest active streak in the nation.

Smith scored on runs of 2 and 7 yards in the first half as Memphis built a 21-0 lead by intermission. Quarterback Brendon Lewis was efficient, completing 12 of 16 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns, including a 46-yarder to Cameron Wright.

Troy (1-2) got on the board in the third quarter with Gunnar Watson’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Jabre Barber, but the Trojans never seriously threatened. Watson threw for 189 yards and a score but was intercepted twice.

Memphis finished with 217 rushing yards and 430 total yards, averaging 6.0 yards per play. The Tigers’ defense forced three turnovers and limited Troy to 3.9 yards per snap. Defensive back DJ Ward led with eight tackles and an interception.

Jamari Hawkins paced the receivers with 77 yards, while Wright had three catches for 65 and a touchdown.