Final top performers list: Brady White, Thomas Pickens lead the way
Thomas Pickens finished with eight tackles (two for loss), a sack and not to mention the game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in the Montgomery Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. (Julie Bennett/Memphis Athletics)
The Tigers used a strong effort in all three phases to finally snap the bowl game losing streak on Wednesday, Dec. 23 in the Montgomery Bowl.
The defense held Florida Atlantic to just 10 points, the offense added a few timely scores, and Riley Patterson kicked a 53-yard field goal, the longest made field goal in Cramton Bowl history (1922).
It was the closest we got to seeing a complete game from Memphis, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
A number of Tigers played their last games Wednesday, and it was fitting that they go out on top.
Brady White confirmed after the Montgomery Bowl that he is going pro. The Tigers defeated FAU 25-10. (Julie Bennett/Memphis Athletics)
One of those moving on is quarterback Brady White. The ESPN broadcast crew announced early in the first quarter that he would be moving on to pursue a shot at the NFL, which was confirmed by White postgame.
White was dialed in from the jump and finished with a QBR of 85.8 in the 25-10 win over Florida Atlantic. He threw three touchdown passes to three different players, including one to defensive lineman Joseph Dorceus.
White finished with 284 yards against one of the best pass defenses in the country. He walks away as the most successful quarterback in Memphis history, and that’s why he leads the way on the final top performers list.
Thomas Pickens, LB
Pickens was nothing short of sensational against the Owls. He finished with eight tackles (two for loss) and a sack, not to mention the game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter. He was especially dominant on third down as he halted a number of FAU drives with stops for loss, including a 9-yard sack of Javion Posey.
Javon Ivory, WR
Ivory had been relatively quiet after a breakout game against UCF in October, but he was unguardable against the Owls. He set career-highs for receptions (seven), yards (126) and added the second touchdown of his young, promising career. His 51-yard reception was especially huge, as it led to a touchdown that helped put the game away.
Quindell Johnson, S
Another game, another double-digit tackle performance by one of the best safeties in the country. Against FAU, Johnson did most of his work late, with nine of his tackles coming in the second half. Turnovers opened the door for the Owls to get back into the game, but Johnson and the defense were able to limit FAU to 10 points.
He finished with 11 tackles, including seven solo stops. His biggest came on fourth down late in the final quarter as he shoestring-tackled an FAU receiver to stop a would-be touchdown. The defense would eventually force an interception a few plays later to end the game.
Tahj Washington, WR
As the season progressed, there might not be another who has improved quite like Washington. Once again he captivated the audience with an acrobatic grab that made ESPN’s top plays. He has breakneck speed and strong hands, and he displayed that with eight receptions for 105 yards.
The wide receiver group was unproven this season, but heading into 2021, the Tigers should be thrilled with what they have in Washington, Ivory and Calvin Austin III.
Honorable mentions: Get ready, there are quite a few of these, starting with linebacker JJ Russell, who produced nine tackles (five solo) and add 1.5 tackles for loss.
Morris Joseph also had an excellent showing, with 10 tackles and a quarterback hurry. His streak of six straight games with sacks against FBS opponents ended, but Joseph and the rest of the defensive line were superb Wednesday night.
Running back Asa Martin had the best game of his Memphis career right before his birthday. He finished with 96 yards on 15 carries while adding two catches for 13 yards.
Coach Ryan Silverfield said there will be an open competition at running back next season. Martin should be in the lead to start off.
Finally, let’s also show some love for the offensive line. The big guys up front kept White clean with no sacks and paved the way for 185 yards on the ground. Without them, Wednesday night’s win wouldn’t have been possible.
Topics
Montgomery Bowl Brady White Thomas Pickens Riley Patterson Joseph Dorceus Quindell Johnson Tahj Washington Asa Martin college football Memphis Tigers Memphis Tigers FootballSteven Johnson
Johnson is a Memphis native who graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2016. He's traveled the country covering teams like Syracuse, the Buffalo Bills and the Memphis Grizzlies. He's excited about the opportunity to cover the Tigers and all things in the city of Memphis.
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