Offense, led by freshmen Henigan, Thomas, on display in Tigers’ season opener
University of Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan hands the ball off to running back Brandon Thomas during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Henigan became the first freshman quarterback in school history to start in a season opener for the Tigers, and he led them to a 42-17 win. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis cornerback Jacobi Francis (1) breaks up a pass during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan celebrates after a touchdown during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Asa Martin (28) gets tackled during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The University of Memphis band performs before a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Rodrigues Clark (2) breaks a tackle during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans react to a bad call during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Javon Ivory goes up for a catch during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The sun sets over Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium as Jenny Pallme watches the University of Memphis play Nicholls State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfiled leads his players onto the field before a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Running back Brandon Thomas fends off Nicholls State players’ attempts to grab the ball. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis cheerleaders pump up the crowd on the Tiger Lane Saturday afternoon before the game. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis dunning back Rodrigues Clark (2) breaks a tackle Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans take a selfie during a Sept. 4, 2021 game against Nicholls State. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Shane Henley and Brayden Erwin play a game of catch in Tiger Lane before the Sept. 4, 2021 University of Memphis game against Nicholls State. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Seth Henigan became the Tigers’ first freshman starting quarterback to open a season, and running back Brandon Thomas had 16 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Related story:
Box score: Memphis, 42; Nicholls State, 17
Tigers had a strong run game in the opener; Can they keep it up?
Topics
Memphis Football Nicholls State Memphis Tigers 2021 college football Seth HeniganFrank Bonner II
Frank Bonner is the Memphis Tigers football beat writer. He is originally from Indiana but arrived in Memphis after spending two years in Tulsa, covering Oklahoma State football and basketball. He covered high school sports in Columbus, Indiana for two years before getting his Master’s degree in Sports Journalism at IUPUI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.
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