Memphis moved to 4-4, 1-3 in the American Athletic Conference with a 65-33 non-conference loss to Missouri (4-3, 0-3 SEC) in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday. The performance was the worst of the season for the U of M, which sits at .500. Beyond that there are injury concerns as the Tigers head into an open date before facing East Carolina. 

Darrell Henderson’s Health a Question Mark 

Running back Darrell Henderson left in the first quarter of the 65-33 loss after tweaking his hamstring. Going into a bye week gives him about two weeks to get healthy for the Tigers against East Carolina. 

The Memphis offense stalled without Henderson’s big play ability coming out of the backfield – producing only five plays of 20-plus yards without the star back. Only one of those plays went for over 21 yards. Only two came in the run game. 

Last season, the Tigers struggled to run the ball when Henderson missed time due to injury. Iowa State contained the Tigers to 53 rushing yards in last year’s Liberty Bowl. When Henderson carried the ball only four times in the comeback win over Houston, Memphis rushed for a mere 30 yards. 

That wasn’t the case against Missouri when running backs Patrick Taylor and Tony Pollard combined for 190 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield. Pollard received a season-high eight carries for 75 yards. 

If Henderson misses significant time the Tigers will lean on Pollard and Taylor in the run game. The duo combined for 10 rushing touchdowns through eight games. 

Favorable Schedule Remaining 

The Tigers are 4-4 after eight games for the first time in Norvell’s coaching tenure in Memphis, but the hardest part of their schedule is behind them. 

None of the next three opponents are over .500 and are a combined 6-15 overall so far this season. Houston (6-1, 3-0 AAC) visits the Tigers regular season finale on Nov. 23. The Cougars are currently the favorites to win the Western Division.