University of Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III (4) returns a long punt during the Sept. 18, 2021 game. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III (4) smiles after scoring the go-ahead touchdown during a Sept. 18, 2021 game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis long snapper Preston Brady (42) celebrates with kicker Joe Doyle (17) after a huge field goal during a Sept. 18, 2021 game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defensive lineman Maurice White (4) sacks Mississippi State University quarterback Will Rogers III (2) during a Sept. 18, 2021 game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis cornerback Greg Rubin (24) gets a hand on Mississippi State University running back Dillon Johnson (23) during Saturday’s game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Mississippi State University wide receiver Makai Polk (10) jumps up to make a catch Saturday at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defensive lineman Maurice White (4) celebrates with teammates after sacking Mississippi State University quarterback Will Rogers III (2). (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Rodrigues Clark (2) breaks a tackle from Mississippi State University safety Jay Jimison (36) during a Sept. 18, 2021 game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans celebrate after their team scored the go-ahead touchdown during a Sept. 18, 2021 game Saturday against Mississippi State University. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan (14) rolls out of the pocket to complete a pass Saturday against Mississippi State University. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The University of Memphis band warms up the crowd before the Sept. 18, 2021 game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis players celebrate after the victory over Mississippi State University. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Tigers go down to the wire in thrilling win over Mississippi State
A heads-up play by Calvin Austin III and a 51-yard field goal by Joe Doyle, plus some solid defense gave the University of Memphis a statement win.