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)
Offense, led by freshmen Henigan, Thomas, on display in Tigers’ season opener
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. Box score: Memphis, 42; Nicholls State, 17 Tigers had a strong run game in the opener; Can they keep it up?Related story: