Calkins: Memphis delivers a historic win — and a lesson for all of us
University of Memphis quarterback Brady White (3) gives head coach Ryan Silverfield a hug while holding the game ball after an Oct. 17, 2020 game against University of Central Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis quarterback Brady White (3) throws a pass during an Oct. 17, 2020 game against University of Central Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defensive lineman O'Bryan Goodson (1) celebrates after sacking University of Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) during an Oct. 17, 2020 game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Rodrigues Clark (2) dodges a defender during an Oct. 17, 2020 game against the University of Central Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defensive lineman O'Bryan Goodson (1) drags down University of Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) during an Oct. 17, 2020 game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III (4) come up after a big catch against University of Central Florida during an Oct. 17, 2020 game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Central Florida receiver Jaylon Robinson (1) stretches out for a catch that was just beyond his fingertips during an Oct. 17, 2020 game against the University of Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) watches a teammate fight for a loose ball during an Oct. 17, 2020 game against the University of Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis long snapper Preston Brady (42) celebrates while watching a special teams repay during an Oct. 17, 2020 game against University of Central Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield gets surprised by another coach during an ESPN interview after an Oct.17, 2020 game against University of Central Florida at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The ashes of University of Memphis mascot TOM III made one last trip around Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium during the Oct. 17, 2020 game against the University of Central Florida. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
The Tigers had every reason to quit against UCF on Saturday. Instead, they put together the biggest comeback in the history of the program.
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University of Memphis football 2020 Tiger football Subscriber Only Brady White Ryan Silverfield Memphis vs. UCF Damonte Coxie college football AACThank you for supporting local journalism.
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