Calkins: On a sweet, surreal night at the Liberty Bowl, Memphis opens its pandemic season with a win
Tigers fans sit masked and socially distanced during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept. 5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Rodrigues Clark (2) breaks a tackle from Arkansas State linebacker Caleb Bonner (22) on his way to a touchdown during the Tigers' home opener at the Liberty Bowl Sept.5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Kylan Watkins (17)breaks a tackle from Arkansas State linebacker Fred Harvey(24) on his way to a touchdown during the Tigers' home opener at the Liberty Bowl Sept.5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Damante Coxie (10) celebrates with temmates after scoring a touchdown during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept.5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis quarterback Brady White (3) throws a pass during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept.5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis cornerback Sylvonta Oliver (11) goes up for an interception during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept. 5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defensive end John Cartwright (95) rushes the passer during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept. 5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Damante Coxie (10) just misses a pass from quarterback Brady White (3) pass during the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas State at the Liberty Bowl Sept. 5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Kylan Watkins (17) breaks a tackle from Arkansas State linebacker Fred Harvey (24) on his way to a touchdown during the Tigers' home opener at the Liberty Bowl Sept.5, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis tight end Sean Dykes (5) dodges an Arkansas State defender during the Tigers' home opener at the Liberty Bowl Sept. 5, 2020. (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 band was masked, the stadium was nearly empty of fans. But the Tigers won a football game at the Liberty Bowl Saturday night. For now, that will have to do.
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