Calkins: A toast to the greatest day in Memphis football history
University of Memphis receiver Antonio Gibson (middle) runs by the SMU defense for a touchdown during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans celebrate a Tigers touchdown against SMU during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis head coach Mike Norvell (middle) argues a call with the officials during the game against SMU Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis quarterback Brady White (right) makes a throw against the SMU defense during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis teammates Joey Magnifico (left) and Ladarius Jordan (right) celebrate a 54-48 victory over SMU on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Antonio Gibson (left) drops a touchdown catch in front of the SMU defense during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running back Antonio Gibson (left) breaks away from SMU defender Rodney Clemons (right) during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Damonte Coxie (right) grabs a first down catch in front of the SMU bench during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis running Kenneth Gainwell (left) is tackled back SMU defender Richard McBryde (right) during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans celebrate as running back Antonio Gibson scores a touchdown against SMU during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans cheer on the Tigers during the game against SMU Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defender Nehemiah Augustus celebrates a tackle against SMU during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis defenders (left) Xavier "Zay" Cullens (left) and Jonathan Wilson (right) tackle SMU running back Ke'Mon Freeman (middle) during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis receiver Damonte Coxie looks back at the SMU defense while scoring a touchdown during the game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis fans cheer on the Tigers during the game against SMU Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/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.
Memphis defeated 15th-ranked SMU at the Liberty Bowl Saturday night to put the finishing touches on a day that will be remembered for a very long time.
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AAC college football Geoff Calkins SMU football University of Memphis footballThank you for supporting local journalism.
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