If any game has ever been a true tale of two halves, it was Memphis football against East Carolina.
The Tigers (6-2, 3-1 American Conference) managed only three points in the first half against ECU on Oct. 22 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, but they responded with 38 in the second half and overtime to earn a critical 41-34 come-from-behind win.
Memphis' offense completely flipped in the second half after a concerning start. Here's our film breakdown of what went right and what went wrong for the Tigers.
Memphis' offensive power outage in the first half
Tigers coach Charles Huff said afterward that part of the game plan in the first half was to take it slow and try to get a read on the ECU defense. That's apparent in the fact that Memphis kept running into stacked boxes even when it was clear
that the Pirates were setting up to stop the run.
It created a similar situation to the Tigers' game against Boise State: They had consistent one-on-one matchups for their receivers. And while quarterback Marcus Stokes hit a couple of those early on, the receivers had a rough night in the first half.
With 12:07 to play in the half, Memphis is facing a third-and-1. ECU crowds the box, so Stokes fakes a handoff and looks for Jemyri Davis on a slant. Davis gets separation on cornerback Ashton Levells-Mitchell, but the throw is slightly behind him and he drops it (Memphis gets bailed out with a personal foul to extend the drive).
A couple of plays later, ECU blitzes and Stonka Burnside runs a slant into an open area. Stokes puts it on him, but Burnside drops it in the end zone.
A checkdown on third down late in the half
At West Florida, Stokes was known for his ability to extend plays and create outside the pocket. This season, he has generally gotten the ball out quicker. And it's likely that the Tulane game — where he had five turnovers, including two fumbles that came as he was about to throw the ball — made that even more of an emphasis.
On a second-and-10 late in the second quarter, the Pirates rush only four but run multiple stunts and get to Stokes. He can only get back to the line of scrimmage. On the next play, he takes the snap and is looking for Burnside on a curl to the left side. But ECU has it covered. The protection holds up this time, and it looks like Stokes could have room to create if he moves left.
Instead, he quickly turns back to throw to tight end Hunter Tipton on a checkdown. Tipton isn't close to the first down marker, and it leads to a punt.
Jermane Hayes' touchdown to open the third quarter
Memphis badly needed a break, and the Tigers' tempo gets them one in the third quarter.
After a screen pass that went nowhere, Memphis gets to the line quickly. ECU's defense is late to adjust, and Kevon Merrell is still running out toward Jermane Hayes when the ball is snapped. Hayes streaks forward, and Merrell can't adjust in time. Safety Zyeir Gamble is late to react, Stokes places the ball perfectly and it's a walk-in touchdown.
Memphis' two-play overtime TD
After Hayes' long touchdown, the Tigers look like a completely different team on offense. Except for an ill-fated trick play that led to a punt, Memphis scores on all of its drives until the final minute of regulation. Manny Covey consistently finds running lanes, and Stokes looks much more comfortable moving outside the pocket.
On the first play of overtime, Memphis' offensive line does a good job picking up ECU's pressure. Instead of bailing on the play, Stokes recognizes it and waits an extra beat for Davis to get open on his deep post. It goes for a 20-yard gain, and Stokes rushes for a score on the next play.
Ellis Ellis Jr.'s game-sealing interception
ECU gets to the Memphis 4-yard line on its ensuing possession, and the Pirates run what coach Blake Harrell said postgame was an RPO. Before the snap, ECU quarterback Mitch Griffis looks to his right multiple times and sees both receivers on that side are in single coverage.
Memphis' defensive front is focused on the run, and the ECU offensive line actually gets a good push. There's a cutback lane available for running back TJ Engleman.
But he never gets the ball. Griffis throws the slot fade, Landon Sides trips on Chauncey Logan's feet as they cross past each other, and Ellis Ellis Jr. is there to end the game.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Breaking down film from Memphis football's comeback win over East Carolina
