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Tony Pollard equals career kickoff return TD record with 97-yard run-back

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Pollard ties NCAA record on 97-yard TD (0:53)

Memphis' Tony Pollard ties an NCAA record with his seventh career kickoff return touchdown on a 97-yard score in the second quarter. (0:53)

Memphis' Tony Pollard tied an NCAA record during Saturday's Jared Birmingham Bowl with his seventh career kickoff return for a touchdown.

The junior scored on a 97-yard run-back in the second quarter of Memphis' 37-34 loss to Wake Forest. That matched the career mark shared by Clemson's C.J. Spiller, Houston's Tyron Carrier and San Diego State's Rashaad Penny.

Pollard made a quick cut, stiff-armed a defender and raced down the left sideline. Memphis fans responded with chants of "Tony" at Legion Field.

It was Pollard's first kickoff return for a score this season, with teams kicking to him only 21 times before the bowl game. He returned four the distance in 2017 and did it twice as a redshirt freshman in 2016.

Pollard also scored a touchdown on a 41-yard rush in the first quarter. He finished with 113 yards on 18 carries in the loss.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.