Pollard's kickoff return for TD helps Memphis beat SIU 44-31
Memphis RB runs it in for the late TD
Patrick Turner Jr goes untouched to score 6-yard Touchdown.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Riley Ferguson threw two touchdown passes, Tony Pollard returned a kickoff 100 yards into the end zone, and Memphis continued to roll with a 44-31 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday night.
The Tigers improve to 3-0 after upsetting then-No. 25 UCLA at home 48-45 on Sept. 16.
Ferguson's pair of short-yardage TDs came in the first half, but Southern Illinois had a 21-17 halftime lead. Ferguson threw a 55-yard pass to John Williams and Darrell Henderson scored on a 14-yard run on the next play about a minute into the third quarter.
The teams traded field goals before Pollard's fourth career kickoff return for a touchdown.
Southern Illinois (2-1) pulled to 37-31 with 4:51 left. The Salukis stopped Anthony Miller for a 1-yard loss on a third-and-4, but a face mask penalty kept the Memphis drive alive. Patrick Taylor Jr. scored three plays later.
Sam Straub threw four touchdown passes for Southern Illinois.
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Game Information
2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 7-1 | 13-2 |
| South Dakota State | 7-1 | 12-3 |
| South Dakota | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| Missouri State | 6-2 | 8-4 |
| Illinois State | 6-2 | 10-4 |
| Youngstown State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Indiana State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| North Dakota | 2-6 | 5-7 |
| Southern Illinois | 2-6 | 4-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| Murray State | 0-8 | 1-11 |
2024 American Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 8-0 | 11-2 |
| Tulane | 7-1 | 9-5 |
| Navy | 6-2 | 9-3 |
| Memphis | 6-2 | 11-2 |
| East Carolina | 5-3 | 7-5 |
| South Florida | 4-4 | 6-6 |
| UTSA | 4-4 | 6-6 |
| Charlotte | 4-4 | 5-7 |
| North Texas | 3-5 | 6-6 |
| Rice | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Temple | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| UAB | 2-6 | 3-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 1-7 | 3-9 |
| Tulsa | 1-7 | 3-9 |
NCAAF News