White, Gainwell, defense lead Memphis over Southern 55-24

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Gainwell hits the jets for 46-yard Memphis TD

Kenneth Gainwell bursts through the hole for a 46-yard rushing touchdown.

Sep 7, 2019, 09:08 pm

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Brady White threw for two touchdowns, Kenneth Gainwell scored three and Memphis' defense smothered Southern in the second half to pull away to a 55-24 victory on Saturday.

The Tigers (2-0), leading 27-17 at halftime, scored 21 third-quarter points and held the Jaguars to only 15 yards total offense in the second half.

The Jaguars (0-2) scored on the game's opening possession but White combined with Antonio Gibson on a 55-yard touchdown and Keith Brown returned a blocked punt 27 yards as Memphis took a 17-7 first-quarter lead. It was the first time Memphis returned a blocked punt for a TD since 2012.

Another blocked punt led to White's 21-yard scoring throw to Gainwell and a 48-24 lead in the final minute of the third quarter. Gainwell also rushed for two scores, including a 46-yarder.

White finished 17-of-21 passing for 337 yards. Damonte Coxie had six catches for 112 yards. Memphis outgained Southern 575-258.