MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a surprising turn of events at the 2023 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the Memphis Tigers, despite enjoying the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, found themselves taking on the role of the visiting team against the Iowa State Cyclones. The game’s narrative unfolded dramatically, commencing with Memphis setting an early tone in the first quarter. Quarterback Seth Henigan showcased his efficiency as a top Group of Five QB by seamlessly connecting with wide receiver DeeMer Blankmusee on a 70-yard touchdown pass. Demonstrating their offensive firepower, the Tigers swiftly added two more scores to their tally, concluding the opening quarter with a commanding 19-0 lead.
As the second quarter commenced, the Cyclones finally made their presence felt on the scoreboard, courtesy of freshman QB Rocco Becht’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Higgins. With this resurgence, the Cyclones closed the gap, narrowing the Tigers’ lead to 19-13. However, just before halftime, Memphis extended their lead to 22-13 when kicker Tanner Gillis successfully converted a 44-yard field goal attempt.
The second half of the game mirrored the earlier offensive onslaught, with Memphis continuing to dominate Iowa State. In a remarkable display of skill, Henigan delivered his third touchdown pass of the game, this time connecting with tight end Anthony Landphere. The Tigers’ relentless offensive drive persisted in the third quarter, as running back Sutton Smith found the end zone following Henigan’s precision on a 48-yard reception.
Though the Cyclones valiantly attempted a late third-quarter rally, their efforts ultimately fell short, as Memphis held on for a well-earned 36-26 victory in the 2023 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. This triumph against Iowa State secured the Tigers’ victory in the Liberty Bowl and marked a historic achievement—a double-digit winning campaign, a feat the Tigers hadn’t accomplished since 2019. The game’s unfolding events underscored the Tigers’ resilience and hinted at a promising future for the program on the collegiate football stage.
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan was named AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP and Most Outstanding Offensive Player for this performance of 364 yards passing by completing 24-of-34 passes and passing for four touchdowns. Henigan also notched his place in history by passing for the most yards in Memphis program history. His four touchdown passes, five total touchdowns, and 30 total points scored are all tied for second-most in Liberty Bowl history.
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins finished the game with 214 receiving yards, the highest total in the bowl game so far this season. Higgins also scored a touchdown for the Cyclones.
Linebacker Chandler Martin was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player for Memphis as he compiled five tackles-for-loss and one sack in the victory. The five tackles-for-loss set an AutoZone Liberty Bowl record.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht led a comeback attempt with his 446 yards passing on 22 completions, three of which led to touchdowns. Becht was named Most Outstanding Offensive Performer for his efforts. Defensive Back Beau Freyler was named Most Outstanding Defensive Player for his 11 total tackles, 10 of those being solo tackles.
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