The University of Memphis (1-0) secured a 45-10 victory over the Chattanooga Mocs (0-1) on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers scored two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters to establish an early lead and keep the Mocs from comeback hopes.
The game with UTC opting to defer after winning the toss. Kicker Jude Kelley and tight end Landon Strickland executed a perfect onside kick to steal the first possession of the contest.
The drive showed promise as Camden Orth connected with Josh Williams for a 10-yard gain at 14:12, but the momentum was halted when Jude Kelley's 53-yard field goal attempt was blocked at 11:45.
The Tigers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions to build a 28-3 halftime advantage.
They amassed 236 yards on 28 plays. The Mocs held their hosts to three points and 107 yards of offense on the next four possessions before a pick 6 and late score completed their 45-point day.
The first quarter was a challenge for the offense. The Mocs got just 18 yards on 12 plays before finding life in the second quarter. It began with a strong drive, highlighted by Ryan Ingram's 21-yard rush and Orth's 16-yard pass to Markell Quick. That resulted in a successful 32-yard field goal by Kelley at 9:20.
Orth and the offense engineered a 6-minute, 12-second march covering the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter. The final period began with Solomon Locke's seven-yard rush setting up Chattanooga's offense at Memphis' five-yard line. The Tigers held the Mocs to just two yards on the next three plays setting up fourth and goal at the three.
After a timeout at 12:55, Orth's three-yard touchdown pass to Williams, ended the 12-play, 75-yard scoring effort.
Chattanooga makes the short trip into the Cumberland Gap to matchup with Tennessee Tech next Saturday, Sept. 6. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m., Eastern time.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 campaign. Season tickets provide the best value beginning at $60. Mini-packs and single game are available as well. Purchases can be on GoMocs.com.