Memphis rallies from 18 point deficit, stuns Arkansas 32-31

The Memphis Tigers, after trailing by as much as 18, stunned their neighbors from just across the river, the Arkansas Razorbacks, 32-31 with a dramatic performance at the end of the game in front of a sellout crowd of 39,861 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

In the first quarter, Arkansas quickly took a 7-0 lead, but the Tigers would score ten unanswered points to take a 10-7 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Tiger lead was short lived as the Razorbacks built an 18 point advantage, 28-10, before a Tiger touchdown and extra point would make the halftime score 28-17.

In the second half, the Tigers would only allow three Razorback points, and they mounted a valiant comeback, capped off by a touchdown with 4:51 left in the game, as junior running back Sutton Smith took the hand off around the left side for a 64 yard scamper, giving Memphis a 32-31 lead.

The Tigers would go for two, but failed to convert.

Arkansas then went on a sustained drive, and looked to be ready to score either a touchdown, or at least a chip shot field goal, for the win. 

The hand off was punched loose by sophomore defensive back Chris Bracey, and he fell on the ball, giving Memphis the possession at their own seven yard line with 1:18 left in the game.

Since the Razorbacks had all three time outs left, the Tigers would have to make at least one first down.

On the second down of the series, Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis lost his helmet, which meant he had to come out of the game.

That forced back-up quarterback, Arrington Maiden, a true freshman that had never taken a snap in a college Football game, to come on with the Tigers facing 3rd and 8, with 58 seconds remaining in the game.

Maiden kept the ball and was hit behind the line of scrimmage. However he kept his feet churning, dragging the Arkansas defensive line 11 yards for a Memphis first down, sealing the incredible comeback win.

For Memphis, Sutton Smith had a career high 147 yards rushing, and quarterback Brendon Lewis rushed for 103 yards and passed for 199.

With the win, Memphis improves to 4-0, while Arkansas falls to 2-2 on the 2025 season.

It was the 44th straight game that Memphis has scored at least 20 points, which is the longest streak in the country.


PHOTO: Memphis running back Sutton Smith being congratulated by teammates after scoring the winning touchdown with 4:51 remaining in the game./(Mike Cooper, West Kentucky Star Staff)