Memphis rallies past early deficit to defeat Arkansas State 42-24
10 sourcesUpdated Sep 9, 2026
Memphis defeated Arkansas State 42-24 in the Tigers’ home opener at the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, improving to 2-0. After trailing 17-14 at halftime, Memphis pulled away in the second half behind a dominant rushing attack that produced 335 yards. Southern Miss transfer Jaylin Carter scored four rushing touchdowns and ran for 183 yards, while Manny Covey added more than 100 yards. The Tigers’ defense held Arkansas State to seven second-half points and recorded four interceptions. Memphis next travels to face Boise State.
Where do you stand?
How it spread
What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
Left· 1 source
“Memphis 42, Arkansas State 24”Center· 3 sources
“Recapping Memphis football's win over Arkansas State”Right· 0 sources
No right coverage yet — a bubble gap.
Free account · your comment posts right after signup
yards rushing as a team is wild, Memphis just wore them down after halftime. 2-0 start looks promising.
Nice way to christen the renovated Liberty Stadium, defense stepping up with those picks sealed it after Arkansas State made it close early.
Carter looked unstoppable in the second half, 183 yards on the ground is a huge night for a season opener at a new stadium.
