Memphis shuts down Iowa State’s ground game in Liberty Bowl win

AP photo by George Walker IV / Memphis receiver Roc Taylor, with ball, runs past Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper during the Liberty Bowl on Friday in Memphis. AP photo by George Walker IV / Memphis receiver Roc Taylor, with ball, runs past Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper during the Liberty Bowl on Friday in Memphis.

By CLAY BAILEY / The Associated Press December 29, 2023 3 min read

MEMPHIS — The key number for Memphis in its Liberty Bowl victory on Friday was “zero,” which might not be what you expect from the winning team, but that was the important figure in the stats.

Zero turnovers by the Tigers. Zero penalties for Memphis.

And most importantly, zero rushing yards for Iowa State.

Seth Henigan threw for 364 yards and four touchdowns, and the Memphis defense shut down Iowa State’s ground game in a 36-26 victory.

“I think that’s how you win pretty handily against a Big 12 opponent in a bowl game,” Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said. “I thought it was the most complete game we’ve played all season.”