Memphis controlled the game from start to finish to defeat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 45-7, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, on Saturday evening. This was the 33rd meeting between these two teams.

“Quite pleased and we found a way (to win),” said Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield. “We were all in. We played for four quarters. We did some really good things and a lot to be improved upon. What I’m most pleased with is the guys continued to battle. They handled a Tulsa offense that we knew was explosive.”

Memphis (6-0, 2-0 American) opened the scoring in the first quarter with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Brendon Lewis to Matt Adcock.

The Tigers extended their lead to 14-0 in the second quarter when Sutton Smith bolted into the end zone from three yards out.

Tulsa (2-4, 0-3 American) scored its only touchdown of the game with 7:46 left in the second quarter, as Kirk Francis connected with Micah Tease on a 34-yard pass play. Francis was making his first start since getting injured in the game against New Mexico State on Sept. 6.

Memphis scored two more times in the second quarter and led 28-7 at halftime.

The Tigers added a field goal and two more touchdowns to close out the second half scoring. Memphis currently has the nation’s longest winning streak with 10 straight victories.

For Tulsa, Francis completed 20-of-34 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Tease had two receptions for 57 yards and scored the lone touchdown.

Elijah Green made a significant impact on defense for Tulsa with two interceptions. He now leads the team with five interceptions this season. Lento Smith Jr. led the team with nine tackles and forced one fumble. Ray Coney finished the game with eight tackles

Lewis led the Tigers by completing 22-of-30 passes for 266, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The Tigers’ leading receiver was Jamari Hawkins with seven catches for 110 yards.

Memphis outgained Tulsa in total offensive yards, 457 to 246.

Following a bye week, the Golden Hurricane will travel to Greenville, N.C., to face East Carolina at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The game is set for Thursday, October 16, at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The Pirates are currently 3-0, 1-0 American, and play at Tulane this Thursday evening.