MEMPHIS — Charles Huff and Butch Jones coached it out under the lights Saturday night, but this home opener was bigger than a matchup between Memphis and Arkansas State. It was the first real look at the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium — and the Tigers made sure the building's first final score was a Memphis win.
The $226.5 million renovation brought a new west tower, upgraded premium seating, enhanced audio, LED lighting, larger video displays and one of the biggest ribbon boards in the country. By kickoff, 45,632 fans had filled the place to capacity. The new house looked ready. For a while, the Tigers made everybody inside it nervous.
Arkansas State struck first and kept answering. With 3:26 left in the second quarter, Trey Owens hit Kenyon Clay for a 75-yard touchdown that put the Red Wolves ahead 17–14. Memphis needed a response before halftime, and Marcus Stokes delivered one.
40 seconds before halftime Stokes found Jermane Hayes for a 31-yard touchdown, giving Memphis a 21–17 lead and changing the temperature of the night.
Stokes finished 12-of-15 for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions, but when Memphis needed a steady drive late in the half, he produced it. His other touchdown went seven yards to Aidan O'Callaghan.
