University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Rice
No. 25 Tigers Rush for Five Touchdowns in 38-14 Win at Rice on Halloween
Oct 31, 2025 | Football
HOUSTON – The No. 25 University of Memphis football team treated itself to a Halloween victory, rolling past Rice, 38-14, Friday night at Rice Stadium to improve to 8-1 overall (4-1 American) and set up a pivotal conference showdown with Tulane next weekend in Memphis.
The Tigers' 38 points extended their nation-leading streak of 48 consecutive games scoring 20 or more, the longest active run in the FBS.
Memphis dominated from the outset, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five drives and controlling the line of scrimmage against one of the league's top rushing offenses. Running back Frank Peasant led the charge with three short touchdown runs, while quarterback Brendon Lewis accounted for 312 total yards before taking a seat early in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, the Tigers stifled Rice's option attack, holding the Owls (4-5, 1-4 American) to a season low in total yards (212) and rushing yards (112). The Owls averaged 226 yards on the ground entering the game, a total that ranked third best in the conference.
Memphis opened the scoring on its first possession when Lewis scrambled 18 yards for a touchdown - his eighth of the season. Moments later, defensive back Kamari Wilson forced a fumble that set up Peasant's first score from two yards out to make it 14-0. Peasant added two more first-half touchdowns as the Tigers built a 31-7 halftime lead, capped by a 37-yard field goal from Gianni Spetic as time expired in the second quarter.
The 31 points are the second-most points scored in a half by the Tigers this season.
Greg Desrosiers Jr. extended the advantage with a two-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, giving Memphis its fifth rushing score of the night.
The Tigers' defense was relentless early, holding Rice to negative two total yards through the first 22:30 of play, the first time since at least 2013 that Memphis has limited an opponent to negative yardage that deep into a game.
Memphis finished with a season-high 11 tackles for loss and forced a pair of turnovers, including Wilson's fumble recovery and an interception by Omarion Cooper, his first as a Tiger and first since 2022.
Lewis completed 18-of-22 passes for 225 yards and added 87 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Desrosiers Jr. contributed 44 total yards and a score, while Peasant's three touchdowns matched a career high.
With Peasant's performance, Memphis became the only FBS team this season to feature four players with at least six rushing touchdowns - Brendon Lewis, Sutton Smith, Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Frank Peasant.
Four Tigers finished with double-digit tackles, led by Sam Brumfield's 12 stops, his second straight double-digit effort. Wilson (11), Chris Bracy (10) and DeMarco Ward (10) also reached double figures. The defense has now forced at least one turnover in 25 of its last 29 games, generating 55 takeaways (32 interceptions, 23 fumble recoveries) over that span.
UP NEXT:
Memphis comes back to the Bluff City as it hosts Tulane next Friday (Nov. 7) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week and again by an additional $5 on game day at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
