Memphis Tigers lose 31-17 to Tulane with six turnovers
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The gist
Memphis committed six turnovers in a 31-17 road loss to Tulane, its first conference defeat under Charles Huff.
The Tigers host East Carolina next, with ball security the main question.
Background
Memphis Tigers football is a college program now coached by Charles Huff, in his first season. The Tigers opened 2026 with a 27-21 win over UNLV and a 42-24 win over Arkansas State before falling to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the American Conference with the Tulane loss. The result is notable because Memphis had turned the ball over only five times in its first six games combined, and the six giveaways snapped a 35-game streak of not committing more than two turnovers.
How it unfolded
- Aug 29, 2026Memphis opened the Charles Huff era with a 27-21 win over UNLV at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
- Sep 5, 2026Memphis beat Arkansas State 42-24 before a sold-out 45,632 at the renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium; RB Jaylin Carter ran for 183 yards and four touchdowns and was named American Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
- Oct 16, 2026Memphis (5-2, 2-1 American Conference) lost 31-17 to Tulane at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, committing six turnovers.
- Oct 16, 2026QB Marcus Stokes accounted for five of the six turnovers (two lost fumbles, three interceptions); RB Manny Covey lost another fumble. Tulane was led by true freshman Trace Johnson in his first career start.
- Oct 19, 2026Memphis announced its week nine game against Army will be played Halloween night at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
- Oct 22, 2026Memphis is scheduled to host East Carolina at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2, with ESPN's 'SportsCenter on Campus' live from Tiger Lane at 4 p.m.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Head coach Charles Huff said the Tulane loss was the first conference defeat of his tenure and that the Tigers are ready to bounce back and prove they are contenders.