UCLA Football: Darrell Henderson busts 80-yard run on first Memphis play

UCLA football did not get off to a great start. On Memphis’ first offensive play they took an early lead thanks to Darrell Henderson‘s 80-yard run.

After holding UCLA scoreless on their first series of the game, Memphis got the ball at its own 9 after a well-placed Stefan Flintoft punt. The Tigers came out firing on offense. Pinned down deep in their own territory, Riley Ferguson took the snap and handed the ball off to Darrell Henderson. The running back nearly took the carry to the house:

Bursting toward his right tackle, Hendersen then cutting back into the middle of the field. Patiently waiting for his downfield blocking to set up, Henderson showed veteran presence (and a history as a return man) as he astutely veered back toward the right sideline. Jetting ahead, he tiptoed his way to just outside the UCLA 10 before being forced out of bounds.

Riley Ferguson threw a touchdown pass two plays later, and Memphis went up 7-0 just three minutes into their game against the Bruins. Earlier this week we mentioned that this would be a statement game for Memphis, and that UCLA should be on upset alert.

Nobody, though, could expect it to go sour this quickly. UCLA was held to another punt immediately after the touchdown, but they have since tied the game back up at 7-7 in the first quarter thanks to a seven-yard run by Jalen Starks.

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Stay tuned for more updates from the Liberty Bowl as we keep our eyes on this potential upset special in Memphis between the Bruins and the Tigers. It appears that the west coast team might still be waking up and the Tigers are making them pay for sleepwalking early.