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Memphis Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Georgia State

By Zach Bigalke

ANNAPOLIS, MD- SEPTEMBER 8: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Memphis Tigers congratulates Dylan Parham #56 of the Memphis Tigers in the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD- SEPTEMBER 8: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Memphis Tigers congratulates Dylan Parham #56 of the Memphis Tigers in the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Darrell Henderson is definitely the best Memphis running back

All season long, Darrell Henderson has built upon his strong sophomore campaign in 2017 to prove that he is the best running back in a loaded Memphis backfield. Even with Tony Polland and Patrick Taylor Jr. back as well for the Tigers, Henderson continues to be the most reliable and dynamic threat available for new offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham.

Henderson didn’t get too many touches in the opener as Dillingham and Mike Norvell opted to use the showdown against an overmatched FCS foe as a shakedown game for the offense. The coaches tried to get the entire backfield rotation some experience on the gridiron in real game situations, which meant Henderson got only nine carries. He converted those chances into 76 yards and a rushing touchdown, and added a 62-yard scoring reception in the bargain.

In the second game of the season against Navy, Henderson was the reason why Memphis came as close as they did to taking down the Midshipmen. The junior finished with 212 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries, dominating the Navy front seven and getting quickly to the second level on several long bursts.

That was all a prelude to his eye-popping showing against Georgia State. Henderson dominated the ground game, racking up 233 yards and two scores on 14 carries. He added two catches for 10 yards as he put up another breakthrough performance showcasing his value to the Tigers offense.

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