Memphis Football: 3 takeaways from interdivisional loss at Temple

3. Turnovers doomed Memphis on their trip to Philadelphia

A big reason why Memphis finds itself no longer among the dwindling ranks of undefeated teams in 2019 is due to the fact that they were unable to protect the football at Lincoln Financial Field. Even as they mounted a furious comeback attempt in the second half, coughing up a turnover proved their undoing as they lost by two on the road.

In the first half, the Tigers gave away an interception and two fumbles on three straight drives after being forced to punt on their first series. They were lucky that Temple managed to turn those blunders into only a trio of field goals, as the Memphis defense stood tall and mitigated the potential damage that might have struck the visitors.

They were able to clean things up in the second half, but a fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter killed the best chance Memphis had to take a lead at Lincoln Financial Field. Even as they got the ball back several more times, that last giveaway took the wind out of the Tigers.

Memphis still has a shot to win the American and reach the New Year’s Six. This defeat does not kill their season, by any means. But after giving away only seven turnovers through their first five wins, that number was increased by more than half again as Temple forced mistake after mistake. Limiting those costly plays will be critical for the Tigers as they hope to rebound back into contention.