Memphis Football: 3 takeaways from Black Friday win over Cincinnati
By Zach Bigalke
2. Antonio Gibson opened the country’s eyes against Cincinnati
On Friday afternoon, in the lone matchup of Top 25 teams, Antonio Gibson opened the country’s eyes to what a multifaceted threat he provides for the Memphis offense. Nominally listed as a wide receiver on the roster, Gibson made his biggest waves in the running game in the win against the Bearcats.
Gibson ran the ball only six times all game, but he busted off 75 rushing yards in those half-dozen carries. The biggest was a 29-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the final margin at 10 points and ensured Tigers fans would leave the Liberty Bowl happy on the day after Thanksgiving.
He didn’t lead the team in rushing — Kenneth Gainwell carried 15 times for 87 yards as the Tigers finished with 199 yards as a team — but Gibson was the most explosive player carrying the football for Memphis on Friday afternoon. He added two receptions for eight yards, but it was the knockout punch in the final frame that made the biggest difference.
Usually Gibson is a bigger presence in the passing game, having caught seven of Brady White’s touchdown passes at this point of the season. If he can meld his receiving skills with more duty in the backfield, it could be dangerous should Memphis earn the Group of Five’s trip to the Cotton Bowl this season.