In a thrilling season opener on August 29, Memphis football secured a 27-21 victory over UNLV, marking a promising start for the Tigers. However, quarterback Marcus Stokes, who made his debut in this game, expressed a desire for improvement, indicating that the team can perform at a higher level.
Following the game, Stokes stated, "We're not pleased all the way with how we played." As the Tigers prepare for their upcoming home opener against Arkansas State on September 5, he emphasized the importance of recognizing missed opportunities on the field. "We know that we left stuff out there on the field. And so I'm just going to keep coming back to that. We believe that we can be much better," he added.
In his first outing as a Memphis quarterback, Stokes completed 15 of 26 passes for 223 yards and threw two touchdown passes. Additionally, he showcased his mobility by rushing for 52 yards on seven attempts. Despite a solid statistical performance, Stokes admitted to feeling some pre-game nerves, a common experience for players transitioning to higher levels of competition.
Stokes, who transferred from West Florida, noted that this was his first game at the FBS level after starting his career in Division II. He acknowledged that he missed a few throws in the first half but remained confident in his abilities. "I know I can make those throws. I make those throws in practice. Yeah, there was a little bit of nerves. But it was like, exciting nervous. It wasn't like panicking or anything like that," he explained. He emphasized the need to stay focused during crucial moments, stating, "I've just got to stay true, do my 1/11th and stick to my basics."
One of the significant adjustments Stokes faced was the increased speed of the game at the FBS level. However, he appears to be well-suited for the fast-paced offense orchestrated by coordinator Kevin Decker. Stokes secured the starting position after competing against South Carolina transfer Air Noland, and his performance suggests he could thrive in this dynamic system. Notably, he did not turn the ball over during the game and demonstrated effective movement in and out of the pocket.
While Stokes played a key role in the offense, the Memphis defense also made crucial contributions to the victory. The defensive line, led by Elijah Kinsler, took charge in the fourth quarter, helping to secure the win against UNLV.
As Stokes prepares for the matchup against Arkansas State, he can do so without the pressure of making his FBS debut. Reflecting on his first Division I game, he remarked, "It was crazy. It was definitely a memorable moment. I'll always remember that first D1 game against UNLV. But it's every week now. We've just got to take it to the next week and kind of keep those emotions with us but control them." This sentiment underscores the importance of consistency as the Tigers look to build on their opening victory.
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