1971 Memphis State Tigers football team
American college football season
The 1971 Memphis State Tigers football team represented Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis ) as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season . In its 13th and final season under head coach Billy J. Murphy , the team compiled an overall record of 5–6 record with a mark of 4–1 in conference play, winning he MVC title.[ 1] Memphis State defeated San Jose State in the Pasadena Bowl , and outscored all opponents by a total of 255 to 202.[ 2] [ 3] The team played its home games at Memphis Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee .
The team's statistical leaders included John Robison with 496 passing yards, Paul Gowen with 644 rushing yards and Paul Gowen with 42 points scored, and Stan Davis with 509 receiving yards.[ 4]
Schedule
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 11 West Texas State W 30–021,412 [ 5]
September 18 Ole Miss * Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN (rivalry ) L 21–4950,164 [ 6]
October 2 South Carolina * Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN L 3–720,666 [ 7]
October 9 Louisville Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN (rivalry ) L 20–26
October 16 at Utah State * L 6–75,041
October 23 Southern Miss [ n 1] W 27–1219,484 [ 9]
October 30 at Cincinnati [ n 1] W 45–21
November 6 No. 19 Houston * Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN L 7–3510,132
November 13 North Texas State Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN W 47–8[ 10]
November 20 Kansas State * Memphis Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN L 21–2817,234
December 18 vs. San Jose State * W 28–915,244 [ 11]
*Non-conference game HomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
Notes
^ a b Designated conference game[ 8]
References
^ "Truthful Tulsa 2nd in MVC" . The Austin American . Austin, Texas . Associated Press . November 29, 1971. p. 25. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "1971 Memphis Tigers Schedule and Results" . SR/College Football . Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
^ "Memphis Football 2019 Media Guide" (PDF) . University of Memphis. p. 270. Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
^ "1971 Memphis Tigers Stats" . SR/College Football . Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
^ "Memphis State cruises 30–0" . The Tennessean . September 12, 1971. Retrieved March 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Ole Miss waltzes across Tiger rug" . The Commercial Appeal . September 19, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Gamecocks' defense proves frustrating" . The Lynchburg News . October 3, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Valley Has 'New Look' " . Denton Record-Chronicle . Denton, Texas . Associated Press . September 16, 1971. p. 14C. Retrieved January 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "USM has bad night as Tigers roll 27–12" . The Clarion-Ledger . October 24, 1971. Retrieved March 23, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Tigers cap MVC title; Head for Pasadena Bowl" . The Jackson Sun . November 14, 1971. Retrieved October 31, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Memphis State takes 28-9 win over San Jose State" . Lewiston Morning Tribune . (Idaho). Associated Press. December 19, 1971. p. 17.
Venues Bowls & rivalries Culture & lore People Seasons
Pre-split Post-split National championships in bold