Memphis football overwhelmed in weather-delayed loss to Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Memphis football and Mississippi State were both excited for their season opener but so was Mother Nature, who decided to upstage them.

Lightning delayed the game for two hours and 15 minutes. The Mississippi State playlist kept fans entertained as it ranged from Prince's "Purple Rain" to Rihanna's "Umbrella" to Europe's "Final Countdown" right before the players re-took the field at 9 p.m.

Memphis probably hoped for more rest as the Tigers started flat and got lapped in a 49-23 loss at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday night. Only a strong second half saved the Tigers from being embarrassed.

Here's what we learned from the Tigers losing their first season opener since 2013:

First-half blues

How bad was it for Memphis? Mississippi State had 28 points in the first half and the Tigers had 29 yards of offense. The Tigers didn't get their second first down until early in the third quarter.

GIANNOTTO: Memphis football's loss at Mississippi State was bad enough to make you worry

They were outclassed by Mississippi State's speed and physicality. Missed tackles and blown assignments allowed the Bulldogs to score touchdowns on four of its five first half drives. The Tigers couldn't pressure quarterback Will Rogers, who picked them apart and finished with 450 yards and five touchdowns.

The Tigers ran mostly a 3-3-5 scheme under first-year coordinator Matt Barnes. It was almost the same plan against the Bulldogs from last year and the Bulldogs ate again with little resistance. Mississippi State had 537 yards of offense and finished 11-for-13 on third downs.

Memphis misses Calvin Austin, Sean Dykes

A key question entering the season was who would emerge as the Tigers' next playmaker. As far as receivers, keep asking through next week.

There were too many dropped passes, including Eddie Lewis with two. It was one reason the Tigers went 3-for-12 on third down conversions because of mistakes on first and second down.

Credit Mississippi State's defense but there was little sign of consistent playmaking with quarterback Seth Henigan under pressure. Memphis did show fight in the second half with three scoring drives but it was too little, too late.

Jeyvon Ducker delivers great intro

Memphis fans didn't get to see Jevyon Ducker in the spring due to injury. On his first touch Saturday, he delivered a welcome with a 50-yard touchdown run.

It was a needed sign of life after Memphis had just 40 yards of offense prior to the drive. The Tigers couldn't run the ball much playing from behind but Ducker's burst should encourage fans who want to see a stronger run game.

Quindell Johnson leads takeaway party

Quindell Johnson returning for his senior year was going to boost the Tigers' defense as its best playmaker. He proved it Saturday by snagging his seventh career interception.

Johnson made a diving catch to open the second quarter, forcing Rogers' lone mistake of the first half. Memphis ended up settling for a field goal, a 42-yard make by Chris Howard.

Andrew Jones had a fumble recovery that set up a scoring drive with Henigan connecting with Lewis for a 15-yard score. The Memphis defense wanted to be more aggressive and two takeaways, even in defeat, is something to build on.

Bad start or bad omen

On one hand, it was expected the Tigers wouldn't match an SEC opponent on the road.  But a game like this didn't erase some concerns.

Is this the same Memphis team that's only won two road games under coach Ryan Silverfield in three seasons? The defense looked slow but was that because of Mississippi State or issues to monitor? Starting left tackle Makylan Pounders and linebackers Tyler Murray and Cincir Evans also suffered injuries and did not return to action.

Next Saturday against Navy will see if fans should worry or chalk this loss to a bad performance.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football overwhelmed by Mississippi State in loss