Calls to bench Memphis Tigers quarterback Marcus Stokes grew after the signal-caller made costly mistakes in Friday’s game against the Tulane Green Wave. Stokes has already fumbled three times and thrown two interceptions with more than five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Just before halftime, Tulane’s TJ Smith returned an interception for a touchdown. Stokes threw the second interception in the third quarter, directly to a Tulane defender near the end zone.
Fans grew frustrated with Stokes and called for him to be benched.
“Charles Huff needs to bench Marcus Stokes and put in Air Nolan. It genuinely can’t get worse,” one fan wrote.
“NCAA needs to investigate @MemphisFB QB Marcus Stokes. 3 fumbles, 2 interceptions within 3 quarters against the 119th ranked defense in the nation,” one fan commented.
“No exaggeration, Marcus Stokes has played the worst game of football at the quarterback position I have ever witnessed. Just unbelievable,” one fan added.
“Memphis just ran it on 3rd and 8 in the red zone. They don’t trust Stokes AT ALL,” one fan noted.
If Memphis benches Stokes, Air Noland can step in at quarterback. Freshmen Denzel Gardner and Grant Troutman are also on the depth chart.
However, despite the poor outing against Tulane, Stokes is unlikely to be benched. The Tigers quarterback entered Friday’s game with 1,535 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes and three interceptions, leading Memphis to a 5-1 record. His only loss came against Boise State.
Marcus Stokes Takes a Leap in CBS Sports QB Rankings
In David Cobb‘s CBS Sports quarterback power rankings, Marcus Stokes entered the top 25. He was No. 28 last week, but moved to No. 24 after the win over UAB.
Only 14 Group of Six quarterbacks have made the rankings, and Stokes is ranked third among them. Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson and Boise State’s Maddux Madsen are ahead of the Tigers signal-caller.
Stokes’ best performance came against Charlotte on Oct. 3, completing 20 of 25 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. He earned American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.
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