With AAC Title Hopes Out of Reach, What Does Memphis Have Left to Play For?

University of Memphis Athletics.

As the Memphis Tigers enter the season’s final stretch, their dreams of an AAC title and College Football Playoff appearance may be out of reach, but the journey is far from over. With an impressive 8-2 record and two games left to play, the Tigers still have significant goals within their grasp. From individual milestones that could solidify players’ legacies to team achievements that highlight the program’s growth, Memphis has plenty to fight for to finish the season strong. These final games offer a chance for the Tigers to leave a lasting mark, setting the stage for an even more promising year ahead.

Mario Anderson Reaching 1,200-1,400 yards

Mario Anderson is on the verge of a remarkable achievement for the Memphis Tigers. With 977 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season, he stands 23 yards shy of the 1,000-yard milestone. With two games remaining, Anderson has the opportunity to become the first Memphis running back to surpass 1,200 rushing yards since Darrell Henderson’s standout 2018 season, where Henderson amassed 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns. Achieving this feat would highlight Anderson’s exceptional performance and reinforce Memphis’s tradition of producing elite running backs.

Reaching Double-Digit Wins for the Second-Straight Season Under Ryan Silverfield

The Memphis Tigers have an opportunity to achieve back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins under head coach Ryan Silverfield. This accomplishment would further solidify the program’s upward trajectory. With eight wins already, this year’s Tigers team could join the 2023 squad, which ended with a 10-3 record, as one of only eleven teams in program history to reach nine or more victories in a season. Achieving this milestone would highlight Silverfield’s consistency to Memphis, underscoring his ability to maintain a winning culture and set the stage for continued success in the seasons to come.

Seth Henigan’s Continued Imprint as the Memphis Tigers All-Time Leading Passer

Seth Henigan’s legacy as the most prolific passer in Memphis Tigers history continues to grow. Having already claimed every major passing record in the program, Henigan recently surpassed Brady White’s career touchdown mark with his 96th passing score. With two games left in the regular season and a likely bowl appearance on the horizon, Henigan can extend his lead in the record books even further. Each pass he completes and each touchdown he throws will solidify his standing as the Tigers’ all-time leading passer, leaving an indelible imprint on the program for years to come.

Roc Taylor Reaching 1,000 Receiving Yards for the Second-Straight Year

Roc Taylor has the chance to join an elite group of Memphis receivers by reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season. Damonte Coxie, who solidified his place in program history with back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, was the last Tigers wideout to accomplish this. With 710 receiving yards, Taylor is within striking distance of this milestone. As he eyes these final games, he aims to bolster his season totals and further establish himself as one of the most dependable and dynamic targets in recent Memphis history.

A Chance to Defeat Tulane for the First Time Since 2021

With programs such as Cincinnati and UCF leaving for bigger conferences, the Tulane Green Wave has emerged as the program to beat. If they can defeat Navy in their Week 12 clash, a lot could be at stake by the time they host the Tigers on Thanksgiving night. Memphis may no longer have a shot at competing for an AAC title, but the Green Wave is very much alive to win their second conference championship in three years.

Tulane also have an outside shot at clinching a berth in the college football playoffs, but they will need some help in the form of Boise State losing. Regarding the November 28 matchup, the Tigers will have an opportunity to ruin the Green Wave’s aspirations and defeat an opponent they have not defeated since 2021. A victory over Tulane would also give head coach Ryan Silverfield another signature win on his resume at Memphis.

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