The bar for Memphis football has been set so high that even the potential of another double-digit win season feels unsatisfying to many fans. Entering 2024, the Tigers were favorites to win the AAC title and poised to contend for a College Football Playoff berth as the Group of Five representative in the expanded 12-team format. The expectations were fueled by a stellar 2023 campaign, capped by a dominant Liberty Bowl victory over Iowa State, and further bolstered by a $5 million NIL investment from FedEx.
Yet, as the season progressed, Memphis fell short of those lofty ambitions. A loss to Navy in Week 4 began the downward spiral, followed by a critical defeat to UTSA that dashed the Tigers’ hopes of a conference title. While Memphis has achieved bowl eligibility for the 11th straight season and remains on track for another double-digit win campaign, the failure to reach the AAC Championship Game has left fans questioning whether this season should be deemed a success.
Before the 2024 season kicked off, Memphis was widely projected as the conference favorite and a potential playoff contender. The Tigers were coming off their first double-digit win season since 2019, which was also the last year they captured the AAC title. The pieces seemed to be in place: a roster bolstered with new playmakers on both sides of the ball and a program riding high on momentum from their 2023 success. Memphis had all the tools to dominate the AAC and reestablish itself as a Group of Five powerhouse.
But in football, nothing is guaranteed. Despite their strong start, cracks began to show in Memphis’ performances. The offense, which was ranked among the top ten nationally in 2023, failed to replicate its high-octane production in several key games this year. Questions about the team’s consistency grew louder, culminating in the pivotal matchup against Navy in Week 4.
Turning Points in the Season
The Navy game marked a significant turning point. Memphis allowed over 500 yards of offense and gave up the most points in a single game this season. Despite a valiant effort to claw their way back into the contest, the Tigers ultimately fell short in a 56-46 loss. This defeat shattered early-season momentum and exposed vulnerabilities that would haunt Memphis in subsequent games.
A similar narrative unfolded in the UTSA game, where the Tigers surrendered over 40 points and again found themselves on the losing end. These back-to-back setbacks effectively ended Memphis’ chances of reaching the AAC title game despite some favorable results elsewhere in the conference. The Tigers needed help to regain control of their destiny, but those opportunities slipped away as Tulane, Navy, and Army surged at the right time.
Fair Criticism or Unrealistic Expectations?
So, is it fair for head coach Ryan Silverfield to face intense criticism for achieving nine wins but falling short of a conference title? While fans are entitled to their opinions, context matters. Memphis remains one of the most consistent programs in the AAC, with 11 straight bowl appearances and a likely second consecutive double-digit win season under Silverfield. However, the inability to break through and reach the conference title game has left a sour taste for many who expected more this year.
It’s understandable why fans would feel frustrated. Memphis entered 2024 with a stronger roster, a higher NIL budget, and the momentum of last year’s success. Comparisons to Power Five programs like Texas A&M, which have struggled despite massive NIL investments, illustrate how even the best resources don’t guarantee on-field success. Still, the Tigers’ failure to capitalize on key moments against the Navy and the UTSA ultimately sealed their fate this season.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, Memphis faces significant challenges as they close out the season and prepare for 2025. The program will lose several key contributors, including quarterback Seth Henigan, who has rewritten the Tigers’ record books, and standout playmakers like Roc Taylor and Mario Anderson. Despite these looming departures, Silverfield has little room for error. He must navigate the transfer portal effectively to reload the roster and keep Memphis competitive in an increasingly tough AAC landscape.
As a Group of Five program, the margin for error is razor-thin. The path to playoff contention is particularly brutal, requiring a conference title and a perfect or near-perfect record to compete with other top-ranked Group of Five teams. This reality underscores the need for Memphis to execute flawlessly if they hope to reach their ultimate goals.
A Season of Frustration and Growth
While Memphis may not have reached the AAC title game, the season still holds significant accomplishments. Bowl eligibility for the 11th straight year is no small feat, and the potential for another double-digit win season reflects the program’s overall consistency. However, the sting of unmet expectations serves as a reminder of how high the bar has been set for Memphis football.
The 2024 campaign may not go down as the season fans had hoped for, but it’s a testament to the program’s growth that even a successful year is viewed by some as not good enough. As the Tigers prepare for their final games and beyond, the challenge will be turning this frustration into fuel for future success.
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Harold Alexander
November 25, 2024 at 10:02 am
When you lose 2 games that you are picked (by Vegas) to win and your strength of schedule is 134 put of 136, when you have the most NIL $$ in conference, when you have the best facilities in conf, when you have a fourth year Quarterback who is re-writing the record book, and you cannot make it to conf championship game, then YES, it is very disappointing.