MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis football picked up Coaches Poll votes for the first time since a September loss after beating UAB 38-13, while fans also pointed to ongoing Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium upgrades as part of the renewed buzz around the program.
The Tigers sit at 5-1 and 2-0 in the American Conference under first-year coach Charles Huff. A Sunday poll report said Memphis received six voting points in the US LBM Coaches Poll released Oct. 11, landing roughly No. 38, and did not receive AP Poll votes.
The win was Memphis third straight blowout and returned the Battle for the Bones trophy to the Tigers. Local coverage said supporters mixed celebration of the rivalry win with talk of a $200 million renovation project adding amenities and upgraded game-day spaces at Liberty Stadium.
Boise State was listed as the only ranked Group of Six team at No. 24 in that Coaches Poll snapshot, with other Group of Six programs also receiving votes. Memphis had been absent from the coaches ballot since falling to Boise State on Sept. 12.
Huff first-season start has Memphis on the fringe of bowl eligibility for another year in a long American Conference streak. The Tigers next travel to New Orleans to face Tulane on Friday, Oct. 16, continuing a short week after the Saturday night home win.
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium remains the home field for Memphis Tigers football, and the combination of early wins plus stadium work is framing the conversation for fans tracking whether the poll attention sticks through October.
