For an eighth straight year, the Memphis Tigers are bowl bound. It might not seem like a big deal because of how inconsistent this season has been but, for the first time in program history, Memphis will be going to another bowl under second-year Head Coach Ryan Silverfield.

Now, before you go bashing Ryan Silverfield and the job he’s done this year, take a step back to appreciate just how far the Memphis football program has come over the last eight years. Like a lot of you reading this, I recall a time where Memphis football was the complete laughing stock of the entire College Football world, and the thought of a bowl game in itself was something that seemed impossible. Let alone earning an eighth straight trip in a conference that has a legitimate National Championship contender.

From where the program started when Justin Fuente took over to the current status of Memphis football, there’s no reason not to be excited about where this program is currently heading under Silverfield.

Despite what some might say or have already said, earning an eighth straight bowl appearance is something to be proud of. Not only does it allow the team one extra month of practice, but it also allows for the Coaching Staff to recruit new areas of the country that maybe Memphis would never be able to recruit otherwise. After all, isn’t the key to building long-term success at a program in the way a coach recruits and molds young men into superstars both on and off the field? If that’s the case, then what Ryan Silverfield and his Memphis Tigers accomplished on Saturday night is nothing short of amazing and, in response, should be celebrated accordingly by the Memphis football fan base.

Overall, Saturday’s win was ugly. There’s not a soul that watched that game that won’t disagree with you on that. However, the Memphis Tigers are heading for a Bowl Game for the eighth time in a row, and the future of this program is bright and filled with more bowl appearances and even a few championships along the way.