Week three is upon us and could mean one thing for Coach Silverfield and the Memphis Tigers. It’s Arkansas State week! Memphis and Arkansas State have had a long-standing rivalry dating back to the 1914 College Football season. Memphis has won three straight over the Red Wolves dating back to the 2013 season. However, Arkansas State has slowly improved its program, and on Saturday, Butch Jones will lead his guys into the teeth of the 901. A win on Saturday evening for Arkansas State would position the program on the same grading scale as its counterparts at the University Of Memphis.

Butch Jones brings a hungry Arkansas State to the 901 to take on a Memphis Football team on a mission to avenge their early loss to Mississippi State.

Last week against Navy, Memphis looked like a new team. They defeated the Midshipmen with ease and looked impressive doing so. For Coach Silverfield and his Memphis Tigers, the game on Saturday with Arkansas State has a little extra meaning to the program and the city they represent.

All week, we have heard around the city that we’re one Memphis, and Saturday will be the time to come together to cheer on the Tigers following the recent tragedies that have struck this city. Coach Silverfield and his group of men understand that Saturday’s home opener against Arkansas State is the first chance to come together with one common goal of putting on for the 901. As a whole, Memphis fans understand how difficult the last month or so has been for our city, yet, like a long-lost friend you haven’t seen in a while, Memphis Football returns to the Liberty Bowl. Those not from the 901 might say it’s inappropriate for us to celebrate life. Yet Coach Silverfield gets it and has prepared the Memphis Football program to be that cushion for us to celebrate what makes the 901 the city we know and love.

As far as the action on the field goes, Memphis will need to be prepared to face a stout Arkansas State Football team with something to prove. Heading into the 2022 season, Arkansas State was picked in the preseason to finish in the top half of the Sun Belt Conference, with many saying the program could take it to the next level by winning their division before competing for the Sun Belt Championship. Not to mention, Head Coach Butch Jones spent time at Alabama learning under Nick Saban how to run a Championship level program. Arkansas State will also head into Saturday’s matchup with the Memphis Tigers looking to avenge last season’s loss in Jonesboro. Memphis had the upper hand last season by defeating Butch Jones and Arkansas State 55-50. Not much has changed, Arkansas state can still score a lot of points, and the Memphis defense will have to force Arkansas State to beat themselves.

Overall, Saturday’s matchup between Arkansas State and Memphis will be an exciting College Football game for both programs. A win on Saturday for either team will go a long way in shaping how their seasons will end. There’s sweeter in College Football than defeating your rival early in the season.