Despite what some in the national media may or may not think, Ryan Silverfield has the Memphis Tigers in a good position to play spoiler this season and reach the College Football Playoff. Coach Silverfield and his Tigers opened the season on Saturday night at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium against an FCS opponent in North Alabama. Like many across College Football, Memphis opened the season with a statement victory as the Tigers cruised to an easy 40-0 win over the Lions of North Alabama.

In a game that was never in doubt, Memphis saw seven guys run the ball, including quarterback Seth Henigan, and nine receivers, giving the Tigers an offensive balance needed to be successful this season.

From an excitement level, Memphis fans packed into the construction-constrained Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, giving an announced attendance of 25,649, around five or so thousand short of a sell-out with limited capacity. It was a decent crowd, given the extreme heat Memphis fans had to face on Saturday to cheer on the Tigers against North Alabama. Those 25,649 Memphis fans were in for a treat as the Tigers dominated the Lions for an easy first victory.

Coming into the season, many had Memphis as the Group of Five representatives to reach the College Football Playoff, potentially playing spoiler for an unlucky team. Saturday gave Memphis fans hope the 2024 season could replicate the 2019 season when the Memphis Tigers won the American, hosted College Game Day, reached the Cotton Bowl, and set the tone for future Memphis Football programs. One game in, and the 2024 Memphis Tigers have that swagger they had in 2019.

Under the leadership of Coach Ryan Silverfield, Memphis won ten games last season, ending the 2023 season with a win in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl over Iowa State. As expected, Saturday at the Liberty Bowl was an extended celebration as the Tigers welcomed Memphis Football back in fashion.

Seth Henigan did what Seth Henigan does, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Henigan looked like his usual self on Saturday as the leader of the explosive Memphis offensive unit. Roc Taylor led the room in receiving yards on the receiving end with 87 yards; Brenden Doyle and Anthony Landphere each had a touchdown. Mario Anderson led the way on the ground with 46 yards and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Chandler Martin led the way for the Tigers in tackles with eight, while Elijah Herring and Bryce Edmondson recorded sacks on Saturday for the Tigers.

On special teams, Caden Costa went 2 for three on-field goal attempts, with the longest coming from 38 yards.

Memphis will return to action on Saturday as the Tigers welcome the Troy Trojans to the Liberty Bowl for an early kick-off between traveling to Florida to take on former Head Coach Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles on the 14th.

Photo credits- Memphis Tigers on X