Memphis announced itself as a legit College Football Playoff contender with statement win over UNLV
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Memphis rallied from a 21-14 third-quarter deficit to beat UNLV 27-21 in Las Vegas, scoring the final 13 points in a nationally-televised Group of Six matchup.
- Charles Huff made his Memphis head coaching debut, calling the win 'a national statement' about the Tiger community and the program's direction.
- QB Marcus Stokes, a former West Florida standout making his first start at this level, finished with 223 passing yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.
- Memphis recorded six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, including four sacks in the final seven minutes, and stopped UNLV on fourth down inside the red zone.
- UNLV had won 11 straight games when leading at halftime before falling to the Tigers, snapping the streak dating back to an Oct. 4, 2024 loss to Syracuse.
- Memphis faces a Sept. 12 road trip to Boise State next, with the source calling it the 'résumé-maker' game that could push the Tigers to the front of the Group of Six CFP line.
Why it matters: Memphis' win keeps it on the CFP selection committee's radar, but a road victory at Boise State on Sept. 12 could push the Tigers to the front of the Group of Six line. With a new coach, retooled roster, and unproven quarterback, Huff's squad cleared its first major test, though the margin for error stays microscopic given looming tests against Tulane, South Florida, and Navy.
Ask SkimNews
