Memphis Football's Poll Rankings Drop Despite Season Opener Win

What's Happening?

Memphis football team secured a decisive victory against Chattanooga in their season opener, winning 45-10 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Despite this win, the team saw a drop in their rankings in the college football polls. In the US LBM Coaches Poll, Memphis received 11 votes, placing them at No. 38, a decrease from the 34 votes they received in the preseason poll. Similarly, in the AP Top 25 Poll, Memphis garnered only two votes, tying them for 41st place. The rankings reflect a challenging landscape for Group of Five teams, as none were ranked in either poll. Boise State, previously ranked, lost to South Florida and did not receive any votes this week.

Why It's Important?

The drop in poll rankings for Memphis football highlights the competitive nature of college football and the challenges faced by Group of Five teams in gaining recognition. Despite a strong performance in their opening game, Memphis's lower ranking could impact their visibility and opportunities for higher-profile matchups. This situation underscores the importance of consistent performance and strategic victories against higher-ranked teams to improve standings. The rankings also affect team morale and can influence recruitment and funding, as higher-ranked teams often attract more attention and resources.

What's Next?

Memphis is set to play against Georgia State on September 6, which presents an opportunity to improve their standing with a strong performance. The team will need to focus on maintaining their winning momentum and aim for victories against more competitive teams to climb the rankings. Stakeholders, including coaches and players, will likely strategize to address the challenges posed by the current rankings and work towards enhancing their position in future polls.