Memphis football receives six votes in coaches poll after win over UAB

Memphis football received six votes in the coaches poll after its 38-13 win over UAB. It’s the first time the Tigers received votes since losing to Boise State in week 2.

Charles Huff’s team received votes during the preseason and after wins over UNLV and Arkansas State, but the loss to Boise State knocked them out of contention for votes. They haven’t received any votes since that week two loss despite winning all three games by 20+ points.

The Tigers didn’t receive any votes in the Associated Press poll.

The Broncos are the only Group of Six team to appear in the coaches poll, but five teams received votes, including two from the American. UTSA, who sits at 5-1 after a seven-point win over USF, received 10 votes.

James Madison, New Mexico and Oregon State also received votes in the poll. Those three teams also received votes in the AP poll, but neither team from the American appeared in “others receiving votes.”

The Tigers struggled in the first half on Saturday against UAB and trailed 13-10 at half. Memphis went on to outscored the Blazers 28-0 in the second half, including two touchdown passes from Marcus Stokes.

Stokes finished the game 11-for-21 for 164 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Tigers ran for 230 yards and three touchdowns, and Jaylin Carter ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Tight end Hunter Tipton also added a touchdown on the ground.

Memphis’ defense gave up 310 yards of offense, but it held UAB to 3-for-15 on third downs and ended the game with three takeaways. Blazers’ quarterback Ryder Burton finished the game 10-for-20 for 131 yards and an interception.

Dylan Smith had the lone interception in the game, and it’s his third of the season.

After the win, the Tigers have moved into the spot as favorites to win the American conference on the sports books. According to Draftkings, Memphis is +220 to win the conference and -130 to make the conference championship game. 

UTSA is -125 to make the conference championship game and +245 to win the conference. 

The Tigers are averaging 516.7 yards per game, which ranks No. 7 in the country, and they average 38.5 points per game. 

Memphis returns to action on Friday for a road game against Tulane. Like the Tigers, the Green Wave have a new coach this season, and they sit at 2-3 and 0-1 in conference play.