With one regular-season game left on the schedule, Memphis will soon learn which bowl game it will play in to put a bow on the 2025 season. Just two weeks ago, the Tigers had dreams of playing in the College Football Playoffs, but following back-to-back losses against Tulane and East Carolina, Memphis has eliminated itself from representing the group of five in the playoffs.
The Tigers have appeared in 11 straight bowl games, and they’ve won four straight. Last season, the team traveled to Frisco, Texas, for a matchup against West Virginia in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. There isn’t a consensus on where Memphis will go, but most predictions include familiar destinations along with familiar foes.
ESPN:
AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Iowa State
After being split a week ago, both Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach predict the Tigers will stay in Memphis for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. It would be the third appearance for Memphis in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the third appearance against Iowa State.
The Tigers lost to the Cyclones 21-20 in 2017 under Mike Norvell, but two years ago, Ryan Silverfield’s group beat Iowa State 36-26.
Following a 5-0 start to the season, the Cyclones have lost four of their last five games, and they need to win one more game to guarantee a third straight season finishing over .500.
On3:
AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Cincinnati
While Brett McMurphy also predicts an AutoZone Liberty Bowl game for the Tigers, he projects a showdown against a former conference foe.
Memphis and Cincinnati have met 37 times in program history, and the Tigers lead 23-14 in the series. The last meeting came in 2020, and the Bearcats won 49-10.
Cincinnati left the American Conference following the 2022 season, and it’s currently in its third year as a member of the Big 12. Following back-to-back losing seasons, the Bearcats have turned things around, and they currently sit with a 7-3 record.
Memphis and Cincinnati played in some fun games while conference mates, including back-to-back games in the 2019 season, and a bowl game against the Bearcats, could be a popular outcome for Tigers’ fans.
CBS Sports/USA Today/The Athletic:
Birmingham Bowl vs. Duke
Three different outlets predict Memphis will end the season in the Birmingham Bowl against the Blue Devils. The Tigers and Duke have only met twice in program history, and the Blue Devils won both contests in 2012 and 2013.
Like the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, another bowl appearance in Birmingham would be Memphis’ third trip to that bowl game. The Tigers lost to Auburn 31-10 in 2015 under interim coach Darrell Dickey and lost in 2018, 37-34, against Wake Forest.
The Blue Devils still need one more win to secure bowl eligibility, and they’ll look to do it in their final two games on the road against North Carolina and at home against Wake Forest. Duke is led by former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, who threw for 317 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a loss against the Tigers last year.
Palm Brackets (Jerry Palm):
Fenway Bowl vs. NC State
Jerry Palm predicts the Tigers will head up to Boston for a matchup against NC State. An appearance in the Fenway Bowl would be a first for Memphis, despite being a popular projection over the last few years.
The Tigers have never played NC State, so a bowl game against them would be fun for fans looking to see a new opponent.
Like Duke, NC State has yet to claim bowl eligibility, and it has two more opportunities to secure a sixth win. They’ll face Florida State Friday night before ending the season against North Carolina on November 29.