Why Memphis made the College Football Playoff after beating the Hogs

The Rise of Memphis and the Struggles of Arkansas

Sam Pittman's Arkansas Razorbacks found themselves in the spotlight this past weekend, but not for the reasons any fan would want. Their performance against Memphis was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football. While the Hogs faced a crushing defeat, the attention shifted to the Memphis Tigers, who are now being considered as serious contenders for the College Football Playoff.

Memphis on the Rise

Memphis has been making waves this season, and it’s no surprise that major outlets like Sports Illustrated have taken notice. The Tigers are seen as a team on the rise, with a strong chance of receiving votes for the first time this year in the AP Top 25 poll. ESPN’s College Football Power Index (FPI) is even more optimistic, giving Memphis a 35.7% chance to make the College Football Playoff. This is the highest among all Group of Five teams, surpassing Old Dominion (14.7%), North Texas (13.1%), South Florida (10.6%), and Tulane (7.1%).

To qualify for the playoffs, these teams must win their conference championships. For Memphis, the path seems more favorable than for others. The FPI gives the Tigers a 42.4% chance to claim the American Athletic Conference title, which is a significant advantage.

Predictions and Controversies

The New York Times has a different take, predicting in its latest mock bracket that Tulane will be the AAC team to make the playoffs. However, this prediction doesn’t account for the upcoming matchup between Memphis and Tulane on November 7. That game is set for prime-time television on ESPN, and I believe Memphis will come out on top.

Tulane had a tough week, losing 45-10 to Ole Miss, which solidified the Rebels’ No. 13 national ranking. This loss puts Tulane in a difficult position, especially considering they face Memphis soon after.

Arkansas’s Uphill Battle

While Memphis is looking forward to the future, Arkansas is struggling to find its footing. The Razorbacks' recent loss to Memphis was a devastating blow, and it's clear that the team will have a tough time securing a bowl game this season. Last year, they played in a low-level bowl, but this year, they need to win all their home games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State, and Missouri just to make it to a bowl.

The game against Memphis was particularly painful for Arkansas fans. The Hogs were leading by 18 points in the first half and seemed poised for an easy victory. However, they collapsed spectacularly, allowing a 64-yard touchdown run with just under five minutes left. They then fumbled on the next possession inside Memphis' 10-yard line and surrendered a first down on third-and-eight with less than a minute remaining.

The Turning Point

Memphis’ backup quarterback, Arrington Maiden, became the hero of the day. He was brought in because starting QB Brenden Lewis lost his helmet on the previous play. Maiden executed a cautious line plunge on third-and-eight from the 9-yard line and broke free from a gang tackle to gain 11 yards, sealing the win for Memphis.

Arkansas fans and players alike were left in shock after the loss. It was a painful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in college football. This defeat could lead to one of the most surprising teams reaching the College Football Playoff, as Memphis continues to prove itself as a force to be reckoned with.