Memphis beat writers Steven Johnson and Frank Bonner II discuss the importance of the Tigers qualifying for their eighth straight bowl game. 

It’s a strange time for fans of Memphis football and basketball. For both programs, there are excellent reasons to believe — and excellent reasons to doubt. 

Tony Pollard gave fans a Thanksgiving treat with a 100-yard kickoff return. 

The Tigers will be playing in their eighth straight bowl game, this one in a warm and far-flung locale, and all attendees must be fully vaccinated. 

Redshirt junior missed the last three games of the season.

The Memphis Tigers didn’t have the season they wanted. But Saturday night they got the win they needed to keep their eight-year bowl streak alive.

It was a season of growing pains, with too many freshmen getting thrown into the fire. But the Tigers were able to rejoice at the end.

Nov. 27: The Memphis Tigers defeat the Tulane Green Wave at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

The Green Wave’s turnovers in the second half bolstered the Tigers’ efforts on senior day.

Nov. 27, 2021: Here’s what people said on Twitter about the Memphis-Tulane football game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

The most important number heading into this game is 6. The Tigers need their sixth win to qualify for their eighth straight bowl game. 

Colleges didn’t want to take a chance on Calvin Austin III because of his size, but he bet on himself and is headed hopefully toward an NFL career. 

Calvin Austin III considers himself blessed, and defensive lineman John Tate IV anticipates he’ll shed a few tears on senior day.

Ryan Silverfield and Tulane offensive coordinator Chip Long have even served on the same staffs. On Saturday, each has specific streaks to continue or end.

The Tigers haven’t scored at 30 points in a game since beating Navy 35-17 on Oct. 14. 

Tigers beat writers Steven Johnson and Frank Bonner II break down the importance of this year’s football senior day and what it means for the program. 

The University of Memphis will need a top effort from its younger players against Tulane as it prepares for the most important senior night in recent history.

Running back Antonio Gibson and kicker Jake Elliott had season highs this week. 

Memphis is falling far short of the standards that have been set in the past eight seasons, and a bowl game is in jeopardy.

Related story:

Tigers still looking for their sixth win after falling to No. 17 Houston

Nov. 19, 2021: The Houston Cougars defeated the Memphis Tigers in an AAC football game in Houston.

Related story:

Tigers still looking for their sixth win after falling to No. 17 Houston

Houston’s run of penalties gave the Tigers some momentum, but ultimately they weren’t able to capitalize on their chances.

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After underachieving season, Tigers forced to battle for minimum success

Box score: Houston 31, Memphis 13

See what people said on Twitter about the Tigers’ football game in Houston.

The Tigers, who have struggled on offense in recent weeks, will be encountering the sixth-ranked defense in the nation.

Sean Dykes has never lost to Houston in his college career. 

Antonio Gibson earns two touchdowns for the second time this season.