A late, inopportune penalty costs the Tigers dearly in a loss to Tulane.

The Memphis Tigers’ championship hopes came to a crushing end Friday night. So what to make of Ryan Silverfield? That’s entirely up to you. 

During a game in which Tulane looked to be in complete control with a 21-point lead late in the third quarter, Memphis fought back to within 6 points but fell short.

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False starts haunt both Memphis losses

Box score: Tulane 38, Memphis 32

NCAA college football box score for the game between the Tulane Green Wave and Memphis Tigers played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

Friday’s matchup between Memphis and Tulane could turn out to be an elimination game for a berth in the American Conference Championship.

The Memphis-Tulane matchup doesn’t have a special trophy for the winning team like the Battle for the Bones when the Tigers play UAB. But that doesn’t make it any less intriguing.

No Group of Six school was included in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season. 

Brendon Lewis appeared hobbled after a hit during Memphis’ road win over Rice, but offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey said Lewis “is great.” 

The Tigers are ranked higher than they were last week in both national polls. 

Brendon Lewis was injured in Memphis’ win over Rice in Houston.

The Memphis Tigers cruised to a 38-14 win at Rice, but quarterback Brendon Lewis got banged up late.

Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis completed 18 of 23 passes for 225 yards while leading the team with 87 yards rushing on 10 carries.

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Box score: Memphis 38, Rice 14

NCAA college football box score for Friday’s game between the Memphis Tigers and Rice Owls in Houston, Texas.

Coach Ryan Silverfield has a knack for winning the big one, but his Tigers football team cannot afford a costly loss to mediocre Rice.

The Tigers have four games remaining in their quest toward a potential American Conference title, starting with a road game against Rice.

After a loss to UAB followed by bounce-back win against South Florida, Tigers linebacker Sam Brumfield lays out what’s ahead in the days to come.

The Tigers’ game against USF last Saturday was paused multiple times for injured South Florida players, eventually causing Memphis fans to boo.

A meeting with South Florida was must-win for Memphis, which played like it down the stretch to upset the then-No. 18 Bulls. Now, every other game moving forward is must-win for the No. 25 Tigers, too.

The Tigers’ 34-31 upset of South Florida has moved Memphis back into the Top 25. 

Memphis rallied to beat nationally-ranked USF Saturday. And suddenly, all is right with the Tiger football universe once again.

Brendon Lewis overcame an injured ankle to throw for a career-high 307 passing yards.

Memphis scores the final 17 points and wins a crucial American Conference game.

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Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis returns against USF

Box score: Memphis 34, South Florida 31

NCAA college football box score for Saturday’s game between the Memphis Tigers and South Florida Bulls played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tigers quarterback Brendon Lewis missed most of the second half with an injury against UAB last week. 

Coach Ryan Silverfield’s Tigers will face their first Top 25 opponent of the season as they look to keep their American Conference title hopes alive.