Memphis Football: 3 takeaways from big road win over SMU

1. Only the AAC East has a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl

With the loss by the Mustangs, Houston jumps up into sole possession of the lead in the AAC West standings. While the Cougars have the best overall record in the division, though, the AAC West champ will enter the conference title game with no fewer than three losses.

The problem there is that Houston lost dynamic dual-threat quarterback D’Eriq King in the first half of the win over Tulane, and he will be out for the rest of the year after suffering a torn meniscus.

Whether UCF or Cincinnati manage to claim the AAC East when they meet on Saturday night, they will be a heavy favorite in the championship game against Houston. Or, if the Cougars fall against Memphis next week with Clayton Tune at quarterback, it means that Memphis would go through to the AAC title game thanks to their head-to-head wins over both teams.

That isn’t necessarily a positive. While Memphis has experienced their highs and lows this season, they are still a 7-4 team that will have a hard time selling themselves to the College Football Playoff selection committee if they do make it to 9-4. Working in their favor is that they were the team to give UCF the biggest fits this year, just as they were last year.

But that won’t be enough for a New Year’s Six spot, even if the Tigers do win. A Memphis win would effectively cede the title of top Group of Five champion to the Mountain West winner.