Arkansas football

TAM Rankings: Vanderbilt holds off Ole Miss to be crowned best of 2012 season

January 10, 2013 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

College football is official over, and there is a new champion in the TAM rankings. Vanderbilt has dethroned last year’s champion (Arkansas), and now sits alone at the top. The Commodores also finished the year ranked No. 23 in the AP poll, serving as the only TAM team to finish the year ranked. Arkansas State received some votes in the AP and USA Today polls after their win against Kent State in the Godaddy.com Bowl. Yet their stellar season, and victory over a top 25 opponent in their bowl game, was not enough for them to jump Ole Miss, who had a remarkable season as well. The Rebels bowl win over Pitt was their first since 2009 and capped off a great first year for head coach Hugh Freeze. Mississippi State culminated a disappointing second half of their season (the Bulldogs went 2-5 in their last seven games after starting the year 7-0)with an equally disappointing performance in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl. It was a great year for the TAM teams, who posted a 3-1 record in bowl games this year, and provided fans with memorable moments throughout the season. Next season cannot come fast enough for the TAM teams, and it should be every bit as good as this year.

The Mid-South is full of fans with allegiances to different area college football programs. Which FBS program in the three states surrounding the Memphis area is the best? To help end some arguments and start others, every week MemphiSport ranks all the college football teams in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. We call it the TAM Rankings.

1. Vanderbilt (9-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 38-24 vs. N.C.State @ Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Ole Miss (7-6): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 38-17 vs. Pitt @ BBVA Compass Bowl
Best Win: 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas and Mississippi State)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

Arkansas State (10-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 17-13 vs. Kent State @ GODADDY.com Bowl
Best Win: 17-13 vs. Kent State @ GODADDY.com Bowl
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Mississippi State (8-5): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 34-20 vs. Northwestern @ TAXSLAYER.com Gator Bowl
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

5. MTSU (8-4): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 24-21 vs. Troy @ Floyd Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

6. Tennessee (5-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 37-17 vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Mississippi State and Vanderbilt)

7. Memphis (4-8): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 42-24 vs. So. Miss @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Southern Mississippi)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

8. Arkansas (4-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 20-13 vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Mississippi State)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-12): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 42-24 Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Week 13 TAM Rankings: New No. 1 thanks to Ole Miss defeating Mississippi State

November 29, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

There is a new number one TAM team this week for the fourth time this season, and nobody saw this coming at the start of the year. Vanderbilt now sits alone at the top of the TAM rankings thanks to an impressive 8-4 record and a win by Ole Miss over former No. 1 Mississippi State. The Bulldogs drop one spot after their embarrassing loss to the arch rival Rebels, who jump both Sun Belt teams to secure No. 3 in the rankings. Speaking of the Sun Belt Conference, MTSU and Arkansas State square off on Saturday to determine the conference champion. Tennessee started a new win streak against Kentucky to end the year with a win. Memphis also ended their year on a good note with their third straight win. Arkansas finished one of the most disappointing seasons in TAM history with a hard-fought loss to LSU, while Southern Mississippi could not find a way to muster up any wins on the year.

1. Vanderbilt (8-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 55-21 vs. Wake Forest @ Groves Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Mississippi State (8-4): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 41-24 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

3. Ole Miss (6-6): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas and Mississippi State)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

4. Arkansas State (8-3): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 41-34 vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Next Game: vs. MTSU @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. MTSU (8-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 24-21 vs. Troy @ Floyd Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas State @ Liberty Bank
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

6. Tennessee (5-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 37-17 vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (MississippiState and Vanderbilt)

7. Memphis (4-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 42-24 vs. So. Miss @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Southern Mississippi)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

8. Arkansas (4-8): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L 20-13 vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Mississippi State)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-12): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 42-24 Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 12 TAM Rankings: Vanderbilt is challenging Mississippi State for No. 1

November 22, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

This week was full of big wins, crushing losses, and a coaching change for the TAM teams. Mississippi State remained perfect against TAM teams after defeating Arkansas in convincing fashion. The Rebels are the only thing that stands between the Bulldogs and an undefeated TAM record. Ole Miss needs to beat Mississippi State to become bowl eligible, so there is a lot on the line for this year’s Egg Bowl. Vanderbilt beat Tennessee so bad that the Vols decided to fire their coach. If Vanderbilt beats Wake Forest, and Mississippi State loses, the Commodores will end the year as the No. 1 TAM team. Arkansas State has a late bye week to get ready for their Sun Belt showdown against MTSU, and if the Blue Raiders beat Troy on Saturday, these two TAM teams will be playing in a defacto conference championship game. Memphis is on a two game win streak after pummeling UAB, and the Tigers have a chance to finish with a winning conference record. All they have to do is beat the winless Golden Eagles in this year’s Black and Blue Bowl.

1. Mississippi State (8-3): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 45-14 Arkansas @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Vanderbilt (7-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs Wake Forest @ Groves Stadium
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. Arkansas State (8-3): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 41-34 vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Next Game: vs. MTSU @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. MTSU (7-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 20-12 vs. South Alabama @ Ladd-Pebbles Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas State @ Liberty Bank
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

5. Ole Miss (5-6): Last week No. 5
Last Game: L 41-35 vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

T6. Tennessee (4-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Mississippi State and Vanderbilt)

T6. Arkansas (4-7): Last week No. 7
Last Game: L 45-14 vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

8. Memphis (3-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Next Game: vs. Southern Mississippi @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-11): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 34-33 UTEP @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 11 TAM Rankings: Three TAM teams still trying to become bowl eligible

November 15, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Bowl season is almost here and four TAM teams are now bowl eligible after last week’s games. Mississippi State is bowl eligible and remains No. 1 in the rankings despite their third consecutive loss by 20 points or more. They hope to stop their losing streak when they play a desperate Razorbacks team fighting for bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt is going to consecutive bowls for the first time in the school’s history thanks to their one point win over Ole Miss. The Rebels loss dropped them two spots in the rankings, and now they have to win one of their last two games (LSU and Mississippi State) to be bowl eligible in Hugh Freeze’s first season as head coach. Arkansas State and MTSU are headed for an end of the year Sun Belt showdown to decide the conference champion, while Tennessee needs to win out to become bowl eligible. The only bowl Memphis and Southern Mississippi can go to this season is the “Black and Blue Bowl”. Southern Mississippi still has not won a game all season and Memphis is just 2-10. So the “Black and Blue Bowl” should change its name to the “Toilet Bowl” because it may decide who is the worst team in college football.

1. Mississippi State (7-3): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 37-17 vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Tennessee and MTSU)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Vanderbilt (6-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game:  W 27-26 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:  vs. Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win:  27-26 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3.  Arkansas State (7-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game:  W 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Next Game: vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Best Win:  45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss:  26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4.  MTSU (6-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game:  W 34-29 vs. Western Kentucky @ Smith Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Alabama @ Ladd-Pebbles Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss:  27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

5. Ole Miss (5-5): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 27-26 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game: vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

6. Tennessee (4-6): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L vs. Missouri @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game: vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

7. Arkansas (4-6): Last week No. 7
Last Game: 38-20 vs. South Carolina @ Williams-Brice Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

8. Memphis (2-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 37-23 vs. Tulane @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game: vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Best Win: 37-23 vs. Tulane @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-10): Last week No. 9
Last Game:  L 34-6 vs. SMU @ Gerald Ford Stadium
Next Game: UTEP @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Best Win:  N/A
Worst Loss:  40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 9 TAM Rankings: Bulldogs stay No. 1 despite loss

November 1, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Welcome to our special Halloween edition of the TAM rankings where the scariest thing you can be is a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Alabama is 4-0 against our TAM teams so far this season winning by an average margin of 33.25 points. Mississippi State found out just how good Alabama is this year on Saturday as the Crimson Tide almost shut them out, and held the Bulldogs to a season low seven points. However, the loss did not affect Mississippi State in our rankings and the Bulldogs remain the best TAM team. Ole Miss avoided a scare of their own and pulled of a great last second win against fellow TAM team Arkansas to solidify them as the No. 2 team in the rankings. The Rebels are just one win away from bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt has won three of their last four games, and should get another win this week when they take on Kentucky. MTSU and Arkansas State both won last week to keep their Sun Belt Championship hopes alive. Tennessee gave the Gamecocks a good fright, but could not quite pull of the upset against South Carolina, and Derek Dooley’s seat continues to get hotter everyday. There is nothing terrifying about the bottom two teams in the rankings, except their records. Southern Mississippi is dangerously close to going winless on the year thanks to their 44-17 beat down at the hands of Rice. While Memphis continued their losing ways this week and now have a 1-7 record after a loss to SMU. The Tigers join the Golden Eagles as the first two teams in the TAM rankings so far to become bowl ineligible

1. Mississippi State (7-1): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 38-7 vs. Alabama @ Bryant-Denny Stadium
Next Game: vs. Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-7 vs. Alabama @ Bryant-Denny Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Tennessee and MTSU)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Ole Miss (5-3): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game: vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: L 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. Vanderbilt (4-4): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 49-7 vs. UMASS @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs. Kentucky @ Commonwealth Stadium
Best Win: W 58-0 Presbyterian @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Arkansas State (5-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 50-27 Louisiana Lafayette @ Cajun Field
Next Game: vs. North Texas @ Mean Green Stadium
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. MTSU (5-3): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 38-21 vs. North Texas @ Floyd Stadium
Next Game: vs. Western Kentucky @ Smith Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (MississippiState)

6. Tennessee (3-5): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L 38-35 vs. South Carolina @ Williams-Brice Stadium
Next Game: vs. Troy @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (MississippiState)

7. Arkansas (3-5): Last week No. 5
Last Game: L 30-27 vs. Ole Miss @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game: vs. Tulsa @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

8. Memphis (1-7): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 44-13 vs. SMU @ Gerald Ford Stadium
Next Game: vs. Marshall @ Edwards Stadium
Best Win: 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (ArkansasState and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-8): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 44-17 Rice @ Rice Stadium
Next Game: vs. UAB @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Filed Under: TAM Rankings, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Arkansas football, Arkansas State football, Memphis Football, Mississippi State football, MTSU football, Ole Miss Football, Southern Miss football, Tennessee football, Vanderbilt football

Arkansas fighting for bowl eligibility after 30-27 loss to Ole Miss

October 27, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

If you would have said that the Arkansas Razorbacks would be fighting for bowl eligibility before the start of the season people would have looked at you like you were crazy. Yet, thanks to a 30-27 loss in Little Rock to Ole Miss, that is exactly where the Razorbacks find themselves.

“We held them to three field goals but that was one too many,” John L. Smith said after his team’s crushing defeat. The Razorbacks lost on a last second field goal thanks to a perfectly executed two-minute drill drive by the Rebels who improved to 5-3 on the season, and are just one game away from being bowl eligible. Ole Miss was 2-10 last season, and their turn around is nothing short of remarkable.

Just as remarkable is the Razorbacks turn around. They started the season with SEC West Championship aspirations and were even ranked in the top ten nationally (and No. 1 in the TAM rankings). It is hard to believe that these same Razorbacks now stand a chance of not reaching bowl eligibility.

“It is going to be hard. Life is hard. We are going to battle… gain more confidence, more confidence more work, more work more confidence, and continue that cycle,” explained Coach Smith. Hard is an understatement as the three of the next four Arkansas opponents are ranked in the top 15 in the BCS standings. Arkansas is now 3-5 and needs to win three more games to become bowl eligible.

However, Coach Smith remains positive even with the difficult task ahead of them, “They have, to this point, shown great character and great class. They have done everything we asked, they continue to battle, and they will continue to do the same. They are not going to start pointing fingers or any of that stuff.”

The game changed in the second quarter when Charles Sawyer blocked a Razorbacks punt and returned the ball all the way to the Arkansas 22 yard line. All it took was four plays for the Rebels to gain the lead on a Barry Brunetti one yard touchdown run, a lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the game. “When you get a punt blocked there is a 90 percent chance you are going to lose. I take that very personal. So if there is anybody to blame it is me,” Coach Smith said.

That blocked punt is not the only thing Razorbacks fans are blaming on Smith. He is also shouldering the blame for this disappointing season. The disappointment started with an unforgivable loss in the second week of the season to Louisiana Monroe. Since then the Razorbacks have struggled to find the consistency needed to win games.

Clearly Smith is not Bobby Petrino, but nobody thought Arkansas would need to win three of their final four games just to make bowl eligibility. “We had a chance,” Smith said. “We just have to make a couple more plays and maybe we get there.”

Hopefully Arkansas can find a way to make “a couple more plays” in their next four games. Otherwise, this season will go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in Razorback history.

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from different college football games throughout the Mid-South.

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Filed Under: Football, SEC, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Arkansas football, Bobby Petrino, John L. Smith, Ole Miss Football, SEC Football

Week 8 TAM Football Rankings: No. 1 stays the same but everyone else moves

October 25, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

There is a lot of movement in the rankings this week thanks to some impressive wins and equally impressive losses. A 42 point victory over fellow TAM team MTSU cemented Mississippi State as the best TAM team so far this season. Ole Miss moved up without having to play anybody, and the Rebels face a Razorbacks squad who is also coming off of a bye week. Arkansas seems to have regrouped after their four game losing streak, but will need to keep winning if they want to make it to bowl eligibility. Three of their last five games are against top 15 competition. Vanderbilt is up a spot from last week after beating a struggling Auburn team, while Arkansas State moves up three spots and prepares for a tough in conference game against Louisiana Lafayette. Tennessee dropped four spots because of another embarrassing loss under Coach Dooley. The Vols followed up their disappointing loss to Mississippi State with an embarassing 31 point loss to Alabama. Speaking of embarrassing losses, MTSU could only muster three points against Mississippi State. Memphis lost another home game, but still has a chance to get to bowl eligibility. Southern Mississippi, on the other hand, is winless and at 0-7 the Golden Eagles have no chance to make a bowl this season.

1. Mississippi State (7-0): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 45-3 MTSU @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Alabama @ Bryant-Denny Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: N/A
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Tennessee and MTSU)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Ole Miss (4-3): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 41-20 Auburn @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 41-20 Auburn @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: L 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. Vanderbilt (3-4): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 17-13 vs. Auburn @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs. UMASS @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win: W 58-0 Presbyterian @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Arkansas State (4-3): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 36-29 vs. South Alabama @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Next Game: vs. Louisiana Lafayette @ Cajun Field
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. Arkansas (3-4): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 49-7 vs. Kentucky @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game: vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

6. Tennessee (3-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 44-13 vs. Alabama @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Carolina @ Williams-Brice Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

7. MTSU (4-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: L 45-3 vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. North Texas @ Floyd Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

8. Memphis (1-6): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 35-17 vs. UCF @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game: vs. SMU @ Gerald Ford Stadium
Best Win: 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-7): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 59-24 vs. Marshall @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. Rice @ Rice Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

Other college football articles:

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Filed Under: Football, TAM Rankings, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Arkansas football, Arkansas State football, Memphis Football, Mississippi State football, MTSU football, Ole Miss Football, Southern Miss football, Tennessee football, Vanderbilt football

Week 7 TAM Rankings: Mississippi State remains best TAM team

October 18, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

It is the seventh week of the TAM rankings and Mississippi State has separated themselves from the pack as the best TAM team. The Bulldogs defeated fellow TAM team Tennessee on Saturday and are in the driver’s seat for the TAM Championship. Coach Dooley and the Vols struggled again to get a win against a top 25 team, and things do not get any easier as the No. 1 Crimson Tide comes to Knoxville this Saturday. Ole Miss snapped their conference losing streak in impressive fashion with a 21 point win over Auburn. MTSU pulled off a close win, but lost star tailback Benny Cunningham for the year with a knee injury. Cunningham is 13^th in the nation in rushing yards per game and third nationally in touchdowns scored this season. Vanderbilt looks to get back on track as they get a struggling Auburn team at home this week. Arkansas is off on Saturday, and the Razorbacks look to build on their two game winning streak next Saturday when they play fellow TAM team Ole Miss (who also has a bye this week). It is another showdown in the Sun Belt Conference this week when Arkansas State takes on the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana Lafayette. Memphis could not ride the momentum from their first win of the year and Southern Mississippi is still looking for their first win after a crushing overtime loss to UCF.

1. Mississippi State (6-0): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 41-31 Tennessee @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. MTSU @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: N/A
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Tennessee (3-3): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 41-31 vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Alabama @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

3. Ole Miss (4-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 41-20 Auburn @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 41-20 Auburn @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: L 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. MTSU (4-2): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 34-30 Florida International @ FIU Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. Vanderbilt (2-4): Last week No. 3
Last Game: L 31-17 vs. Florida @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs. Auburn @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win: W 58-0 Presbyterian @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

6. Arkansas (3-4): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 49-7 vs. Kentucky @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game: vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

7. Arkansas State (4-3): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 36-29 vs. South Alabama @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Next Game: vs. Louisiana Lafayette @ Cajun Field
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

8. Memphis (1-5): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 41- 7 vs. East Carolina @ Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
Next Game: vs. UCF @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-6): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 38-31 UCF @ BH Networks Stadium
Next Game: vs. Marshall @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

Other college football articles:

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Week 6 TAM Football Rankings: No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown

October 11, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

It is showdown Saturday for our TAM teams as No. 1 in the TAM rankings faces off against No. 2. Mississippi State gets their first test of the year when the Volunteers come to town on Saturday, and this is sure to be a game for the ages. More importantly, thanks to an unfortunate butt chugging story in Knoxville, Davis Wade Stadium will be home to the best signs and t-shirts in the college football world on Saturday (click here to order your own butt chugger t-shirts). Vanderbilt moved up two spots this week, and they get their third chance to try and beat a top 10 team when the No. 5 Florida Gators come to Nashville . MTSU was unable to build on their momentum after the Georgia Tech victory, but they should right the ship against Florida International. Ole Miss lost a hard fought contest to Texas A&M and are still trying to snap their 16 game SEC losing streak. Arkansas State looks to keep their Sun Belt Championship hopes alive this week when they take on South Alabama . Arkansas finally won a game to stop their three week tail spin into oblivion, and Memphis got their first win of the year over Rice. The only winless TAM team is Southern Mississippi, who will try to rebound after an embarrassing 26 point beat down by Boise State.

The Mid-South is full of fans with allegiances to different area college football programs. Which FBS program in the three states surrounding the Memphis area is the best? To help end some arguments and start others, every week MemphiSport ranks all the college football teams in Tennessee , Arkansas and Mississippi . We call it the TAMs Rankings.

1. Mississippi State (5-0): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 27-14 vs. Kentucky @ Commonwealth Stadium
Next Game: vs. Tennessee @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: N/A
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Tennessee (3-2): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 47-26 vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. Vanderbilt (2-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 19-15 vs. Missouri @ Faurot Field
Next Game: vs. Florida @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win: W 58-0 Presbyterian @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. MTSU (3-2): Last week No. 3
Last Game: L 31-17 vs. Louisiana Monroe @ Floyd Stadium
Next Game: vs. Florida International @ FIU Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 ( Memphis )
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. Ole Miss (3-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: L 30-27 vs. Texas A&M @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game: vs. Auburn @ Vaught–Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 39-0 Tulane @ Superdome
Worst Loss: L 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

6. Arkansas State (3-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 34-20 vs. Florida International @ FIU Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Alabama @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 ( Memphis )
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

7. Arkansas (2-4): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Next Game: vs. Kentucky @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

8. Memphis (1-4): Last week No. 9
Last Game: W 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game: vs. East Carolina @ Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
Best Win: 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 ( Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-5): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. UCF @ BH Networks Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

Other college football articles:

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from different college football games throughout the Mid-South.

Filed Under: TAM Rankings, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Arkansas football, Arkansas State football, butt chuggers, Memphis Football, Mississippi State football, MTSU football, Ole Miss Football, Southern Miss football, TAM ranking 2012, Tennessee football, Vanderbilt football

Week 5 TAM Football Rankings: Mississippi State is No. 1 for third consecutive week

October 4, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Mississippi State remains the No. 1 team in our ranking for the third consecutive week after coming off of their bye last week. Tennessee is holding on for dear life to the No. 2 spot after a crushing loss to Georgia. The Vols have a bye week and then it should be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown between Tennessee and Mississippi State to determine the best TAM team. MTSU is the surprise of the year so far thanks to the Blue Raiders impressive victory over Georgia Tech. The Blue Raiders jumped four spots to No. 3 in the TAM rankings (their highest ranking ever). Ole Miss dropped one spot after their loss to Alabama, and are still looking for their first win over a team from an automatic qualifying conference since October 2, 2010 when the Rebels defeated Kentucky 42-35 (also their last SEC victory). Vanderbilt is holding down the No. 5 spot, and after their bye last week the Commodores are trying to find a way to avoid being the first SEC victory for Missouri. The two schools in Arkansas are having worse years than expected so far. John L. Smith saw his Razorbacks lose in blow out fashion to yet another SEC West opponent, while Gus Malzahn had a less than welcome debut into Sun Belt play with the Red Wolves loss to Western Kentucky. Southern Miss and Memphis remain the last two teams in the TAM rankings, and both are still looking for their first wins of the year.

1. Mississippi State (4-0): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 30-10 vs. South Alabama @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Kentucky @ Commonwealth Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: N/A
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Tennessee (3-2): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 47-26 vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. MTSU (3-1): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Next Game: vs. Louisiana Monroe @ Floyd Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Ole Miss (3-2): Last week No. 3
Last Game: L 33-14 vs. Alabama @ Bryant-Denny Stadium
Next Game: vs. Texas A&M @ Vaught –Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 39-0 Tulane @ Superdome
Worst Loss: L 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

T5. Vanderbilt (1-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game: L 48-3 vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Next Game: vs. Missouri @ Faurot Field
Best Win: W 58-0 Presbyterian @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

T5. Arkansas State (2-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: L 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Next Game: vs. Florida International @ FIU Stadium
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

7. Arkansas (1-4): Last week No. 5
Last Game: L 58-10 vs. Texas A&M @ Kyle Field
Next Game: vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Best Win: 49-24 vs. Jacksonville State @ Little Rock Arkansas
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

8. Southern Mississippi (0-4): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 21-17 vs. Louisville @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 42-17 vs. Western Kentucky @ Smith Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

9. Memphis (0-4): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 38-14 vs. Duke @ Wallace Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

Other college football articles:

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.