Do you remember when playing on ABC at the 11 am time slot meant something?
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We do, and to us at 4 Star Sports, this time slot holds great value. This is why the announcement of the September 20th meeting between Memphis and Arkansas holds great value for both programs. While we will tackle the game itself later in the week, we do want to provide some context for this game on the schedule and its importance.
It’s Becoming A Norm
When these two programs meet, it will be a moment for American Conference fans. The conference featured on the channel has been a popular choice for television. In fact, this will be the first game on ABC from an American Conference campus in almost two seasons. The last was on November 18, 2023, when the then-ranked #18 Tulane Green Wave hosted the UTSA RoadRunners in New Orleans. Many remember the iconic “GameDay” game where Memphis hosted the SMU Mustangs in an absolute cinematic atmosphere.
Hello Darlin’
If you were to look back into the records of the Memphis and Arkansas programs, these two programs have not met on many occasions. Entering the game, the Tigers lead the all-time series with Arkansas,3-2, despite not meeting for nearly twenty years. Memphis to Fayetteville is just over 300 miles, 317 to be exact, from campus to campus, yet these two programs do not play more across all sports. It was recently announced that these two would meet on the hardwood for a charity event benefiting St Jude Children’s Hospital. In football, this will be the first meeting since October 10, 1998. The Tigers and Razorbacks will have a national audience as one of the marquee nonconference battles of the week’s four-game slate of games.
Will History Repeat?
While many Memphis fans complain the Tigers never play anyone, here is their chance to show up. When Arkansas comes to town, it will be the first game on ABC for Memphis since the Tigers defeated UCF on October 17, 2020. With the win, Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield became the second Tigers coach to defeat the Knights, joining Chuck Stobart. In this nationally recognized thriller, Memphis prevailed in one of the biggest wins of the Silverfield era. Will Memphis fans show the nation that the program has their support? We will soon find out.
In closing, as just mentioned, Memphis fans will need to show up. We know Arkansas will travel as they do to every game the Razorbacks compete in. When the game kicks off, there needs to be a packed house. After all, if Memphis fans want to compete at the “A4” level, as it is now being referred to, they have to show support. This is an SEC opponent, and based on history, the crowd should rise for the challenge, as will the Tigers.
