Memphis' Slipper Doesn't Fit as Cinderella Season Derailed in Navy Blowout

Undefeated. 

It's the most sought after resume booster for any College Football Playoff hopeful. And until Saturday evening, that's what the Memphis Tigers had.

But no more. 

Keenan Reynolds, a Navy Midshipman on the precipice of history, didn't take sole possession of the FBS record for career rushing touchdowns. He instead affirmed his college football legacy by adding a major upset to his scrapbook with Navy's 45-20 win over the Tigers. 

But while Reynolds' legacy was etched into stone, Memphis' playoff hopes disappeared. No longer are the Tigers close to being a viable player for a berth in the final four. It was the way Memphis lost, though, that truly illustrates why it isn't fit for playoff consideration. 

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

This wasn't a rout by Navy from the onset or a result of a sluggish start by the Tigers. No, Navy's win over Memphis was a beatdown. Midway through the third quarter, the Tigers tied the game at 17-17 with a one-yard touchdown run by Anthony Miller and the ensuing extra point. 

From there, the Midshipmen outscored Memphis 28-3. This was all without Reynolds finding the promised land on the ground even once—and going 3-of-5 through the air for 85 yards. 

The entire Navy squad was regimented in its ground approach, rushing for 374 yards on 66 carries out of the flexbone. Seven players had at least 28 yards rushing, with two cracking 80. Chris Swain led the Midshipmen with 108 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Meanwhile, Memphis simply couldn't get enough big plays. The Navy secondary did just enough, allowing Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch to throw for 305 yards on 26-of-42 passing but only giving up one touchdown through the air. 

Navy won in nearly every facet of the game. The Midshipmen didn't turn the ball over once. Memphis did three times. The Tigers had only four penalties, but they added to 43 yards. Navy's two accounted for just five. 

In fact, it is now Navy that has the inside track to an American Athletic Conference title, as it's undefeated in league action at 5-0. The Midshipmen's only loss was on the road. At Notre Dame. 

The Tigers' loss now opens the door for the Houston Cougars, a fellow AAC squad which currently sits at 9-0 (5-0), to sneak into the playoff conversation, or at the very least the New Year's Six roundtable. The Cougars have tilts against Memphis, UConn and Navy left on their schedule. 

The AAC is clearly on the rise, and sooner rather than later this conference will produce a playoff team. But after Saturday's loss at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, it's clear the Tigers won't be that squad.