Nov 18, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Mike Norvell after the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers defeated the Southern Methodist Mustangs 66-45. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Cyclones are heading back to Memphis.
Iowa State, who went 7-5 in year two of Matt Campbell’s head coaching tenure, accepted a bid to the Liberty Bowl on Sunday afternoon. The kicker? The Cyclones will be playing a true road game vs. the Memphis Tigers.
The Tigers finished 2017 with a 10-2 record. On Saturday, Memphis lost to Central Florida 62-55 in double overtime.
The Tigers, who won their last seven regular season games, are a juggernaut offensively. Memphis ended the regular season ranked fourth nationally in yards per play and yards per game.
We are going bowling for the 13th time in school history! Iowa State is facing Memphis in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl!#RaiseTheStandard
🌪🚨🌪 pic.twitter.com/Evu19TzrG1
— Cyclone Football (@CycloneFB) December 3, 2017
The 2017 Liberty Bowl will feature two of the top young coaches in America. Of course there’s Campbell, who just inked a new six-year deal with Iowa State. Memphis head coach Mike Norvell, 36, will sure to be heavily considered for a handful of higher profile jobs that are currently open.
Iowa State’s return to the postseason comes after a five-year hiatus. The Cyclones last went bowling in 2012, which resulted in a 31-17 loss to Tulsa in the Liberty Bowl.
Iowa State is 3-9 in bowl games.
Check out CycloneFanatic.com all afternoon/evening long for complete reaction and coverage of Iowa State’s bowl bid. We will also have updated information on a charter to Memphis shortly.
