It's safe to say a few people around the country noticed Memphis football's 36-26 win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 29.

The Tigers received votes in the AP college football poll for the first time this season in the year-end poll, getting a total of 32 points in the poll's ranking system. That essentially put Memphis as the sixth team out of the 25-team rankings, or 31st in the country.

Memphis slotted in just behind USC and just ahead of Utah. American Athletic Conference foe Tulane was the third team out of the rankings, while SMU — which won the AAC title this season but is now leaving for the ACC — finished ranked No. 22.

The other Group of Five teams ahead of Memphis were No. 25 Liberty and James Madison, which was the fourth team out of the rankings with 52 points. Liberty, James Madison, SMU and Tulane all lost their respective bowl games.

Memphis was not ranked at any point this season.

The Tigers also received votes in the the US LBM Coaches Poll, which was released on Tuesday afternoon. Memphis was the fifth team out of the rankings with 23 points, essentially putting them 30th. SMU was the only Group of Five team ranked in that poll.

The Tigers (10-3, 6-2 AAC) saw their conference title hopes fade away with losses to SMU but finished the year with their best performance of the season against the Cyclones. With quarterback Seth Henigan and a slew of key players returning, Memphis is set up to again compete for the AAC title in 2024 and should be a contender for the Group of Five's spot in the College Football Playoff.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football receives votes in final polls after Liberty Bowl win