The Memphis Tigers look to cap off their impressive 10-win season as they face the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Frisco Bowl on Tuesday night. This matchup at Toyota Stadium in Texas highlights a potent Memphis offense against a West Virginia team looking to regroup after a rocky regular season.
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan will aim to end his collegiate career with a statement performance. Henigan, the all-time leader in AAC passing yards, has thrown for 3,208 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene will try to avoid costly turnovers and keep his team competitive.
Memphis Tigers
Seth Henigan has been the driving force for Memphis this season. He’s thrown for over 100 career touchdowns and holds multiple school and conference records. Henigan has had plenty of help, with standout running back Mario Anderson Jr. rushing for 1,292 yards and 17 touchdowns. Anderson has delivered eight 100-yard games this season.
On defense, Memphis boasts first-team All-AAC linebacker Chandler Martin, who leads the team with 94 tackles, seven sacks, and 15 stops for loss. Cornerback Davion Ross, with a team-high three interceptions, will look to disrupt West Virginia’s passing attack.
Despite their 10-2 record, Memphis fell short of winning an AAC title, which leaves this bowl game as a chance for Henigan and the Tigers to finish the season on a high note.
West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia enters the Frisco Bowl at 6-6 after an underwhelming end to the regular season, including a blowout 52-15 loss to Texas Tech. The loss triggered a coaching change, with Chad Scott serving as interim head coach for this game. All eyes will be on West Virginia’s star left tackle Wyatt Milum, a first-team All-Big 12 player who is expected to play limited snaps.
Quarterback Garrett Greene has struggled with consistency, throwing 13 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Greene will need to manage the offense effectively against a Memphis defense that has forced key turnovers this season.
On defense, TJ Jackson II has been a standout with 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. However, the Mountaineers have struggled against the pass, ranking 125th nationally in passing yards allowed per game.
Pick and Prediction
Memphis comes into this game with a significant advantage on offense, particularly with Henigan leading a balanced attack. West Virginia’s inconsistent defense, especially against the pass, could struggle to contain Henigan and Anderson Jr. The Tigers’ defense, anchored by Chandler Martin, should make enough stops to secure a victory.
- Prediction: Memphis 38, West Virginia 24
