Memphis Tigers Outlast West Virginia in High-Octane Frisco Bowl Clash

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 college football season, the No. 25 Memphis Tigers secured a 42–37 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium. The game, marked by explosive offenses and dramatic momentum shifts, showcased the talents of both teams in their first-ever meeting.

Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan delivered a standout performance in his final collegiate game, earning Offensive MVP honors. Henigan completed 18 of 26 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns, and added 61 rushing yards on eight carries. His efforts culminated in tying the American Athletic Conference (AAC) career record with 104 touchdown passes, concluding his tenure with 14,266 passing yards—13th in NCAA history .

Reflecting on his career, Henigan stated, “It’s meant the world to me, and just to be able to go out with the win, I feel like that’s a good way to cap off a pretty good career.”

The Tigers established control early, jumping to a 17–0 lead in the second quarter. Running back Mario Anderson Jr. contributed significantly with 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a pivotal 3-yard score that extended Memphis’s lead to 35–17 in the third quarter .

Wide receivers Demeer Blankumsee and Roc Taylor were instrumental in the aerial attack. Blankumsee recorded 120 receiving yards and a touchdown on four receptions, while Taylor added 116 yards, including a crucial 48-yard catch that set up a third-quarter touchdown .

Despite the early deficit, West Virginia demonstrated resilience. Quarterback Garrett Greene amassed 328 passing yards and two touchdowns, and led the team in rushing with 95 yards and an additional score. Wide receiver Hudson Clement emerged as a key target, securing 11 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns .

The Mountaineers narrowed the gap to 35–30 early in the fourth quarter, but Memphis responded with a swift two-play, 90-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Brandon Thomas. West Virginia answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by CJ Donaldson Jr., bringing the score to 42–37 .

In the game’s closing moments, West Virginia advanced to Memphis’s 37-yard line with 24 seconds remaining. However, a critical interception by Memphis’s defense sealed the victory. The play initially appeared to result in a fumble during the return, but upon review, the defender was ruled down by contact, preserving the Tigers’ lead .

Linebacker Chandler Martin led Memphis’s defense with 17 tackles, earning Defensive MVP honors for his performance .

The victory marked Memphis’s fourth bowl win under head coach Ryan Silverfield and secured the program’s second 11-win season in its 109-year history. Silverfield praised his team’s effort, stating, “This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff.”

West Virginia concluded the season with a 6–7 record. The team faced challenges throughout the year, including the mid-season dismissal of head coach Neal Brown. Interim head coach Chad Scott led the Mountaineers in the bowl game, and newly appointed head coach Rich Rodriguez observed from the sidelines, evaluating the team’s performance and potential .

As both programs look ahead, Memphis aims to build upon its successful season, while West Virginia focuses on rebuilding under new leadership.