In an exhilarating display of football prowess, the Memphis Tigers triumphed over the West Virginia Mountaineers with a score of 42-37 in the 2024 Frisco Bowl, showcasing a thrilling back-and-forth contest filled with scoring moments.
Memphis started the match with an impressive 17-point streak, establishing an early advantage that West Virginia struggled to overcome. Although the Mountaineers showed resilience and made significant plays to reduce the deficit, the Tigers answered back each time, demonstrating their determination to hold on to the lead. An interception by Memphis late in the game extinguished West Virginia’s hopes for a last-minute comeback.
The game was a statistician’s dream, with the two teams accumulating a whopping 1,008 total yards of offense. Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan capped off his college career in grand style, delivering 294 passing yards on 18 completions out of 26 attempts, while also adding 54 rushing yards. His performance marked a fitting end to his four-year tenure at Memphis, where he has left a legacy as one of the school’s most accomplished players with numerous records to his name.
The Tigers had aspirations of representing the Group of Five in the College Football Playoff, which ultimately did not materialize. Nonetheless, finishing the season with 11 victories—their highest win total since 2019—is a remarkable achievement. Moreover, they secured back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in the program’s history, illustrating a bright future for Memphis football.
Despite the loss, West Virginia’s season ended with a 6-7 record as they prepare for a new chapter under head coach Rich Rodriguez, returning for his second tenure in Morgantown. The challenge ahead will be to build the team’s momentum and adapt to a fresh strategy.
The game’s climax featured a late interception by Memphis’ Elijah Herring, whose near-misstep of losing the ball was overturned by a video review that confirmed he had given himself up prior to the turnover. This decisive play allowed Memphis to take a knee, solidifying their victory and sending their fans into celebration.
Overall, the Frisco Bowl was a testament to the competitive nature of college football, with both teams displaying grit and skill. As Memphis looks forward to future seasons, the momentum from this victory could serve as a motivating factor for continued success, while West Virginia has an opportunity to regroup and implement exciting changes under their new leadership.
In conclusion, this thrilling contest not only showcased the athleticism and determination of both teams but also promised intriguing storylines for their upcoming seasons.