In an exciting conclusion to their season, the Memphis Tigers secured a 42-37 victory over West Virginia in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Quarterback Seth Henigan shone for Memphis, passing for 294 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. The Tigers finished the game with a total of 474 offensive yards, with Demeer Blankumsee and Roc Taylor leading the receiving corps with 120 and 116 yards, respectively.
West Virginia’s offense put forth a valiant effort, with senior quarterback Garrett Greene setting a season-high with 328 passing yards. He completed 11 passes to Clement, contributing to an impressive offensive balance, which also included Greene’s contribution of 95 rushing yards. The Mountaineers totaled 534 yards of offense, showcasing their resilience despite the loss.
The game began with Memphis quickly jumping to a 28-17 lead by halftime, capitalizing on favorable field positions and creating scoring drives of short distances. West Virginia struggled initially, facing two three-and-out series that settled them into a 17-0 deficit before Greene hit Clement for a touchdown to ignite their response.
As the second half unfolded, Memphis managed to maintain their edge, with Henigan connecting on a crucial 89-yard pass to Blankumsee. West Virginia attempted a late-game rally, cutting the lead to just five points, but it ultimately proved insufficient as the Memphis defense stood firm to close out the game.
This matchup showcased both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, with Memphis’s efficient scoring ability ultimately allowing them to clinch victory. The win capped off an impressive season for Memphis, which ended with an 11-2 record, while West Virginia concluded their season at 6-7, demonstrating potential for future improvement as they regroup and build on their offensive play in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, while Memphis emerged victorious, the performance of both teams highlighted their competitiveness and set an optimistic tone for the future. West Virginia, while facing adversity, demonstrated the skill and determination that could lead them to greater success in the next season.