On Tuesday night, the No. 25 Memphis Tigers faced off against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the much-anticipated Frisco Bowl, held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The game kicked off at 9:00 p.m. ET, with Memphis entering as the favorite according to oddsmakers.
Memphis Outlasts West Virginia in Frisco Bowl: Game Summary
Memphis built an early lead and held off a late charge by West Virginia in a game packed with explosive plays and long drives. The Tigers demonstrated their strength right from the start, scoring first and maintaining control throughout the match.
1st Quarter:
Memphis opened the scoring with a four-yard touchdown pass from Seth Henigan to Mario Anderson Jr., capping a five-play, 45-yard drive. The score stood at Memphis 7, West Virginia 0.
2nd Quarter:
The Tigers extended their lead with a 34-yard field goal by Tristian Vandenberg. Shortly after, Greg Desrosiers Jr. broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to Memphis 17, West Virginia 0. West Virginia responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Greene to Hudson Clement, but Memphis answered back with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Henigan to DeMeer Blankumsee, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The half concluded with a 46-yard field goal by Michael Hayes II for West Virginia, bringing the halftime score to Memphis 28, West Virginia 17.
3rd Quarter:
As the second half began, Memphis continued to assert dominance with a three-yard touchdown run by Anderson Jr. West Virginia answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Greene to Clement, but Memphis maintained a comfortable lead at 35-23.
4th Quarter:
The final quarter saw West Virginia make a strong push. CJ Donaldson Jr. scored on a one-yard touchdown run, completing a lengthy 16-play, 90-yard drive. Memphis quickly countered with a one-yard touchdown run by Brandon Thomas. West Virginia’s Donaldson added another touchdown, but it wasn’t enough. The game ended with a final score of Memphis 42, West Virginia 37.
Memphis Tigers stats
The Tigers showcased impressive statistics throughout the game. Quarterback Seth Henigan had an outstanding performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing game was equally effective, with Mario Anderson Jr. leading the charge with 70 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
Memphis also had notable contributions from DeMeer Blankumsee, who caught four passes for 120 yards and one touchdown, while Roc Taylor added five receptions for 116 yards. The Tigers’ offensive line provided solid protection, allowing Henigan to find his targets effectively.
West Virginia Mountaineers stats
On the other side, the Mountaineers had their own standout performances. Garrett Greene completed 29 of 40 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to keep West Virginia competitive. Greene also contributed on the ground, rushing for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Hudson Clement was a key target for Greene, finishing the game with 11 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Despite their valiant efforts, West Virginia fell just short in the final moments of the game.
Memphis vs West Virginia: Box score
The box score reflects the intensity of the matchup:
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
|—————–|————-|————-|————-|————-|——-|
| Memphis | 7 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 42 |
| West Virginia | 0 | 17 | 6 | 14 | 37 |
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game was filled with pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Memphis’s ability to respond to West Virginia’s scoring drives was crucial. For instance, after West Virginia scored their first touchdown, Memphis quickly answered back, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
The fourth quarter showcased West Virginia’s fighting spirit as they rallied to score two touchdowns, but Memphis’s early lead proved insurmountable. The Tigers’ defense, although tested, held strong when it mattered most, securing their victory.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Memphis Tigers not only secured a win in the Frisco Bowl but also solidified their standing as a formidable team in college football. Their performance in this game will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they look toward the next season.
Meanwhile, the West Virginia Mountaineers will reflect on this close contest as they prepare for future challenges. Despite the loss, their ability to rally in the second half shows promise for the upcoming season.
In the world of college football, every game counts, and this thrilling matchup between Memphis and West Virginia will be remembered for its intensity and excitement. As fans, we can only anticipate what the next season will bring, with teams like Memphis looking to build on their success and West Virginia aiming to bounce back stronger than ever.
