The Memphis Tigers are set to face off against the West Virginia Mountaineers on December 17, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting Frisco Bowl matchup. The game will start at 9:00 PM ET at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. This showdown highlights the different paths both teams have taken this season, with Memphis looking to finish strong after a solid year, while West Virginia is on the hunt for some redemption after a challenging season.
Memphis Tigers
Record: 10-2
Key Players:
Seth Henigan (QB): The star quarterback has racked up 3,208 passing yards this season, tossing 24 touchdowns while only throwing 6 picks. His ability to spread the ball around has been crucial for Memphis.
Mario Anderson Jr. (RB): Anderson is a strong runner who has racked up almost 1,300 rushing yards and found the end zone 17 times, making him a vital part of the offense.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Record: 6-6
Key Players:
Garrett Greene (QB): Greene’s season has been a bit up and down, racking up 1,972 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, but also a concerning 11 interceptions. How he plays against a tough Memphis defense will be really important.
TJ Jackson II (DT): Jackson, who was named a first-team All-Big 12 player, has made a significant impact on the defensive line with 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Game Analysis
Offensive Matchup
Memphis has one of the most explosive offenses in college football, putting up more than 30 points a game. With Henigan throwing and Anderson running, their well-rounded attack creates big problems for West Virginia’s defense, which has had a tough time this season.
On the other side, West Virginia’s offense has been pretty inconsistent. Greene has a habit of giving the ball away, which could be a problem against a Memphis defense that’s really good at forcing turnovers. The Mountaineers need to get their running game going right from the start to ease the pressure on Greene and expand their offensive options.
Defensive Matchup
Memphis comes into this matchup with a strong defense that’s proven tough against teams that can put up big points. They’ll have to keep a close eye on West Virginia’s ground game, especially with Justin Johnson Jr. leading the charge, having already racked up over 800 rushing yards this season.
West Virginia’s defense has had its ups and downs, but they’ve got some game-changers like Jackson who can throw a wrench in Memphis’s offensive rhythm. To keep from getting overrun by Memphis’s explosive players, the Mountaineers really need to step up their tackling and coverage strategies.
Betting Insights
Spread: Memphis is favored by approximately 4.5 to 5 points.
Total Points Over/Under: The total is set around 58.5 to 59 points, reflecting both teams’ scoring capabilities.
Memphis has been on a scoring spree lately, going over the total in five out of their last six games. West Virginia is also known for racking up points in their games.
Memphis wrapped up the season on a high note and has some serious offensive skills, making them the favorites in this matchup. Conversely, West Virginia has been pretty inconsistent and has had a tough time on defense, which could spell trouble when facing a solid Tigers squad.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Memphis 32 – West Virginia 27
This score shows how well Memphis is scoring while giving West Virginia a chance to find their rhythm on offense as they try to stay competitive in the game. The result will depend on whether Greene can cut down on turnovers and if West Virginia can take advantage of any gaps in Memphis’s defense.
This Frisco Bowl is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams looking to cap off their seasons on a high note. With standout players ready to shine, fans are in for an exciting day of college football on December 17th.