Everything to Know About the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl: Memphis vs. West Virginia
The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is set to deliver a thrilling matchup between the No. 25 Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, from the key players to the storylines to watch.
Game Details
• Matchup: Memphis Tigers (10-2) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6)
• Date: December 17, 2024
• Time: 9:00 PM ET
• Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
• Broadcast: ESPN
Memphis Tigers: Season Recap
The Memphis Tigers, representing the American Athletic Conference (AAC), enter the Frisco Bowl ranked No. 25 with a strong 10-2 record. Led by head coach Ryan Silverfield, the Tigers have excelled on offense, averaging over 34 points per game this season.
Key Players to Watch:
• QB Seth Henigan: Henigan has been the engine of Memphis’ offense, throwing for 3,208 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. His ability to stretch the field will be critical.
• RB Mario Anderson Jr.: A dynamic playmaker, Anderson leads the ground attack with 1,292 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
• WR Roc Taylor: Memphis’ top receiver with over 900 receiving yards on the year.
Strengths: Memphis brings a balanced offensive attack and has shown the ability to outscore opponents in shootout-style games.
West Virginia Mountaineers: Season Recap
The Mountaineers represent the Big 12 Conference and enter the bowl game with a 6-6 record. While their season has been inconsistent, West Virginia has shown flashes of promise, particularly with their strong rushing offense.
Key Players to Watch:
• RB Jahiem White: Leading the Mountaineers’ ground game with 817 rushing yards, White will be a focal point of the offense.
• QB Garrett Greene: A dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and legs.
• WR Devin Carter: The go-to target in the passing game with big-play ability.
Coaching Transition: Following head coach Neal Brown’s departure, offensive coordinator Chad Scott steps in as interim head coach for this matchup.
Strengths: West Virginia’s rushing attack averages 195.3 yards per game, ranking them 27th nationally. Expect them to lean heavily on the run to control the clock.
Key Matchup: Memphis Offense vs. West Virginia Defense
Memphis boasts a high-powered offense, averaging over 450 yards per game. West Virginia’s defense, however, has struggled, particularly against the pass, allowing 268.9 passing yards per game (125th nationally). This creates a mismatch that Memphis will look to exploit with Henigan and his receiving core.
West Virginia, on the other hand, will need to dominate the line of scrimmage and slow down the Memphis passing attack to keep the game close. The ability to establish their ground game and control the clock will be key to their success.
Why This Game Matters
• For Memphis, this game is a chance to solidify their position as one of the top Group of Five programs in the nation and finish the season ranked. A win would cap off a stellar year for the Tigers.
• For West Virginia, a victory would help turn the page on a challenging season and provide much-needed momentum heading into next year, especially with changes in leadership on the horizon.
This bowl also marks the first-ever meeting between Memphis and West Virginia, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Prediction
Memphis enters as a slight 2.5-point favorite, and their ability to move the ball through the air could prove decisive. West Virginia will need to rely on their rushing attack to limit Memphis’ possessions and keep the game within reach.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 34, West Virginia 24
How to Watch
• When: December 17, 2024
• Where: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
• TV: ESPN
The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl promises to deliver an exciting showdown, featuring two programs with contrasting styles. Whether Memphis’ offense or West Virginia’s ground game prevails, fans can expect an entertaining clash under the bright lights of Toyota Stadium.
