The college football postseason kicked off with excitement as the 2024 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl highlights the competition between the No. 25 Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, at 9 p.m. ET, the game will take place at Toyota Stadium located in Frisco, Texas.
Memphis enters the Frisco Bowl with numerous accomplishments under its belt, having ended the regular season with a solid 10-2 record. The Tigers, who achieved back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time, are eager to secure their third consecutive bowl victory. Coach Ryan Silverfield has guided his team with noteworthy performances, including impressive wins over Florida State and Tulane, who were both ranked at the time of their matchups.
Leading the charge for Memphis is quarterback Seth Henigan, AAC's all-time passing leader with over 13,984 yards. This season alone, he has turned heads by throwing for 3,883 yards and 23 touchdowns. Henigan's favorite target has been Roc Taylor, who has racked up 834 yards with two touchdown receptions. Another offensive standout is Mario Anderson Jr., who leads the Tigers' rushing game with 1,292 yards and 17 touchdowns.
On the other side, the West Virginia Mountaineers, ending the regular season at 6-6, are preparing to navigate through recent turbulence after Coach Neal Brown was fired following their loss to Texas Tech. Chad Scott has stepped up as interim coach and has made it clear he's gearing the team up for success: “We are going to go down there with a good attitude and a simple game plan,” he said prior to the game.
The Mountaineers also have notable playmakers, with quarterback Garrett Greene leading the offensive efforts after completing 58.2% of his passes for nearly 2,000 yards this season, having 13 touchdowns alongside significant rushing contributions. Greene's rush attack will be supported by running backs Jahiem White and C.J. Donaldson Jr., each of whom surpassed 600 rushing yards during the season.
Despite their offensive strengths, West Virginia's defense remains a concern, ranking among the worst nationally against passing, allowing 268.9 yards per game, prompting discussions among fans and analysts alike about their capacity to hold off Memphis' pressing offensive force. “I want to win this last game for the players,” reflected Scott, showcasing the team's resolve amid uncertainty.
Both teams have dealt with key player absences due to the transfer portal. Memphis has lost several players, yet only one defensive starter's worth of playing time, compared to West Virginia, which faces multiple impact losses, most significantly Josiah Trotter, their second-leading tackler. Analysts speculate this will weigh heavily on their game performance.
Sports experts project the Tigers to come out on top, leaning heavily on their explosive offense to outscore their competitors. “Memphis’ explosive offense should be too much for West Virginia,” noted analysts from Clutch Points. The betting favorites are Memphis by 5 points, with the total points expected to hover around 60.
The spread indicates confidence in Memphis' capacity to capitalize on West Virginia's defensive weaknesses, with reports stating, “Memphis scored its best win of the season late over the Tulane Green Wave.” Despite the challenges laid out for WVU, they still possess the talent capable of generating success.
Aside from the game’s on-field action, this matchup is historically significant as it marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools, bringing additional energy and intrigue. Making clear their objectives, both teams are pushed to end the season on strong notes, showcasing skill and determination.
Whether the Memphis Tigers can continue their winning streak or the West Virginia Mountaineers emerge with new leadership remains to be seen, making the 2024 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl one to watch this postseason.
