- What: Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
- When: December 17, 2024
- Who: West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Memphis Tigers
- Time: 6:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Toyota Stadium (Frisco, TX)
The 2024 Frisco Bowl is set to be a high-octane showdown between the Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers, and if you’re a fan of scoring, you’re in for a treat.
Coming off a solid 10-2 season, Memphis is looking to cap off its campaign with a fourth straight win.
West Virginia, despite a tumultuous season that saw it fire head coach Neal Brown, is eager to end on a high note before Rich Rodriguez takes over next year.
West Virginia
On the flip side, West Virginia’s ground game will need to dominate if they want any shot at keeping pace with Memphis. The Mountaineers have averaged 194 rushing yards per game, and running backs Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson will need to step up big time.
However, they’re going up against a Memphis defensive front that has been stout against the run, allowing just 77 yards per game over the last month of the season.
It’s a classic case of a struggling defense facing a disciplined opponent, and the odds are stacked against West Virginia.
Let's bowl.
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⭐️ @FriscoBowlGame
⌚️ 9:00 PM ET
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Despite Memphis’s strong finish to the season, it’s worth noting that West Virginia played a tougher schedule. This could provide them with some motivation to pull off an upset and build momentum heading into next season.
However, the reality is that their defense has been consistently bad, allowing 410 yards per game and ranking poorly in key metrics like EPA Per Pass allowed (128th) and Passing Success Rate (105th).
With the coaching change and the uncertainty surrounding their roster, it’s hard to see how they can effectively contain Memphis’s explosive offense.
Memphis
Let’s break down why this game is shaping up to be a shootout. First off, West Virginia’s defense has been a hot mess this season, ranking 133rd nationally in Explosiveness allowed.
They’ve surrendered nearly 9 yards per pass and a staggering 24 passing touchdowns. This is music to the ears of Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan, who has been slinging the rock with precision all season long.
With a completion rate of 64.5% and over 3,200 passing yards, Henigan is ready to exploit a Mountaineers secondary that is missing key starters Ayden Garnes and Aubrey Burks due to injuries, along with other players who are either in the transfer portal or considering it.
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Memphis will take on West Virginia in the Frisco Bowl tomorrow night
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— Memphis Tigers (@TigersAthletics) December 17, 2024
The Memphis receiving corps, led by the physical and field-stretching Roc Taylor, is primed to take advantage of this undermanned defense.
West Virginia’s secondary has struggled to stay engaged, and with their lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks—only 20 sacks and 58 tackles for loss all season—they’ve become a prime target for a dynamic passing attack like Memphis’s.
The Tigers have shown consistency throughout the season, and their offense is ready to capitalize on the Mountaineers’ defensive woes.
Mountaineers-Tigers Best Bet
Given all these factors, targeting the total points in this matchup feels like the right move.
The over/under is set at 60.5 points, and with both teams capable of putting up points in bunches, this game has all the makings of a shootout.
Expect both offenses to finish drives with points, as they’ve done in recent weeks.
With Memphis’s passing attack against a depleted West Virginia secondary, and the Mountaineers needing to rely on their ground game, this game is likely to see plenty of scoring opportunities.
The Frisco Bowl is shaping up to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes this season.
Memphis is looking to solidify their status as one of the top Group of Five teams, while West Virginia is hoping to end their season on a positive note.
But with the odds heavily favoring the Tigers and their dynamic offense, it’s hard to see anything other than a high-scoring affair.
So grab your popcorn and get ready for a wild night of college football!
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
