In an unforgettable clash during the 2024 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, the Memphis Tigers triumphed over the West Virginia Mountaineers with a nail-biting 42-37 victory. This win marked Memphis’ fourth consecutive bowl win under head coach Ryan Silverfield, as the Tigers finished the season with a strong 11-2 record. With this achievement, Memphis tied its second-highest number of victories in school history, just behind their 12-win season in 2019.
Here’s a breakdown of the exciting Frisco Bowl and the key moments that led to Memphis securing the win.
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A Wild Finish in Frisco
The game went down to the wire in the final minute. Memphis, up by five points, attempted a 50-yard field goal to push their lead to eight points, but Tristian Vandenberg’s kick sailed wide right. This gave West Virginia one last shot as they quickly moved the ball into Memphis territory.
However, the Mountaineers’ hopes were dashed when Elijah Herring intercepted a deep pass from quarterback Garrett Greene. Although Herring initially appeared to fumble the ball while returning the interception, video review revealed that Herring was initiating a slide and therefore down by rule at the time of the fumble. With only eight seconds remaining, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan kneeled the ball to close out the victory.
What West Virginia Did Right
The first half was controlled by Memphis, but West Virginia fought back with some explosive plays. Garrett Greene, the Mountaineers’ quarterback, connected with Hudson Clement for a 33-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Shortly after, Greene added another highlight-reel moment with a 56-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the Mountaineers within striking distance.
Clement finished the game with an impressive 11 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Greene threw for a season-high 328 yards, while running back CJ Donaldson Jr. added two rushing touchdowns. Despite their valiant effort, the Mountaineers fell short, with West Virginia outgaining Memphis in total yards (534 to 474).
Seth Henigan’s Final Game
In what would be his final game for Memphis, quarterback Seth Henigan etched his name into the American Athletic Conference (AAC) record books. Henigan finished the game with 18 completions on 26 attempts, totaling 294 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 61 rushing yards. This performance not only secured his team the victory but also made Henigan the first quarterback in AAC history to surpass 14,000 career passing yards.
Henigan’s career milestone also placed him among the top 15 quarterbacks in NCAA history for passing yards, and his 104 career touchdown passes tied the AAC record held by Clayton Tune.
Big Plays From All Over the Memphis Roster
While Henigan played a pivotal role in the win, the Memphis Tigers saw contributions from all over the roster. In the rushing game, Mario Anderson Jr., Greg Desrosiers Jr., and Brandon Thomas each found the end zone, combining for 180 rushing yards. Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee both had over 100 receiving yards, with Blankumsee also hauling in a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Chandler Martin put together a career-high performance with 17 tackles, anchoring a Memphis defense that ultimately stood tall when it mattered most.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Victory for Memphis
The Frisco Bowl was an intense, high-stakes affair that showcased the Memphis Tigers’ resilience and depth. From Seth Henigan’s historic performance to the team’s balanced offensive attack, Memphis demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with. The victory over West Virginia not only capped off an impressive season for the Tigers but also set the stage for what looks to be an exciting future in Memphis football.
This thrilling game will go down as one of the 2024 Frisco Bowl’s most exciting matchups, a true showcase of college football’s best.