The 2024 college football bowl season is officially in full swing, and while most fans are anxiously awaiting the big postseason matchups, there’s still plenty of excitement to be had with the games leading up to the College Football Playoff. The action continues tonight with the Frisco Bowl, as the No. 23 Memphis Tigers take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in a showdown in the Lone Star State.

While this matchup might not be part of the playoff conversation, it still carries intrigue and implications for both teams. Here’s everything you need to know about the Frisco Bowl and what you can expect from tonight’s game between Memphis and West Virginia.

Game Details: Frisco Bowl

• Teams: No. 23 Memphis Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
• Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM ET
• Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
• TV: ESPN

The Frisco Bowl has historically been a fun and competitive matchup, and this year’s edition features a ranked Memphis squad facing off against a West Virginia team with some uncertainty but plenty of fight. While the Tigers will look to continue their strong season, the Mountaineers have some coaching changes in the works as they turn the page on a challenging year.

Why You Should Watch: Memphis Eyes Another Victory

The Memphis Tigers enter the Frisco Bowl with a 9-4 record and are ranked No. 23 in the nation. Memphis had a rocky start to the season but found its rhythm, finishing strong by winning six of their final seven games. Their offense has been one of the best in the country, averaging over 35 points per game. Led by quarterback Seth Henigan, running back Mario Anderson Jr., and wide receiver Roc Taylor, the Tigers have a high-powered offensive attack that can strike quickly and in many ways.

Key Players for Memphis:

• Seth Henigan (QB): Henigan is the key to Memphis' success. The junior signal-caller has been solid all year, throwing for over 3,100 yards with 26 touchdowns. He has the ability to make all the throws and will need to be at his best in order to keep West Virginia’s defense on its toes.
• Mario Anderson Jr. (RB): Anderson is a powerful force in the backfield, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. His ability to control the clock and wear down the defense will be critical.
• Roc Taylor (WR): Taylor has been Henigan’s go-to target, hauling in over 70 receptions for 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. Expect him to be heavily involved, especially in the passing game.

For Memphis, this is a chance to make a statement as the first ranked team to play in the 2024 bowl season. A win here would solidify their status as one of the top Group of Five teams and put a nice bow on a solid season.

Why This Could Be a Tough Task for West Virginia

The West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6) enter the Frisco Bowl in the midst of a coaching transition. Following a challenging Big 12 campaign under head coach Neal Brown, the Mountaineers have opted for a change at the top, and offensive coordinator Chad Scott will serve as the interim head coach for this game.

Despite some optimism surrounding the potential return of former head coach Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia's bowl prospects are far from certain. The team has dealt with a number of setbacks, including departures via the transfer portal, leaving them thin on both sides of the ball. With a coaching shakeup and a lot of uncertainty, it’s tough to predict how competitive they will be.

Key Players for West Virginia:

• Garrett Greene (QB): Greene has had an up-and-down year, but he remains a talented quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. However, he’ll want to forget his last performance against Texas Tech, where he threw an interception and lost a fumble in a blowout loss. If he can bounce back and play at his best, West Virginia may have a shot at keeping pace with Memphis.
• C.J. Donaldson Jr. (RB): A physical back who is capable of wearing down defenses, Donaldson is a player to watch. He will need to be a workhorse to keep Memphis' offense off the field and help control the tempo.
• Charles Woods (DB): Woods is one of the Mountaineers' best defensive backs, and his play in the secondary will be crucial if they hope to contain Memphis’ explosive passing game.

However, with so many departures and a lack of continuity, West Virginia may struggle to keep up with Memphis’ high-powered offense. This will be a tough challenge for the Mountaineers, especially with the distraction of the coaching change hanging over them.

Why This Could Disappoint: A Potential Mismatch

While the Frisco Bowl offers a great opportunity for Memphis to showcase its talent, it could also end up being a mismatch. West Virginia, with its coaching uncertainty and roster turnover, could struggle to keep pace with the Tigers’ potent attack. If the Mountaineers can’t find a way to stop Memphis' offense or generate enough offense of their own, this could quickly turn into a one-sided affair.

Still, college football fans know that bowl games can be unpredictable, and West Virginia could surprise. With new leadership at the helm and a chance to end the season on a high note, they’ll certainly give it their all.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from the Frisco Bowl

As the first ranked team to take the field in the bowl season, Memphis is eager to prove that they belong among the nation’s elite. With a dynamic offense and an opportunity to close out the season on a high, the Tigers are the heavy favorites. West Virginia, meanwhile, is looking to put a tumultuous season behind them and lay the groundwork for the future.

Whether it’s a Memphis blowout or a West Virginia upset, the Frisco Bowl promises to be an exciting matchup for college football fans. Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for some bowl action tonight!