The 2024 college football season ended excitedly as the West Virginia Mountaineers faced the Memphis Tigers in the highly anticipated Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. The game occurred at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, and brought together two teams with contrasting journeys this season.
It was a chance for Memphis to cap off a strong season with an impressive bowl win. It allowed West Virginia to turn the page on a challenging year and look forward to a fresh start under a new head coach.
Memphis’ Momentum and Henigan’s Heroics
The Memphis Tigers entered the game with a stellar 10-2 record, earning the No. 25 spot in the rankings. They were led by their standout quarterback, Seth Henigan, who had an extraordinary season. Henigan, a senior from nearby Denton, Texas, played in front of a hometown crowd. He had already set the American Athletic Conference record for career touchdown passes, with 104 coming into the game.
Henigan’s leadership and consistency had been the driving force for Memphis all season. The Tigers’ offence was known for its speed and big plays, and the Frisco Bowl gave Henigan another opportunity to showcase his talents.
A Tough Season for West Virginia
West Virginia, on the other hand, faced a turbulent year. Finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record, the Mountaineers struggled to find consistency. The program made the tough decision to part ways with head coach Neal Brown before the bowl game. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott was named interim head coach, stepping in to lead the team in the Frisco Bowl.
Despite the challenges, there was optimism among the West Virginia faithful. The university announced that former head coach Rich Rodriguez would return to lead the program next season. The Mountaineers were focused on finishing the season strong against a formidable Memphis team.
First Half: A Defensive Battle
The game began with Memphis receiving the opening kickoff. The Tigers wasted no time making their presence felt as Henigan orchestrated a sharp opening drive. A mix of short passes and quick runs kept the West Virginia defence off balance. The drive ended with Henigan finding wide receiver Roc Taylor for a 25-yard touchdown, putting Memphis ahead 7-0.
West Virginia responded with a methodical drive of its own. Quarterback Garrett Greene, who showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, used his legs and arm to move the ball effectively. Jahiem White ran back into the end zone on a 10-yard run, tying the game at 7-7.
The rest of the first half turned into a defensive struggle. Both teams tightened up, forcing punts and preventing any big plays. Memphis regained the lead in the second quarter with a 45-yard field goal from Caden Costa. West Virginia answered just before halftime with a 38-yard field goal from Michael Hayes II, sending the teams into the locker room tied at 10-10.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts
West Virginia came out strong to start the second half. After a solid kickoff return, the Mountaineers put together an impressive drive. Greene connected with wide receiver Hudson Clement on a 30-yard touchdown pass, giving West Virginia its first lead at 17-10.
Memphis refused to back down. Henigan, displaying his signature poise, led the Tigers on a quick drive. Running back Mario Anderson Jr. broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run, evening the score at 17-17. The Tigers’ no-huddle offence kept West Virginia’s defence on its heels throughout the drive.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter, the tension in the stadium grew. Both defences stepped up, creating turnovers and preventing any significant scoring opportunities. Memphis finally broke through with under five minutes left in the game. Henigan led the Tigers on a decisive drive, capping it off with a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Wilson Jr., putting Memphis ahead 24-17.
West Virginia’s Final Push
With time running out, West Virginia had one last chance to tie the game. Greene, showing determination, drove the Mountaineers into Memphis territory. However, the Tigers’ defence stood firm. Linebacker Chandler Martin made the play of the game, intercepting a pass intended for West Virginia’s wide receiver. The turnover allowed Memphis to run out the clock and secure the win.
Post-Game Reflections
The victory was a significant achievement for Memphis and head coach Ryan Silverfield. After the game, Silverfield praised his team’s effort and resilience.
“Our players showed incredible heart tonight,” Silverfield said. “Seth [Henigan] was outstanding, as always, and our defence made big plays when needed. This win means a lot to our program.”
The loss was a brutal way for West Virginia to end the season, but interim head coach Chad Scott found positives in the team’s performance.
“I’m proud of our guys for how they competed,” Scott said. “This has been a challenging year, but they never quit. We’ll use this experience as a stepping stone for the future.”
Henigan’s Legacy
Seth Henigan’s performance in the Frisco Bowl added another chapter to his remarkable college career. Finishing with 256 passing yards and two touchdowns, Henigan cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in Memphis history. Playing close to home, in front of friends and family, made the victory even more special for the senior quarterback.
“It was an incredible feeling to play here and win in front of my loved ones,” Henigan said. “This team has been like a family to me, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together.”
What’s Next for Both Programs?
For Memphis, the win in the Frisco Bowl highlighted another successful season. The Tigers have been one of the most consistent programs in the AAC, and this victory further solidified their reputation. Memphis will build on this momentum and continue competing at a high level.
West Virginia’s focus now shifts to the future under Rich Rodriguez. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, Rodriguez is expected to bring fresh energy to the program. Mountaineer fans hope his return will signal a turnaround for a team with a proud football tradition.
A Game to Remember
The 2024 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl delivered all the excitement and drama college football fans could hope for. From Henigan’s heroics to West Virginia’s spirited effort, the game showcased determination and skill.
For Memphis, it was a triumphant end to a strong season. It was a chance for West Virginia to reflect and prepare for what’s next. Either way, the Frisco Bowl provided a memorable conclusion to the year for both teams.
Tech enthusiast and digital expert, Techo Wise is the driving force behind techowise.com. With years of experience in viral trends and cutting-edge software tools, Techo Wise delivers insightful content that keeps readers updated on the latest in technology, software solutions, and trending digital innovations.
