The bowl season kicked off last week, but a busy week of college football playoffs starts tonight with the matchup between Memphis and West Virginia in the Frisco Bowl.

The Tigers come into this game full of confidence, having won their last three games, including a significant victory against Tulane that dashed their College Football Playoff ambitions. Memphis has achieved consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time in its history and is aiming for an 11th win, a feat not accomplished since 2019, thanks to their dynamic offense.

West Virginia’s season has seen its challenges, culminating in the firing of coach Neal Brown. However, there’s renewed enthusiasm with Rich Rodriguez returning to guide the Mountaineers starting next season. This bowl game will provide Rodriguez an opportunity to assess which players he wants to retain for 2025, even as several players have decided to sit this one out.

Tonight’s game is set to take place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, marking the first encounter between these two programs.

Memphis 10, West Virginia 0: Tigers capitalize on turnover

Memphis extended its lead to two scores early in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal from Tristian Vandenberg, which came after a fumble by West Virginia.

First Quarter Summary: Memphis 7, West Virginia 0

Memphis has dominated the first quarter, while West Virginia has struggled offensively.

The Mountaineers managed only 28 yards of offense and one first down in three possessions. Memphis gained favorable field position midway through the first quarter, leading to their touchdown. On their next possession, West Virginia’s C.J. Donaldson Jr. fumbled, giving Memphis excellent field position.

Memphis 7, West Virginia 0: First Score Goes to Tigers

Using advantageous field position, Memphis secured the first touchdown of the game.

A combination of rushing and passing propelled Memphis 45 yards down the field, with quarterback Seth Henigan showcasing his skills on a pivotal third down with a 23-yard run to get within five yards of the end zone. On the next play, Henigan passed to Mario Anderson Jr., who jumped over the goal line to score a 4-yard touchdown.

Frisco Bowl Matchup: Memphis vs. West Virginia

The Frisco Bowl featuring the No. 23 Memphis Tigers against the West Virginia Mountaineers kicks off at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.

Where to Watch the Frisco Bowl

The matchup between No. 23 Memphis and West Virginia will be aired live on ESPN.

Fans can also stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Watch Memphis and West Virginia in the Frisco Bowl via Fubo

Betting Odds for Memphis vs. West Virginia

According to the BetMGM odds released on Tuesday, the Memphis Tigers are favored to win against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Frisco Bowl.

• Point Spread: Memphis (-5)
• Moneyline: Memphis (-210); West Virginia (+170)
• Over/Under Total Points: 59.5

Frisco Bowl Predictions: Memphis vs. West Virginia

YSL News: Memphis Strong Favorite

• Scooby Axon: Memphis
• Jordan Mendoza: Memphis
• Paul Myerberg: West Virginia
• Erick Smith: Memphis
• Eddie Timanus: Memphis
• Dan Wolken: Memphis

Reed Wallach, Sports Illustrated: Memphis Will Prevail

Wallach states, “Despite the Tigers’ occasional defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against major plays, they can capitalize on Greene’s inconsistent decisions. In what’s essentially a close matchup, there are numerous reasons to favor the slight favorite to finish the season with a victory.”

Adam Burke, VSiN: Memphis (-5)

Burke comments, “While the Tigers have conceded quite a few points this season, West Virginia lacks the pace and effectiveness of AAC offenses. QB Garrett Greene’s 13/11 TD/INT ratio puts him at a disadvantage against Memphis, known for its defensive turnover capabilities, which could give them the upper hand in that area.”

The Athletic’s Consensus: Memphis Wins

The team at The Athletic unanimously picked Memphis as their winner, making them one of just six teams receiving such a consensus, alongside other matchups.

Clutch Points: Memphis Expected to Win

Nate Duffett argues, “Memphis’s dynamic offense is anticipated to overpower West Virginia in this contest. The Mountaineers have a tendency to lose by large margins, which poses a significant threat when facing the potent Memphis offense. Memphis is likely to secure a dominant win.”

Upcoming Bowl Game Schedule

This season, there are 46 games scheduled for college football postseason, enhanced by the expansion of the College Football Playoff, which adds excitement to the bowl season. The action commenced with the Salute to Veterans Bowl featuring South Alabama and Western Michigan on December 14, and will wrap up 37 days later with the CFP national championship game. YSL News Sports provides a detailed schedule for all upcoming bowl games. — Mark Giannotto

Memphis vs. West Virginia historical matchup

Tuesday’s Frisco Bowl is the inaugural matchup between the Memphis Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers in their program histories.