On a chilly December night in Frisco, Texas, the stage was set for a showdown that would define the 2024 Frisco Bowl. Memphis and West Virginia, two teams eager to cap off their seasons with a victory, faced off in a game that would keep fans on the edge of their seats until the very last play. As the stadium lights flickered on, casting long shadows over the field, a palpable sense of anticipation buzzed through the air.
The first half was a story of grit and resilience. Memphis, led by their dynamic quarterback, Ryan Williams, came out swinging. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, with Williams directing traffic, effortlessly moving the ball downfield. He was sharp, threading passes through tight windows, and his connection with wide receiver Elijah Grant was nothing short of magical. Grant, with his precise route running and blazing speed, found himself in the end zone early, putting Memphis on the scoreboard first with a 35-yard touchdown reception.
West Virginia wasnโt about to let the game slip away easily, however. Their quarterback, Jake Matthews, was no stranger to pressure situations, and he proved it early on. Matthews orchestrated a methodical drive, hitting his tight end, Marcus Henderson, on a critical third down to set up a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Nate Rivers. The Mountaineers followed that up with a defensive stand, stifling Memphisโs next possession and forcing a field goal attempt that sailed wide left. The first half ended with both teams knotted at 17, leaving everyone wondering who would emerge in the second half.
As the third quarter began, the energy in the stadium shifted. The Mountaineers came out firing, their defense beginning to impose its will. West Virginiaโs linebacker, Tom Johnson, was everywhereโblitzing, disrupting the pocket, and pressuring Williams into hurried throws. The relentless pressure paid off when Johnson intercepted a tipped pass on Memphisโs opening drive of the second half. Matthews and the offense took advantage of the turnover, executing a surgical, 5-minute drive that ended in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Devonte Thomas, giving West Virginia a 24-17 lead.
But Memphis wasnโt done. With the game hanging in the balance, Williams showed his poise. He went back to Grant, who had been relatively quiet since his touchdown, and the two connected again, this time on a 60-yard strike that set Memphis up inside the 10-yard line. Williams finished the drive with a short touchdown run, tying the game at 24.
The final minutes of the game were pure chaos. West Virginia, up 31-24, seemed to have the game under control when Matthews threw a long pass down the sideline to his receiver, Jalen Carter, who had a step on the cornerback. But just as it seemed Carter would secure the catch, Memphisโs cornerback, DeMarcus Allen, leaped in front for a game-changing interception. With less than two minutes left, Memphis had life.
Williams, with the game in his hands, orchestrated a quick, efficient drive. The crowd was deafening, but the calm quarterback ignored the noise and delivered a 20-yard strike to tight end Kyle Harris for the go-ahead touchdown. Memphis was now up 35-31, with under a minute remaining.
West Virginiaโs desperation drive fell short as their final pass attempt was deflected by Memphisโs defense. Still, the Mountaineers werenโt done yet. They pulled off a miraculous onside kick recovery with only 15 seconds left, setting up one final play. But just as Matthews went to launch a Hail Mary into the end zone, Memphisโs defensive line, led by lineman Chris Wilson, collapsed the pocket, sacking Matthews as time expired.
The final score was 42-37, with Memphis emerging victorious in a game that will be remembered for its dramatic momentum shifts and explosive plays. The Frisco Bowl had lived up to every bit of its hype, showcasing the resilience of two teams who refused to back down.