The Memphis Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack are set to clash in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday. This matchup takes place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Matchup Overview: Memphis Tigers vs. NC State Wolfpack
This game marks the first encounter between the Memphis Tigers (8-4) and NC State Wolfpack (7-5). Memphis enters the bowl after a challenging finish to the season, losing their last three games. They also struggled against the spread, going 0-3 in that span. Notably, head coach Ryan Silverfield has left to coach Arkansas, leaving assistant Reggie Howard as the interim coach for this game. Charles Huff, previously from Southern Mississippi, will take over the head coaching role after the bowl.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
Memphis’s offense features quarterback Brendon Lewis, who had an impressive season with a 69.7% completion rate, throwing for 2,567 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also contributed significantly on the ground with 618 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
The Tigers have a solid running back group, including Greg Desrosiers Jr., Frank Peasant, and Sutton Smith, all contributing 7 rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. stands out with 63 receptions, 889 yards, and 8 touchdown catches, making up 50% of the team’s receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Sam Brumfield has been a standout player with 106 total tackles, 13 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Kicker Gianni Spetic has also made headlines, hitting 15 field goals, including four from over 50 yards, along with a perfect record on extra points.
NC State Wolfpack Update
For NC State, a notable development is running back Hollywood Smothers, who has entered the transfer portal. He had a strong season with 939 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, but reports suggest he may still participate in the game. Tight end Justin Joly, an NFL prospect with 7 touchdown receptions, is also expected to play, although his future is uncertain.
NC State has faced challenges in bowl games recently, losing five straight since their last victory in 2017. Their most recent appearance ended in a loss against East Carolina in the Military Bowl, and they previously won the St. Petersburg Bowl in 2014.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current betting lines for Memphis vs. NC State are as follows:
| Betting Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Memphis +145 | NC State -175 |
| Against the Spread (ATS) | Memphis +3.5 | NC State -3.5 |
| Over/Under | 56.5 |
Predictions lean towards a competitive match. Experts suggest a projected score of NC State 36, Memphis 31. For conservative bettors, NC State’s moneyline of -175 could represent good value. However, the interim coaching situation at Memphis raises questions about their performance.
Final Thoughts
While both teams have the potential for an explosive offensive display, recent defensive struggles could lead to a high-scoring affair. The Over/Under is a key consideration, as both squads have shown vulnerabilities in their defenses throughout the season.
This matchup in the Gasparilla Bowl promises to be an exciting conclusion to the college football season for both teams as they seek to start the next chapter on a positive note.
