Dec 17, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. (13) runs for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second quarter at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

No. 25 Memphis unstoppable in 42-37 win over West Virginia

Seth Henigan passed for 294 yards and two touchdowns and No. 25 Memphis never trailed while notching a 42-37 victory over West Virginia on Tuesday night in the Frisco Bowl in Texas.

DeMeer Blankumsee had four catches for 120 yards and one touchdown and Roc Taylor added five receptions for 116 yards for the Tigers (11-2), who finished with the second most victories in school history.

Mario Anderson Jr. scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Brandon Thomas each rushed for one for Memphis.

Garrett Greene completed 29 of 40 passes for 328 yards, two touchdowns and one interception and also rushed for 95 yards and a score on seven attempts for West Virginia (6-7).

Hudson Clement caught 11 passes for 166 yards and two scores and CJ Donaldson rushed for 83 yards and two TDs on 22 carries for the Mountaineers.

Henigan, who hit 18 of 26 passes, finished his career with 104 touchdown passes to tie Houston’s Clayton Tune (2018-22) for the American Athletic Conference record.

Donaldson scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard run to pull the Mountaineers within five with 4:17 left in the game.

West Virginia got the ball back at its 31-yard line with 51 seconds left after Memphis’ Tristian Vandenberg was wide right on a 50-yard field goal.

However, Greene’s pass was intercepted by Elijah Herring with eight seconds left.

Memphis scored on its final five possessions of the first half and opened the second half in similar style, with Anderson’s 3-yard scoring run for a 35-17 lead.

The Mountaineers moved within 12 on Greene’s 10-yard scoring pass to Clement. West Virginia holder Leighton Bechdel dropped the snap for an unsuccessful extra point.

When the Mountaineers next had possession, they traveled 90 yards in 16 plays to move within 35-30. Donaldson rushed for the touchdown on fourth down from the 1-yard line with 12:02 remaining.

Memphis responded as Henigan hit a wide open Blankumsee for 89 yards to the 1. Thomas scored on the next play, with 10:49 left.

The Tigers scored the first 17 points — behind Henigan’s 4-yard scoring pass to Anderson, Vandenberg’s 34-yard field goal and Desrosiers’ 46-yard scamper.

West Virginia got on the board on Greene’s 33-yard pass to Clement. After Vandenburg’s 42-yard field goal, Greene scrambled 56 yards for a touchdown to bring the Mountaineers within 20-14 with 1:44 remaining in the half.

Memphis quickly drove 75 yards in 47 seconds, and Henigan tossed an 18-yard scoring pass to Blankumsee with 55 seconds to go. The duo then teamed up on a two-point conversion.

West Virginia’s Michael Hayes II kicked a 46-yard field goal to bring his team within 28-17 as time expired in the half.

–Field Level Media

Memphis' Seth Henigan (9) runs with the ball during the game between Charlotte and the University of Memphis at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Frisco Bowl: Memphis-West Virginia Preview, Props & Prediction

Seth Henigan has major credentials, but you never hear him mentioned among the top quarterbacks in the nation.

He is surprisingly invisible considering he has four consecutive 3,000-yard seasons and has thrown more than 100 career touchdown passes.

The often-overlooked Henigan will look to end his career in style when No. 25 Memphis takes on West Virginia on Tuesday night at the Frisco Bowl in Texas.

ODDS AND TRENDS
While the Tigers are 5.5-point favorites at many sportsbooks, the line has held steady at 6.0 at BetMGM. That’s because Memphis has been highly popular with the public, drawing 81 percent of the spread-line bets and 85 percent of the money.

West Virginia gave up 52 points and has allowed an average of 35 over its past seven games. Memphis isn’t exactly a defensive powerhouse, either, having surrendered 56 points to Navy and 44 to both North Texas and UTSA this season.

PROP PICK
Oddsmakers are expecting defense to be at a premium on Tuesday night. The consensus total points line among major sportsbooks is 60.5. The market opened at 56.5 at BetMGM, but quickly escalated with the public backing the Over with 78 percent of the bets and 84 percent of the money.

KEY STAT
Henigan has passed for 3,208 yards and 23 touchdowns against six interceptions this season. He holds the school and American Athletic Conference record of 13,972 passing yards and is two scoring passes behind the league mark set by Houston’s Clayton Tune (104 from 2018-22).

THE NEWS
Though Memphis (10-2) has wrapped up a second straight 10-win campaign for the first time in school history, it is a bittersweet accomplishment for Henigan. That’s because the Tigers didn’t win a single AAC title during his tenure.

“I wasn’t able to achieve any of the team accolades, which is what I’m all about,” Henigan said. “So that’s what really hurts me, just when I’m going to be looking back on my career in the future. Individual accolades will come and go and be forgotten and nobody will care. It’s all about wins and team goals.”

Henigan was a third-team All-AAC selection while star running back Mario Anderson Jr. was one of seven Tigers to earn first-team honors. Anderson has rushed for 1,292 yards and 17 touchdowns and compiled eight 100-yard outings.

Among the first-team Memphis defenders is linebacker Chandler Martin, the team leader in tackles (94), sacks (seven), stops for losses (15) and fumble recoveries (four).

Cornerback Davion Ross, who has a team-best three interceptions, is another one of the unit’s All-ACC first-teamers.

West Virginia (6-6) was torched 52-15 by host Texas Tech in the regular-season finale, and it resulted in the firing of coach Neal Brown. Former Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez was re-hired last week for a second tenure.

Offensive coordinator Chad Scott is serving as interim coach and keeping the program focused on the bowl game.

Scott said attendance in bowl practices has been 100 percent and that first-team All-Big 12 left tackle Wyatt Milum intends to play, though the coach plans to limit his time on the field.

Milum was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top interior lineman, and is considered a possible first-round choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I plan on playing,” Milum said. “It’s up to the coaches how much I play.”

Milum said the Texas Tech debacle played a part in the decision.

“I wanted to finish the season out with the guys.” he said. “I felt that would be the best thing to do. So that’s the direction I’m going with that.”

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene has had an up-down-season with nearly as many interceptions (11) as touchdown passes (13). Greene has passed for 1,972 yards.

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle TJ Jackson II was a first-team All-Big 12 choice for compiling 13.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks.

The Mountaineers played in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl last season and routed North Carolina 30-10. Memphis registered a 36-26 victory over Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.

Tuesday will mark the first meeting between the two programs.

THEY SAID IT
“You can’t break records without great people around you. So, it’s just a testament to the people I’ve played with in my four years and the coaches I’ve had that have made me the player that I am.” –Henigan, on setting the Memphis touchdown mark.

PREDICTION
West Virginia can tout the buy-in among its players leading up to the bowl game, but this is a struggling program transitioning to a new coaching staff. Memphis is led by a veteran quarterback in Henigan who is motivated to cap his record-setting career with a bowl victory. –Memphis 37, West Virginia 30

–Field Level Media

Nov 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan (9) throws before a game against the Memphis Tigers at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Seth Henigan, No. 25 Memphis chase strong finish in Frisco Bowl vs. WVU

Seth Henigan has major credentials, but you never hear him mentioned among the top quarterbacks in the nation.

He is surprisingly invisible considering he has four consecutive 3,000-yard seasons and has thrown more than 100 career touchdown passes.

The often-overlooked Henigan will look to end his career in style when No. 25 Memphis takes on West Virginia on Tuesday night at the Frisco Bowl in Texas.

Henigan has passed for 3,208 yards and 23 touchdowns against six interceptions this season. He holds the school and American Athletic Conference record of 13,972 passing yards and is two scoring passes behind the league mark set by Houston’s Clayton Tune (104 from 2018-22).

“You can’t break records without great people around you,” said Henigan, who holds the Memphis TD mark. “So it’s just a testament to the people I’ve played with in my four years and the coaches I’ve had that have made me the player that I am.”

Though Memphis (10-2) has wrapped up a second straight 10-win campaign for the first time in school history, it is a bittersweet accomplishment for Henigan. That’s because the Tigers didn’t win a single AAC title during his tenure.

“I wasn’t able to achieve any of the team accolades, which is what I’m all about,” Henigan said. “So that’s what really hurts me, just when I’m going to be looking back on my career in the future. Individual accolades will come and go and be forgotten and nobody will care. It’s all about wins and team goals.”

Henigan was a third-team All-AAC selection while star running back Mario Anderson Jr. was one of seven Tigers to earn first-team honors. Anderson has rushed for 1,292 yards and 17 touchdowns and compiled eight 100-yard outings.

Among the first-team Memphis defenders is linebacker Chandler Martin, the team leader in tackles (94), sacks (seven), stops for losses (15) and fumble recoveries (four).

Cornerback Davion Ross, who has a team-best three interceptions, is another one of the unit’s All-ACC first-teamers.

West Virginia (6-6) was torched 52-15 by host Texas Tech in the regular-season finale, and it resulted in the firing of coach Neal Brown. Former Mountaineers coach Rich Rodriguez was rehired Thursday for a second tenure.

Offensive coordinator Chad Scott is serving as interim coach and keeping the program focused on the bowl game.

Scott said attendance in bowl practices has been 100 percent and that first-team All-Big 12 left tackle Wyatt Milum intends to play, though the coach plans to limit his time on the field.

Milum was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top interior lineman, and is considered a possible first-round choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I plan on playing,” Milum said. “It’s up to the coaches how much I play.”

Milum said the Texas Tech debacle played a part in the decision.

“I wanted to finish the season out with the guys.” he said. “I felt that would be the best thing to do. So that’s the direction I’m going with that.”

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene has had an up-down-season with nearly as many interceptions (11) as touchdown passes (13). Greene has passed for 1,972 yards.

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle TJ Jackson II was a first-team All-Big 12 choice for compiling 13.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks.

The Mountaineers played in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl last season and routed North Carolina 30-10. Memphis registered a 36-26 victory over Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl.

Tuesday will mark the first meeting between the two programs.

–Field Level Media

Nov 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Tigers running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. (13) breaks away from Tulane Green Wave linebacker Chris Rodgers (4) finishing off the play with a touchdown during the second quarter at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Memphis snaps No. 17 Tulane’s eight-game winning streak

Greg Desrosiers Jr. caught two touchdown passes and ran for another score as Memphis defeated No. 17 Tulane 34-24 on Thursday night in New Orleans.

Desrosiers — who had two touchdown receptions and one rushing touchdown for the season entering the game — finished with eight catches for 84 yards and rushed six times for 41 yards as the Tigers (10-2, 6-2 American Athletic Conference) won 10 games in two consecutive seasons for the first time in school history.

Seth Henigan completed 22 of 29 passes for 218 yards and became the American’s all-time leader in career passing yards. Mario Anderson Jr. added 177 yards and a touchdown on 24 rushes.

Memphis held Makhi Hughes, who was eighth in the country with 1,291 rushing yards, to 15 yards on nine rushes and the Green Wave (9-3, 7-1) saw their eight-game winning streak end. They will face Army in the American title game Dec. 6.

Darian Mensah completed 21 of 33 throws for 317 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. That was one of three turnovers for Tulane, which didn’t take the ball away.

Desrosiers ran 29 yards for a touchdown on Memphis’ first possession of the second half, increasing the Tigers’ lead to 24-10. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Tristian Vandenberg’s 23-yard field goal increased the lead to 27-10.

Arnold Barnes III’s 2-yard touchdown run cut the lead to 27-17, but Anderson had a 47-yard touchdown sprint before Mensah threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Shazz Preston with 1:08 to go.

Tulane had allowed a total of nine points in its last three games, but on this game’s first possession Henigan threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Desrosiers.

Patrick Durkin kicked a 44-yard field goal and Mensah threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Mario Williams, who finished with 130 yards on seven catches, to give Tulane a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

On the first possession of the second quarter, Desrosiers caught a short pass from Henigan and turned it into a 25-yard touchdown. Vandenberg’s 28-yard field goal increased the lead to 17-10 at halftime.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Tulane Green Wave running back Makhi Hughes (21) scores in front of Navy Midshipmen safety Kenneth McShan (0) during the second half  at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

No. 17 Tulane meets Memphis, eyes playoff berth

Tulane has a chance to sneak into the 12-team College Football Playoff.

It’s a long shot, but it’s possible as the No. 17 Green Wave (9-2, 7-0 American Athletic Conference) face Memphis (9-2, 5-2) on Thursday night in New Orleans.

Tulane would have to beat the Tigers, top Army in the American title game on Dec. 6, and get some help.

“I don’t understand all the formulas and scenarios,” Green Wave first-year head coach Jon Sumrall said, “but if you tell me this team losing helps Tulane, then I pull for them to lose.”

But Sumrall, who was 23-4 in two seasons as head coach at Troy before joining Tulane, knows nothing else matters if his team doesn’t take care of its own business.

The Green Wave have won eight games in a row after consecutive September losses to Kansas State, which was No. 17 at the time, and then-No. 15 Oklahoma.

“We’re in the middle of a pretty good run,” Sumrall said. “This game has a lot of meaning. At this point in November, every game is a playoff game. This game is the most important game of the year. But we can’t focus on the implications of this game. It’s so much more, how do you play a good game?”

Tulane needs a win Thursday in order to host the American championship game for a third consecutive season. The Green Wave split the previous two appearances, winning its first conference title of any kind since 1998 in 2022 before coming up short last season.

The Green Wave have allowed a total of just nine points in their last three games, including a 35-0 victory at Navy in their most recent game on Nov. 16.

“The cohesion (on defense) has kicked in as time has gone on,” Sumrall said.

Tulane, which has tied a league record with 17 consecutive regular-season wins against American Athletic Conference opponents, is one of the most balanced teams in the country.

The Green Wave have two shutouts, have held four opponents to single-digit scoring, and lead the country with six defensive touchdowns.

Tulane averages 227.1 rushing yards behind Makhi Hughes, who is eighth in the country with 1,291 yards, and averages 207.3 passing yards behind efficient redshirt freshman Darian Mensah.

Memphis, which is coming off a 53-18 victory over UAB on Nov. 16, has one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country in Seth Henigan, whose four touchdown passes against UAB gave him 100 in his four seasons at the school.

“It’s been fun to stick with a young man who has stuck with our program,” Tigers coach Ryan Silverfield said. “He had opportunities to go other places. It’s been a win-win for everybody. That loyalty is rare in this day and age of college football.”

A victory over Tulane would give Memphis back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history.

“Winning 10 games in college football is very, very difficult,” Silverfield said. “I don’t care where you’re at. I don’t care if you’re at Oregon, Ohio State, anywhere. Winning 10 games is very hard, and doing it two years in a row means you’re sustaining success.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; a general view of the stadium during the AFC versus NFC Pro Bowl practice and media day at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

USF-Memphis game moved to Orlando after Milton

Already moved on the calendar because of Hurricane Milton, the upcoming game between South Florida and Memphis is also changing locations.

The American Athletic Conference announced Thursday that the game would be moved from Tampa to Orlando, at Camping World Stadium. Earlier this week, the game was moved from its original Friday slot to Saturday. Kickoff will remain at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Orlando will now host two games on Saturday, as UCF will face Cincinnati in a Big 12 game at the Knights’ FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Milton made landfall in the Tampa area on Wednesday evening and tore through much of Central Florida. As of Thursday night, at least a dozen people had been killed by the storm and more than 2 million remained without power. The storm also ripped most of the roof off Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

–Field Level Media

Motorist make their way North on I-75 Monday afternoon, October 7, 2024 as some were evacuating from South Florida because of Hurricane Milton which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday near the Tampa Bay area. Residents of Marion County were preparing for Hurricane Milton Monday afternoon, at local supply stores like Home Depot and people were grabbing their 10 bags of sand at locations throughout the city and county.

Memphis-USF game in Tampa moved to Saturday due to Milton

Friday night’s game between Memphis and host South Florida in Tampa, Fla., has been rescheduled for Saturday due to Hurricane Milton.

The American Athletic Conference announced the change on Tuesday. Saturday’s game at Raymond James Stadium will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, conditions permitting.

Memphis (4-1, 0-1 AAC) dropped its league opener at Navy, 56-44, on Sept. 21.

South Florida (2-3, 0-1) has been idle since a 45-10 defeat at Tulane in its AAC opener on Sept. 28.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers linebacker Chandler Martin (11) against Tulane Green Wave offensive linemen Rashad Green (69) during the second half at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Memphis, South Florida, UTSA, Tulane pledge to stay in American

The next spin on the conference realignment carousel won’t include Memphis, South Florida, UTSA or Tulane.

The American Athletic Conference released a statement Monday saying those four schools are committed to remaining in the league, following reports that they could be targets of the rebuilding Pac-12 Conference.

At the same time, all 15 member institutions published graphics on social media that plotted their locations on a map, with one word prominently featured: “Committed.”

“We are the American Athletic Conference. A conference that prioritizes student-athlete welfare, has proud academic institutions, produces fierce competition at the highest level, and has outstanding linear and direct-to-consumer national media partners,” the AAC’s statement read.

“Together, we are committed to continuing to build the American brand, exploring new opportunities for exposure and value, and developing innovative economic resources — all in service of our student-athletes.”

The statement acknowledged that some of its member institutions received interest from “other conferences.” Though the schools weren’t named, the corresponding social media post featured the logos of Memphis, South Florida, UTSA and Tulane across the top.

The AAC said it was “in our individual and collective best interests to uphold our commitment to each other.”

The Pac-12 began a regrowth of sorts two weeks ago when it was announced the league would add Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State from the Mountain West in 2026. Joining Oregon State and Washington State, that would bring the league to six members, with eight the minimum required for the league to be recognized as an FBS conference once again.

Memphis, Tulane and others were reported to be among the Pac-12’s next targets.

“The landscape of college athletics has shifted dramatically in the past few years,” the University of Memphis said in its own statement. “With that, our focus has remained on ensuring our student-athletes are given the best possible environment to perform their sports and academics at the highest level. After considering other potential options, we have decided our current partnership with the American Athletic Conference is in the best interest of our student-athletes and the future of our University.”

The AAC has 14 football-playing members after losing SMU to the ACC but adding Army ahead of the 2024 season. Army and Navy are football-only members, while Wichita State plays most of its sports in the AAC but does not field a football team.

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (4) is tackled against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State, desperate to avoid 0-3 start, hosts Memphis

With his team reeling after an 0-2 start, Florida State coach Mike Norvell faces his former program on Saturday when the Seminoles host Memphis in Tallahassee, Fla.

Although Florida State leads the all-time series 10-7-1 and has won the past four meetings, this will be the first time the two teams have played since 1990.

There’s plenty of familiarity, though, as Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield leads the Tigers (2-0) into this huge opportunity game on the road against Norvell, who coached at Memphis from 2016-19. Silverfield served as one of Norvell’s assistants.

“Obviously, there’s a great relationship with Mike Norvell and everything he meant to this university, and I know quite a few people on that staff, but this game will not be a Silverfield vs. Norvell,” Silverfield said this week.

The Seminoles’ season couldn’t have gone any worse so far.

The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference champions went from top 10 to unranked, and are already in a major hole at 0-2 in the conference standings following losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College.

Memphis presents another challenge as it has designs on making the College Football Playoff as a Group of Five team.

The Seminoles rank last among 17 ACC teams in scoring offense, total offense and rushing offense. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei ranks 14th among ACC starting quarterbacks in passer rating (116.5).

“It’s definitely not all on him. I’ve really liked his mindset and his approach. He’s got a lot of experience, and he understands how to play the game,” Norvell said about Uiagalelei, who’s in his first season as Florida State’s starter after transferring from Oregon State. “He understands how to respond to good and obviously to responding to some of the challenges that showed up. I think he’s brought the right attitude and approach to what we need and to what we need to continue to do as this offense is growing together.”

The Memphis offense has not had much trouble in wins over North Alabama and Troy so far, averaging 39 points per game.

Quarterback Seth Henigan has been sharp, completing 42 of 60 passes for 469 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Mario Anderson is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and has 171 yards and four touchdowns through the Tigers’ first two games.

–Field Level Media

April 10, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA;  Christian Kline of FedEx participates in a safety wiring demonstration as part of the aerospace maintenance competition at the Aviation Week Network's MRO Americas at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY NETWORK

FedEx, Memphis enter $25M NIL partnership

FedEx is entering into a five-year, $25 million name, image and likeness commitment that will benefit student-athletes at Memphis, particularly in the Tigers’ football and men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as additional women’s sports.

The shipping giant, which launched its operations in Memphis in 1973, has annual revenues of $88 billion.

As part of the initiative, Memphis athletes receiving NIL funding will participate in FedEx initiatives via social media and in person around the city. The company supports events that include the FedEx/St. Jude Championships, the Southern Heritage Classic and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, all in Memphis.

“We evaluated the evolving NIL landscape, exploring how we can best deliver positive impact to student-athletes and connect them to meaningful opportunities for both themselves and the community and made the decision to reallocate marketing funds to an NIL platform,” said Brian Philips, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer at FedEx, in a news release. “This gives us an opportunity to invest in bright, young athletes in our great hometown of Memphis, strengthening our connection to the next generation of leaders.”

The program was announced Friday via a social media video that featured both FedEx employees and Memphis athletes.

The first FedEx in-person NIL initiative will be a tailgate event at Memphis’ spring football game, featuring the women’s soccer team.

Athletic director Laird Veatch told 929 ESPN radio in Memphis on Friday that the contribution includes a clause stipulating a 50 percent match and that the university will launch a campaign to raise $2.5 million per year.

Veatch acknowledged the boost the FedEx partnership will give to his department.

“It does elevate us to a highly competitive NIL space, and it’s something that’s sustainable at the same time,” Veatch said. “If you ask many athletic directors around the country, I don’t know that they’d be in a position to say that.”

This is not the first partnership between the company and school. The campus has a degree program for FedEx employees and also boasts the FedEx Institute of Technology. Company CEO Fred Smith agreed to donate $50 million from his personal foundation for renovations for the Tigers’ football stadium.

–Field Level Media