Get ready for an exciting college football showdown as the Memphis Tigers aim to end the 2025 season on a high note! But here's the twist: they're up against the NC State Wolfpack, and it's a battle that could spark some serious debate among fans.
The Tigers, once in the running for a potential American Conference College Football Playoff berth, are now facing a challenging end to their season with three consecutive losses. Can they turn it around against NC State?
Memphis vs NC State: A Tale of Two Teams
Memphis, with an 8-4 record, takes on NC State (7-5) in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, on Friday, December 19, at 2:30 p.m. ET. It's a game that promises to be a thrilling watch, especially with the Wolfpack's recent wins over Florida State and North Carolina, earning them bowl eligibility.
But here's where it gets controversial... Memphis has been dealing with some off-field changes too. Head coach Ryan Silverfield has departed for an SEC job with Arkansas, leaving Reggie Howard as the interim head coach for this game. Ryan Huff is set to take over for the 2026 season, but will the Tigers be able to focus amidst these transitions?
NC State, under head coach Dave Doeren, is aiming for its eighth eight-win season in 13 years. However, the Wolfpack haven't tasted victory in a bowl game since 2017. Will they break that drought today?
Live Updates: Memphis vs NC State
USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live updates from the Gasparilla Bowl. Follow along as we bring you the latest scores, highlights, and analysis.
Memphis vs NC State Score
TEAMS | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F
Memphis | 0 | 7 | - | - | -
NC State | 14 | 10 | - | - | -
Live Updates
- Memphis-NC State live score: Wolfpack 24, Tigers 0 (2Q)
- Memphis strikes back with a touchdown! Receiver Jamari Hawkins catches a pass from Brendon Lewis, breaking tackles and taking it in for a 28-yard score. It's now 24-7 NC State with 4:59 left in the first half.
- Kanoah Vinnesett hits a 51-yard field goal, extending NC State's lead to 24-0 with 8:03 left in the first half.
- Gianni Spetic misses a 56-yard field goal attempt, leaving Memphis scoreless with 10:33 left in the first half.
- Will Wilson sneaks in for a touchdown, extending NC State's lead to 21-0.
- End of the first quarter: NC State leads 14-0.
- Caden Fordham intercepts a pass from Brendon Lewis, setting up another scoring opportunity for the Wolfpack.
- CJ Bailey connects with Wesley Grimes for a 31-yard touchdown, making it 14-0 NC State with 3:21 left in the first quarter.
- NC State forces a three-and-out, intercepting CJ Bailey and stopping Memphis' drive.
- CJ Bailey strikes first with a 14-yard touchdown, giving NC State a 7-0 lead.
- NC State is without its offensive star, Hollywood Smothers, for today's game.
- NC State wins the coin toss and elects to receive, with Memphis defending the north goal.
Pregame Stats and Analysis
CJ Bailey, the sophomore quarterback from Miami, starts for the Wolfpack. He's been a standout performer, with 40 passing touchdowns in his first two seasons as the starter.
Brandon Lewis, a redshirt senior and sixth-year college football player, will lead Memphis. He transferred from Nevada to Memphis this offseason and has impressive stats to his name.
Memphis vs NC State: A Historic First
This Gasparilla Bowl matchup marks the first-ever football encounter between these two programs. NC State leads Memphis 3-2 in men's basketball, with their last meeting in 2019.
How to Watch: Memphis vs NC State
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Livestream: Fubo (free trial)
- Date: Friday, December 19
- Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
You can catch all the action on ESPN, with Anish Shroff and Andre Ware providing commentary from the booth, and Paul Carcaterra reporting from the sidelines.
Predictions and Odds
According to BetMGM as of Thursday, December 18:
- Spread: NC State (-3.5)
- Over/under: 56.5
- Moneyline: NC State -175 | Memphis +145
- Prediction: NC State 35, Memphis 24
NC State's offense is favored, but will Memphis surprise everyone with a strong performance despite their recent losses and coaching changes?
And this is the part most people miss... the beauty of sports is that anything can happen. Will Memphis pull off an upset? Or will NC State dominate as predicted?
What do you think? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you.
