FRISCO, Texas — Memphis capped off a historic season with a thrilling 45-37 win over West Virginia in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, securing their 11th victory of the year—just one shy of the program record.
Fueled by a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead and held off a late rally from the Mountaineers to claim their third win over a Power Four conference team in two seasons.
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan shined in his final game in a Tigers uniform, passing for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. The senior set the tone early, getting the offense into a rhythm on the Tigers’ first drive of the game. On third-and-four, Henigan scrambled for a 23-yard gain to the 4-yard line. He capped off the drive with a shovel pass to Mario Anderson for a 4-yard touchdown, giving Memphis an early 7-0 lead.
The Memphis defense complemented the offense in the first quarter. After forcing a punt on West Virginia’s opening drive, former White Station Spartan Greg Rubin punched the ball out of CJ Donaldson Jr.'s hands, and the Tigers recovered. Memphis settled for a Tristan Vandenberg field goal following the fumble recovery, extending their lead to 10-0. The Tigers' defense continued to stifle the Mountaineers, forcing a turnover on downs at midfield on the next drive.
The Tigers capitalized on the turnover with a spectacular play from Greg Desrosiers Jr., who showcased his dynamic ability by slicing through the Mountaineers’ defense and tight-roping the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown. The score extended Memphis’ lead to 17-0.
West Virginia’s offense, which started with two punts and two turnovers, began to come alive. The Mountaineers scored back-to-back touchdowns, including a 56-yard touchdown run by Garrett Greene. Vandenberg added another field goal between the two West Virginia scores, and Memphis held a 20-14 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the half.
With Greene attempting to steal the spotlight late in the second quarter, Henigan delivered a response. The Memphis quarterback fired a pinpoint pass to the back of the end zone, where Demeer Blankumsee toe-tapped for a touchdown, pushing the Tigers’ lead to 28-14 at halftime.
The back-and-forth theme of the second quarter carried into the second half. Anderson capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown on the Tigers’ first possession of the third quarter. West Virginia responded with back-to-back touchdowns, cutting the lead to five points. But Memphis answered again, as Henigan connected with Roc Taylor for an 89-yard gain, and Brandon Thomas finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 42-30.
With just over four minutes remaining, Greene and the Mountaineers cut the lead back to five, keeping the game alive. Memphis responded by taking over three minutes off the clock on their next drive. Vandenberg had a chance to push the lead to eight but missed a 50-yard field goal, leaving the door open for West Virginia.
Greene led the Mountaineers on a last-minute drive, but Memphis linebacker Elijah Herring sealed the game with a clutch interception, putting the finishing touch on a remarkable season.
Henigan concluded his Memphis career as the program’s all-time leader in passing yards (14,266), touchdowns (104), and completions (1,147)—records previously held by Brady White. Henigan now ranks in the top 15 for career passing yards in NCAA history.