Memphis Tigers Secure Historic 11th Win with Frisco Bowl Victory

The No. 25 Memphis Tigers closed out a stellar season with a nail-biting 42-37 triumph over the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The win marked the Tigers’ 11th of the season, matching the second-highest total in the program’s 109-year history and continuing a remarkable run under head coach Ryan Silverfield, who now holds a record five bowl wins.

Quarterback Seth Henigan ended his collegiate career in unforgettable fashion, earning Offensive MVP honors. Henigan completed 18 of 26 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns while adding 61 rushing yards on eight carries. The senior’s final game was historic; he surpassed 14,000 career passing yards, finishing at 14,266, placing him 13th in NCAA history. Henigan also tied The American Athletic Conference’s career touchdown record with his 104th scoring pass.

Wide receiver Demeer Blankumsee was another offensive standout, tallying 120 yards and a touchdown on four receptions, while Roc Taylor contributed 116 yards on five catches. The Tigers’ ground game was equally impressive, amassing 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Mario Anderson Jr. led the backfield with 70 yards and a score, while Greg Desrosiers Jr. electrified fans with a 48-yard touchdown run. Senior Brandon Thomas added a fourth-quarter touchdown, ending his Memphis career with 35 scores, ranking among the program's all-time leaders.

On defense, linebacker Chandler Martin stole the spotlight with 17 tackles, tying the program’s bowl record. His efforts earned him Defensive MVP honors. Defensive back Elijah Herring added 10 tackles and sealed the game with a late interception. Greg Rubin, in his 40th start, contributed eight tackles, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss, while Kobee Minor made seven stops and broke up a pass.

The Tigers’ defense continued their impressive streak of forcing turnovers, with a total of 37 takeaways over the last 20 games. Memphis also extended its remarkable streak of scoring at least 20 points to 40 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation.

With a two-year record of 21-5, the most wins over a two-year span in program history, the Tigers have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in college football. This season was one for the record books, and the Frisco Bowl victory was a fitting finale to a campaign defined by grit, talent, and historic milestones.