In what has turned into an annual occurrence, the Memphis Tigers have opened a new week of postseason football in the heart of December. Memphis football has made a habit of playing and winning bowl games for the 12 years the Memphis Tigers have played into December, with meaningful football on the line, and this year is no different as they end the season on Friday with a chance to win a 9th game on the season and another win over a Power Four opponet this time for a first ever meeting with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. 

Memphis comes into the bowl week without former Head Coach Ryan Silverfield at the helm for the first time since the 2019 Cotton Bowl, since he took the Arkansas job a few weeks ago. Although not on the sideline this week, Memphis is entering a new era following the bowl game with the hiring of Charles Huff, but the 2025 Memphis Tigers team has a job to finish, and they have a formidable foe in a 7-5 North Carolina State team that finished the ACC conference slate with four wins. 

Memphis and NC State have never played before, and the 2025 Union Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl will be the first-ever meeting between the two. 

As far as the matchup goes, Memphis and North Carolina State are about even. Like Memphis, the Wolfpack has a mobile quarterback. NC State also has an agile running back in Hollywood Smothers, who led the ACC in rushing this season with 85.4 yards per game. On the defensive side of the ball, NC State has Caden Fordham at linebacker, who not only leads the ACC in tackles but leads the nation as well with 10.8 per game. 

For Memphis, with only one opt-out, with Coach Reggie Howard at the helm on Friday, the mission is simple: finish the job. Continue what you’ve been building as the program turns the page to a new era of Memphis football led by a proven winner in Coach Charles Huff. Memphis has the opportunity on Friday to win a ninth game, while beating another power four team, all the while once again showcasing that even without a coach, Memphis football is bigger than any one person. Finish the job and set the tone for the 2026 season that bridges the gap for Tigers football. 

Memphis and North Carolina State will get underway in the 2025 Union Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl with a kickoff slated for 2:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. 

Photo Credits – Memphis Football on X