In a thrilling conclusion to their 2024 season, the West Virginia Mountaineers faced a narrow 42-37 defeat against the No. 25 Memphis Tigers in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl.
The game, held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, showcased the Mountaineers’ resilience as they battled back from multiple deficits, only to have their comeback bid fall short in the final moments.
First Half Struggles
The Mountaineers found themselves in a challenging position early on, trailing 17-0 in the first half. Memphis capitalized on West Virginia’s mistakes, building a substantial lead that put the Mountaineers on the defensive.
Greene’s Heroics Spark a Comeback
Quarterback Garrett Greene ignited a spirited comeback for West Virginia. He connected with Hudson Clement for a 33-yard touchdown pass, followed by a remarkable 56-yard touchdown run, reducing the deficit and injecting momentum into the Mountaineers’ offense.
Second Half Resilience
In the second half, Greene continued to lead the charge, adding to his impressive performance with additional scores. Despite the mounting pressure, the Mountaineers displayed unwavering determination, narrowing the gap and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Final Moments and Missed Opportunities
With the game hanging in the balance, West Virginia’s final offensive drive ended in an interception, sealing their fate and allowing Memphis to secure the victory. Greene finished the game with 328 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown, while Hudson Clement led the receiving corps with 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Season Overview and Coaching Changes
The loss brought West Virginia’s season to a close with a 6-7 record. The 2024 campaign was marked by significant challenges, including the dismissal of head coach Neal Brown on December 1, following a blowout loss to Texas Tech. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott served as the interim head coach for the bowl game.
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers have ushered in a new era with the hiring of Rich Rodriguez as head coach. Rodriguez, who previously led West Virginia from 2001 to 2007, returns with a mission to revitalize the program and build upon its storied history.
Fan Support and Future Prospects
Despite the ups and downs of the season, Mountaineer fans have remained steadfast in their support. The team’s resilience in the Frisco Bowl, particularly the standout performances by Greene and Clement, provides a foundation of optimism as they transition into the Rodriguez era.
As the offseason begins, the focus will shift to recruiting, player development, and implementing Rodriguez’s vision for the program. The Mountaineers aim to return to their winning ways and compete at the highest level in the Big 12 Conference.
In conclusion, while the Frisco Bowl loss was a disappointing end to a challenging season, it also highlighted the potential and determination within the West Virginia football program. With new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, the Mountaineers are poised to embark on a journey toward future success.
