Memphis vs. NC State: Gasparilla Bowl Preview, TV Info, and What to Watch For
Memphis football is headed to Tampa for a postseason clash with NC State in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 19, at Raymond James Stadium, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
This isn’t just another bowl game-it’s a matchup between two programs that have taken very different paths to get here, and both have plenty to prove.
Memphis Looks to Rebound Amid Coaching Turnover
The Tigers come into this one at 8-4, but the season ended on a sour note with three straight losses, including a regular-season finale against Navy. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind.
Head coach Ryan Silverfield departed for Arkansas, and Memphis moved quickly to hire Charles Huff from Southern Miss as the new man in charge. But for this game, it’ll be Reggie Howard stepping in as interim head coach.
Howard’s job? Steady the ship and get Memphis back on track for one final 2025 performance.
Despite the coaching shuffle, this is still a Tigers team that rattled off six straight wins earlier in the season and showed they can hang with just about anyone when they’re locked in. That includes a thrilling one-point win over Arkansas and a 55-point explosion at FAU.
With a month to regroup and reset, expect Memphis to come out with energy and a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
NC State Riding Late-Season Momentum
On the other side, NC State (7-5) has been trending in the right direction. The Wolfpack closed strong, winning three of their last four, including victories over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and a statement win over Florida State. That kind of late-season surge has them rolling into bowl season with confidence.
NC State’s defense has been the backbone of their success, and they’ve shown the ability to come up with timely stops in big moments. Offensively, they’ve been opportunistic, and that balance has made them a tough out down the stretch.
This game sets up as a classic contrast: Memphis’ explosive offense versus NC State’s disciplined, physical defense.
Broadcast & Streaming Info
- Channel: ESPN
- Kickoff Time: 1:30 p.m.
CT
- Announcers: Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Andre Ware (analyst), Paul Carcaterra (sideline)
- Streaming Options: Available on FUBO (free trial available for new users)
Betting Odds (as of Dec. 18)
- Spread: NC State favored by 3.5 points
- Total (Over/Under): 56.5 points
- Moneyline: NC State -175, Memphis +145
It’s expected to be a close one, and the oddsmakers agree. With a spread under a touchdown and a total hovering in the mid-50s, this has all the makings of a back-and-forth bowl battle.
A Look Back at Memphis' 2025 Season
The Tigers’ season has been a rollercoaster, but there’s no denying the highs were impressive:
- Aug. 30: vs. Chattanooga - W 45-10
- Sept. 6: at Georgia State - W 38-16
- Sept. 13: at Troy - W 28-7
- Sept. 20: vs. Arkansas - W 32-31
- Sept. 27: at FAU - W 55-26
- Oct. 4: vs.
Tulsa - W 45-7
- Oct. 18: at UAB - L 31-24
- Oct. 25: vs. USF - W 34-31
- Oct. 31: at Rice - W 38-14
- Nov. 7: vs.
Tulane - L 38-32
- Nov. 15: at East Carolina - L 31-27
- Nov. 27: vs. Navy - L (Game ended regular season)
That midseason stretch from late August through early October showed what Memphis is capable of when everything clicks. The offense was humming, and the defense was doing enough to hold leads. But the November slide raised questions-questions they’ll be looking to answer in Tampa.
Final Thought
This one has all the ingredients for a compelling bowl game: a team looking to finish strong after a coaching change, another riding a wave of momentum, and a neutral-site stage in sunny Florida. Memphis wants to close the book on 2025 with a win and set the tone for a new era under Charles Huff. NC State wants to keep building on what they’ve started.
Expect fireworks, some emotional swings, and a game that could come down to who makes the last big play.