Gasparilla Bowl Preview: Memphis Looks to Finish Strong Amid Coaching Changes vs. NC State
The Memphis Tigers have had their share of turbulence over the past few weeks, but come Dec. 19, all eyes are back on the field. The Tigers (8-4) are set to take on NC State (7-5) in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa (1:30 p.m.
ET, ESPN). And while the headlines have been dominated by coaching moves, the real story now is about finishing the season on a high note - and possibly knocking off a Power Five opponent in a bowl game for the third straight year.
A New Voice on the Sideline - But the Same Fight on the Field
Memphis is heading into this one under the direction of interim head coach Reggie Howard, the Tigers’ defensive backs coach. That’s because Ryan Silverfield’s tenure ended after the regular season finale against Navy - a loss that marked Memphis’ third straight - and he accepted a job at Arkansas shortly after. The Tigers moved quickly to tab former Southern Miss head coach Charles Huff as their next leader, but Huff won’t take over until after the bowl game.
Howard won’t just be patching the headset left by Silverfield. He’s also stepping in with a reshuffled offensive staff.
Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, wide receivers coach Larry Smith, and offensive line coach Jeff Myers all followed Silverfield to Arkansas. That leaves tight ends coach Brad Salem and quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart sharing play-calling duties as co-offensive coordinators for the bowl game.
Despite the coaching turnover, the Tigers’ core roster remains largely intact. Quarterback Brendon Lewis will still be at the helm, but he’ll be hearing a new voice in his ear - and that can matter in a game like this. Continuity is key in bowl prep, and Memphis will be leaning on veteran leadership to bridge the gap.
NC State’s Balanced Attack: Bailey and Smothers Lead the Way
On the other sideline, NC State comes in with a pair of offensive weapons who have quietly put together strong seasons. Quarterback CJ Bailey has thrown for nearly 2,900 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, and he’s expected to start in Tampa despite having a decision to make about his future. He’s shown poise and arm talent, and he’ll be a challenge for Memphis’ secondary.
Running back Hollywood Smothers is another name to watch. He’s just 61 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark and has six touchdowns to his name this season. He brings a physical edge to the run game, and if NC State gets rolling on the ground, it could open up the playbook for Bailey to stretch the field.
Defensively, the Wolfpack are anchored by linebacker Caden Fordham - a tackling machine who led the ACC and finished fifth nationally with 130 total stops this season. He’s not just racking up numbers either; Fordham has 3.5 sacks and an interception to go along with his sideline-to-sideline range. He’s the kind of player who can wreck a game plan if not accounted for.
Tigers Playing for More Than Just a Trophy
For Memphis, this game is about more than just a bowl win. It’s a chance to send off a senior class that’s helped shape the program’s identity over the past few years.
All four team captains - Brendon Lewis, defensive lineman William Whitlow Jr., left tackle Chris Adams, and running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. - are playing their final game in a Tigers uniform. And with the early bowl date, Memphis has largely avoided the wave of opt-outs and transfer portal departures that have hit other programs.
That kind of stability matters. It means Memphis will be close to full strength, and that gives them a real shot to go toe-to-toe with a solid ACC opponent.
For the seniors, it’s one last chance to leave their mark. For the underclassmen, it’s a springboard into the Charles Huff era.
The Bottom Line
This one has all the makings of a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle. Memphis has motivation and veteran leadership.
NC State has balance on offense and a defensive star in Fordham. The Tigers’ coaching shuffle adds some uncertainty, but the locker room still seems locked in and ready to compete.
Prediction: NC State 38, Memphis 35. Expect fireworks - and maybe a few momentum swings - but in the end, the Wolfpack might have just enough to make one more play when it counts.
Still, don’t be surprised if Memphis makes this one go down to the wire. This group has been through a lot, but they’ve got one more fight left in them.