Can Memphis football beat NC State in Gasparilla Bowl? Our prediction

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

There’s been plenty of change over the past few weeks, but Memphis football’s focus is back on the field.

The Tigers (8-4) will face NC State (7-5) in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 19 (1:30 p.m., ESPN). While Memphis is heading into the game with an interim coach, it’s still an opportunity to earn a bowl win over a power conference team for the third straight season.

Memphis has lost three games in a row, including the loss to Navy on Nov. 27 that ultimately served as coach Ryan Silverfield’s final game. He left for Arkansas three days later and the Tigers eventually hired Charles Huff.

But Huff, who was the coach at Southern Miss, won’t take over until after the bowl game. Reggie Howard will serve as interim head coach.

Here’s a scouting report and a prediction for the game.

How Memphis is handling coaching changes ahead of Gasparilla Bowl

It wasn’t only Silverfield who left the Tigers after the end of the regular season. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, receivers coach Larry Smith and offensive line coach Jeff Myers left for Arkansas as well, so Howard — the Memphis defensive backs coach — will be working with a seriously undermanned offensive coaching staff.

Tight ends coach Brad Salem and quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart will serve as co-offensive coordinators for the game. The Tigers still have most of their roster intact and will obviously run the same offense, but quarterback Brendon Lewis will have a different voice in his ears.

NC State led by CJ Bailey, Hollywood Smothers

Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey has two more seasons of eligibility remaining and has a decision to make after the game, but he’s expected to start in the Gasparilla Bowl. Bailey threw for 2,884 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025.

Smothers is NC State’s leading rusher and could go over 1,000 yards for the season in this game. He’s rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns this season.

On the other side of the ball, it’s all about linebacker Caden Fordham. He led the ACC and was fifth in the country in tackles this season with 130. He also tallied 3.5 sacks and an interception.

Memphis motivated to end season with win

The Tigers obviously want to send their seniors out with a win, and there are plenty of key players for Memphis who will play their final game in Tampa. That includes all four of Memphis’ captains in Lewis, defensive lineman William Whitlow Jr., left tackle Chris Adams and running back Greg Desrosiers Jr.

Memphis is playing one of the earlier bowl games, and that’s meant there aren’t a ton of opt outs or players already announcing they’re planning to enter the transfer portal.

Huff isn’t expected to be with the Tigers, but roster retention will be one of his early priorities after the game.

Memphis vs. NC State prediction

NC State 38, Memphis 35. It should be a competitive game, with Memphis’ coaching changes canceled out by what’s obviously a high-motivation spot for the Tigers. In the end, the Wolfpack make one more play at the end.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Can Memphis football beat NC State in Gasparilla Bowl? Our prediction

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos