Memphis football vs. NC State in Gasparilla Bowl: Prediction, matchup

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Things are about to change in major ways for Memphis football, but first it has to finish off the 2025 season.

The Tigers (8-4, 4-4 American Conference) will face NC State (7-5, 4-4 ACC) in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 19 (1:30 p.m. CT, ESPN) in Tampa. They will have an interim coach in Reggie Howard after Ryan Silverfield left for Arkansas on Nov. 30; former Southern Miss coach Charles Huff was announced as the new Memphis coach on Dec. 6.

But before the Huff era begins, Howard — the defensive backs coach — will lead the Tigers against the Wolf Pack. It’s a chance for Memphis to end its three-game losing streak and go out with a win in 2025.

Here’s a primer on what to expect in the game.

NC State coming off back-to-back wins

The Wolfpack beat Florida State and North Carolina in their last two games. They had an up-and-down season that included upset wins over Virginia and Georgia Tech but also key losses in conference play.

Memphis and NC State do have a common opponent in East Carolina. The Wolfpack beat the Pirates 24-17 on Aug. 28; the Tigers lost 31-27 on Nov. 15.

NC State is led by quarterback C.J. Bailey (2,884 passing yards, 23 TDs) and running back Hollywood Smothers (939 rushing yards, six touchdowns). Smothers, tight end Justin Joly and linebacker Caden Fordham were named to the All-ACC first team.

Tigers trying to end three-game skid

Memphis has plenty of seniors who will be motivated to end their college careers with a win. That includes starting quarterback Brendon Lewis, who has battled through an ankle injury during the back half of the season but hasn’t miss a start.

While bowl player opt-outs have become common in college football, the fact that this is an early bowl game means Memphis might not end up with as many opt-outs as other teams. The transfer portal window also moved back this season and will not open until Jan. 2.

The Tigers also might have more staff changes before the game. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey and other offensive staffers are expected to follow Silverfield to Arkansas and might not be available for the Gasparilla.

Memphis vs. NC State prediction

NC State 38, Memphis 35. There are so many unknowns heading into this game, especially on the Memphis side with an interim coaching staff. That could lead to a fun game.

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis vs. NC State in Gasparilla Bowl: Score prediction, matchup

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