It’s all right, college football fans. You can admit it. We get you. Most of you are just waiting for the weekend, when the truly meaningful postseason games in the Football Bowl Subdivision will take place. But hey, non-playoff football is still better than no football, right?
The bowl season continues Tuesday night with a single game on the lineup in the Lone Star State. Here’s a quick look at the participating teams, one of which had a mostly enjoyable fall in 2024 while the other is now turning an eye toward the future with a nod to its past.
Time/TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why watch: The first ranked team to take the field in the bowl season seeks a second win against power conference competition. The Tigers overcame an early setback against Navy to win six of their last seven, while the Mountaineers will be in the midst of a change in leadership following an uneven Big 12 campaign. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott will coach WVU in the bowl game following Neal Brown’s dismissal. There will at least be a veteran hand at the controls in QB Garrett Greene, though he’ll want to forget his most recent outing quickly in which an interception and lost fumble helped Texas Tech on its way to a 52-15 romp. Another high-octane offense awaits. Memphis puts up over 35 points a game, led by the accomplished triumvirate of QB Seth Henigan, RB Mario Anderson Jr. and WR Roc Taylor.
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Why it could disappoint: This has all the makings of a mismatch. There’s some optimism in Morgantown with the pending return of Rich Rodriguez, but fielding a competitive team here with all the portal departures will be difficult.
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