Gasparilla Bowl Showdown Sets the Stage for Memphis vs NC State Drama
So, here’s what’s happening around the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be a pretty intriguing matchup. On Friday afternoon in Tampa, Florida, Memphis and NC State are set to face off at Raymond James Stadium, and there’s a lot more to this game than just another bowl appearance.
NC State comes into this one with a 7–5 record and a bit of momentum. The Wolfpack have won their last two games, and that confidence was clearly boosted after a convincing 42–19 win over rival North Carolina to close out the regular season. Even though some roster changes are hanging in the air, most of NC State’s core remains intact. One notable storyline is that star running back Hollywood Smothers has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, but the team is still expected to lean on its offense, which has been efficient, especially in the red zone. In fact, NC State has been known for finishing drives with touchdowns rather than settling for field goals, and that approach has paid off all season.
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On the other side, Memphis arrives with an 8–4 record, though the Tigers are trying to shake off a three-game losing streak. Their most recent outing ended in a 28–17 loss to Navy, and since then, the program has gone through some changes. Head coach Ryan Silverfield left for the Arkansas job, so Memphis will be led in this bowl game by interim head coach Reggie Howard. A permanent replacement, Charles Huff, has already been named, but it’s been made clear that he won’t be involved until after the bowl. Despite the coaching shuffle, it has been emphasized that most of the roster will be available, with very few opt-outs compared to what’s often seen in bowl season.
From a betting perspective, NC State has been installed as a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 56.5 points. Models that simulate games thousands of times are leaning toward a high-scoring affair, and that makes sense when you look at the numbers. Memphis has been strong offensively but less reliable on defense, while NC State has also shown a tendency to give up points. Both teams are projected to score more than their season averages, which is why the over has been getting attention.
At the end of the day, this game feels like a classic bowl clash. Memphis is aiming to beat a power conference opponent in the postseason for the third straight year, while NC State wants to cap its season with a statement win. With offensive firepower on both sides and plenty of motivation, the Gasparilla Bowl is expected to deliver plenty of action and storylines worth watching.
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