In a game with over 1,000 yards of offense and nearly 80 points, West Virginia fell to No. 25 Memphis 42-37.
The Mountaineers rallied, but were unable to totally keep up with the Tigers. WVU ends their 2025 season 6-7.
WVU quarterback Garrett Greene completed 29 of his 40 pass attempts for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Besides dropping a touchdown catch, Hudson Clement had himself a day with 11 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
The Mountaineers defense struggled as Memphis came up with big play after big play. Memphis ends their season with an 11-2 record, the second most wins in a season in program history.
To start the game, West Virginia won the toss and elected to receive. They looked to get off to a fast start but were unsuccessful as they went three and out.
After Memphis was unable to get anything going on their first drive and WVU had another three and out, the Tigers struck first on their second drive. It was a four-yard shovel pass for a touchdown as part of a five-play 45-yard drive.
Just one play after WVU’s first first down, CJ Donaldson fumbled giving Memphis the ball in West Virginia territory. Towards the start of the second quarter, Memphis capitalized with a field goal, going up by 10.
Looking to get things going offensively on their next drive, the Mountaineers were unsuccessful. They were unable to convert on third and one with a pass then on fourth and one with a pass attempt.
After West Virginia turned the ball over on downs, it didn’t take Memphis long to score again. One play, a 46-yard rushing touchdown to go up 17-0.
WVU would answer the score with their first touchdown of the game. Hudson Clement helped the Mountaineers drive down the field and then hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass.
Nearing the end of the first half, Memphis hit a 42-yard field goal to extend their lead 20-7. Under two minutes in the first half, Greene took it himself 56 yards to the house to pull the Mountaineers within a score.
That was not the last score of the half; however, Memphis scored their third touchdown of the game with under a minute left in the second quarter. They went for two and were successful, making the game 28-14.
As time expired in the first half, Michael Hayes kicked through a 46-yard field goal as WVU trailed 28-17. Memphis was set to receive the ball to begin the second half.
Memphis started off the second half strong. Their first offensive play was a 42-yard pass and they eventually scored, a three-yard rushing touchdown.
West Virginia answered that score with Clement’s second touchdown of the game. The snap on the PAT attempt was botched as WVU trailed 35-23.
In the fourth quarter WVU inched closer with a Donaldson one-yard rush, making the score 35-30 after the PAT.
Memphis was quick to respond once again. 90 yards in two plays and just over a minute they went up by two scores once again.
Donaldson scored again as the Mountaineers remained in it with time winding down in the fourth.
In the late stages looking to come up with the win Greene threw an interception. On the return it appeared the Memphis player who intercepted it fumbled, but after replay review he was ruled down and WVU ran out of luck as they fell 42-37.
Discover more from Blue Gold Sports
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
