College football fans, mark your calendars: The Memphis Tigers are set to clash with the NC State Wolfpack in the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl. This gridiron meetup is slated for next Friday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff time, as reported by WFLA. Memphis, coming off an 8-4 season, and NC State, posting a 7-5 record, will both be looking to cap their seasons with a bowl victory.
The Tigers, who have notched up impressive victories in recent bowl games, are undergoing a transition with interim coach Reggie Howard set to lead the squad. Howard steps in following Ryan Silverfield's departure to Arkansas. The Commercial Appeal notes that despite Memphis facing a three-game slide, they're anticipated to bring their trademark dynamic offense and resilient defense to the game.
The Wolfpack, coached by Dave Doeren in his 13th season, are on a quest to snap a five-game losing streak in bowl games, seeking their first postseason win since 2017. With a history of postseason berths in 10 of Doeren's 13 seasons, NC State hopes to reach at least eight wins for the fifth time in six seasons. This was highlighted in coverage by The Fayetteville Observer.
Tickets for the spirited showdown are now available, with the event expected to draw fans looking to watch these two teams face off for the first time in football history. The game will also be telecast on ESPN and available for streaming on Fubo, confirmed The Fayetteville Observer. The Gasparilla Bowl is just one piece of the broader college football playoff scope, with the bracket set to intensify with games running through to the national championship on January 19.
For fans not able to attend in person, information on how to secure tickets or follow the teams' every play can still be found through various online ticketing platforms and streaming services.
