The 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl pits the Memphis Tigers (8–4) of the American Athletic Conference against the NC State Wolfpack (7–5) of the Atlantic Coast Conference in a compelling December postseason matchup. This is the first all-time meeting between these two programs and a chance for both teams to cap strong seasons with a bowl victory. What’s the best bet in this Memphis vs. N.C. State bowl matchup?
Memphis vs. N.C. State Game Information
- 📅 Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
- 🕝 Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET
- 📍 Stadium: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, FL
- 📺 TV: ESPN2 (also available on ESPN app)
Memphis vs. N.C. State Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | +3.5 | 56.5 | +142 |
| N.C. State | -3.5 | 56.5 | -170 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 59% | +4.5 | +3.5 |
| N.C. State | 41% | -4.5 | -3.5 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
🏈 Team Overviews
Memphis Tigers (8–4, AAC)
The Tigers head to Tampa after an 8–4 campaign that featured dynamic offense and some late-season inconsistency. Memphis enters this game under interim leadership following the departure of head coach Ryan Silverfield, who took a job at Arkansas; defensive backs coach Reggie Howard will guide the team in the bowl.
Offense:
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QB Brendon Lewis leads a versatile attack, combining efficient passing (around 2,560+ yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs) with rushing ability — a true dual threat.
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RB Sutton Smith (approximately 669 rushing yards) and Greg Desrosiers give Memphis a balanced ground attack that helps open play-action and keep defenses honest.
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WR Cortez Braham Jr. is the top receiving threat with roughly 889 yards and 8 TDs, making him a focal point of the passing game.
Defense:
Memphis’ defense is solid overall, especially in limiting yardage and defending the run, but has been vulnerable at times across its final stretch of games. Its turnover margin (around +9) remains a team strength.
NC State Wolfpack (7–5, ACC)
NC State returns to the Gasparilla Bowl looking to snap a bowl-game losing streak — the Wolfpack have dropped their last five postseason games under head coach Dave Doeren.
Offense:
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QB CJ Bailey has powered a productive offense with approximately 2,880+ passing yards and 23+ touchdowns, adding mobility and threat off schedule.
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RB Daylan Smothers is a workhorse with nearly 940 rushing yards, and versatile threats like Will Wilson add another dimension to the Wolfpack ground game.
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The receiving corps — led by Terrell Anderson and Justin Joly — gives NC State multiple reliable targets downfield.
Defense:
NC State’s defense has been up and down: while it produces big plays and defensive stops, it struggles on third down and against explosive offenses, ranking near the bottom nationally in third-down defense.
🔁 Key Matchups & X-Factors
🧠 Wolfpack Red Zone Efficiency vs. Memphis Defensive Toughness
NC State’s ability to convert red-zone opportunities — among the best in the FBS — could be the difference in a close game where both offenses can move the ball. Memphis must tighten its defensive stops in the red zone to stay competitive.
🏃♂️ Brendon Lewis & Memphis Ground Game vs. NC State Front Seven
Memphis’ balanced rushing attack (led by Sutton Smith and Co.) can chew clock and set up manageable down-and-distance situations — forcing NC State into long possessions on defense.
🏈 Turnover Battle
Memphis’ plus turnover margin all season could play a pivotal role in field position and scoring chances. If Memphis forces a key turnover, it could shift the game’s flow.
Memphis vs. N.C. State Picks
Expect a high-tempo, shootout-style bowl game in Tampa, with both teams capable of explosive plays. NC State’s well-rounded offense and red-zone efficiency should be enough to outscore a resilient Memphis unit that never goes away.
🏆 Prediction: NC State 34, Memphis 27 (take the Wolfpack -3.5)
NC State gets the Gasparilla Bowl win and breaks its recent bowl skid behind a NC State gets the Gasparilla Bowl win and breaks its recent bowl skid behind a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops.