2016 Boca Raton Bowl
The 2016 Boca Raton Bowl was played on December 20, 2016, at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. It matched the Memphis Tigers from the American Athletic Conference against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers from Conference USA. Memphis finished the season 8-4, while Western Kentucky ended at 10-3.
Before the game, Hilltoppers coach Jeff Brohm left for Purdue, so defensive coordinator Nick Holt served as interim head coach for the bowl.
The game started with both teams trading scores. Western Kentucky took a lead on a trick play: quarterback Mike White lateraled to lineman Forrest Lamp, who caught the ball and ran nine yards for a touchdown. The first quarter ended with WKU leading 14-10.
In the second quarter, WKU stretched the lead to 28-17 at halftime after a 37-yard touchdown pass and a Memphis touchdown.
In the second half, Western Kentucky pulled away. A 41-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter extended WKU’s lead. Memphis then had a few tough breaks, including a missed 45-yard field goal and a fumble, which WKU turned into points. The third quarter ended with WKU up 44-24.
Memphis opened the fourth quarter with a turnover on downs, and WKU punted on their next drive. Memphis later threw a 45-yard touchdown to pull within 13, but Western Kentucky answered with a late drive. Anthony Wales scored from 1 yard out to seal the win, and WKU finished with a 51-31 victory.
Anthony Wales of Western Kentucky was named the Player of the Game. Attendance was 24,726, and the payout was $400,000. The game was broadcast on ESPN.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:57 (CET).