Get ready for a rare showdown in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl as the North Texas Mean Green go head to head with the Texas State Bobcats at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This marks the first encounter between these two programs since 1994, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the game.
The Bobcats are determined to add another First Responder Bowl to the trophy case after finishing the season with a 7-5 record and second place standing in the Sun Belt West Conference. The Bobcats, led on offense by Jordan McCloud, are a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive 69.6% completion rate for 2,920 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Mean Green had a strong start to the season, going 5-1, but they struggled towards the end, finishing with a record of 6-6. North Texas was led by quarterback Chandler Morris, who has been the standout player for the team. Morris boasts a completion rate of 63.1%, having thrown for 3,774 yards and an impressive 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Morris enters the transfer portal, which means the Mean Green will look to freshman Drew Mestemaker under center.
Here is everything to know about the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl.
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First Responder Bowl predictions: North Texas vs. Texas State
USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Bobcats
- Scooby Axon: Texas State
- Jordan Mendoza: Texas State
- Paul Myerberg: North Texas
- Erick Smith: Texas State
- Eddie Timanus: Texas State
- Dan Wolken: Texas State
ESPN: Texas State 41, North Texas 30
Adam Rittenberg writes: “While SMU heads to the CFP, two in-state teams will occupy its stadium to cap the season. North Texas and Texas State haven’t played since 1994, when both teams were in the Southland Conference. Texas State won the First Responder Bowl last year and brings in a powerful offense averaging 37.1 points and 474.3 yards per game. North Texas quarterback Chandler Morris, whose dad Chad coached SMU at Ford Stadium, will keep his team in this one until the fourth quarter. But Texas State has too much on offense with Ismail Mahdi, Jordan McCloud and others making contributions.”
BetMGM: Texas State will win
Staff writes: “The winning team model predicts Texas State will win this game with 70.3% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.”
Tickets to the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl with StubHub
First Responder Bowl odds, lines: North Texas vs. Texas State
The Texas State Bobcats are favorites to defeat the North Texas Mean Green, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Thursday, Jan. 2.
- Spread: Texas State (-13.5)
- Moneylines: Texas State (-500); Mean Green (+375)
- Over/under: 61.5
How to watch North Texas vs. Texas State in the First Responder Bowl
- Date: Friday, Jan. 3
- Time: 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas, TX)
Catch college football bowl games on Fubo
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