Story bySteve HelwickFri, December 26, 2025 at 7:58 AM UTC·8 min readGame notesTime and date: Saturday, December 27 at 5:45 p. m. ETNetwork: ESPNLocation: University Stadium — Albuquerque, NMSpread: North Texas (-3.5)Over/under: 53.5All-time series: San Diego State leads, 6-1Last meeting: San Diego State 30, North Texas 12 — September 20, 1975Current streak: San Diego State, 1 (1975)North Texas last bowl: 2024 First Responder Bowl, 30-28 loss to Texas StateSan Diego State last bowl: 2022 Hawaii Bowl, 25-23 loss to Middle Tennessee2024 New Mexico Bowl matchup: TCU 34, Louisiana 3Setting the sceneThe New Mexico Bowl features a battle of clashing styles, involving two of college football’s most improved teams. North Texas (11-2, 7-1 American) aims to build on its winningest season of all-time with its high-flying No. 1 ranked scoring offense, while San Diego State (9-3, 6-2 Mountain West) provides its best counter with the nation’s No.