San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee in Hawaii Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch
The San Diego State Aztecs and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will face each other for the first time in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. Here's what you need to know about the matchup.
Who will play in Hawaii Bowl?
San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee.
When and where is the Hawaii Bowl?
Saturday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m. ET at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, Hawaii.
What channel is the Hawaii Bowl on?
ESPN is airing the game.
San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee prediction
San Diego State ranks 117th in total offense (321.5 yards per game) and yards per play (5.22). But the Aztecs have the 27th ranked defense in the nation. The Blue Raiders averaged 390.2 yards per game, but the Aztecs defense will make it difficult. Prediction: San Diego State, 21-20.
San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee expert picks
Scooby Axson: San Diego State
Jace Evans: San Diego State
Paul Myerberg: San Diego State
Erick Smith: San Diego State
Eddie Timanus: San Diego State
Dan Wolken: San Diego State
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What are the odds and spread for San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee in the Hawaii Bowl?
Get the latest betting info from Tipico Sportsbook here.
How has SDSU performed this season?
The Aztecs reached their 12th bowl game in 13 seasons thanks to a massive midseason turnaround. San Diego State got off to a 2-3 start after a 12-win campaign last season, leading head coach Brady Hoke to shake things up. He named Jeff Horton as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach and promoted Jalen Mayden to starting quarterback. The Aztecs went on to win five of their next seven games.
How has Middle Tennessee performed this season?
The Blue Raiders had a roller-coaster season. After losing the season opener, Middle Tennessee won three in a row and then lost three in a row. But it won four of its last five games to qualify for their 10th bowl game under head coach Rick Stockstill.
What happened to the San Diego State quarterback?
Will Haskell left the program in September and entered the transfer portal.
Who is QB for San Diego State now?
Jalen Mayden. The Mississippi State transfer played safety in the spring before switching to offense and starting the final seven games of the season, where he threw for 1,721 yards and 10 TDs.
Who is the quarterback for Middle Tennessee State?
Chase Cunningham. After an ACL injury in 2021, the senior returned with a vengeance, recording 2,920 yards, 19 touchdowns in 11 games. Cunningham had two 400-yard passing games this season, becoming the second player in Blue Raiders history to produce multiple 400-yard passing games.
Has San Diego State or Middle Tennessee played in the Hawaii Bowl before?
Yes, both teams are familiar with the Hawaii Bowl. San Diego State beat Cincinnati 42-7 in the 2015 bowl. Middle Tennessee State lost to Hawaii 52-35 in 2016.
Which NFL Draft prospects are worth watching in the Hawaii Bowl?
One from each program.
DE Jordan Ferguson, Middle Tennessee
The senior registered 63 tackles this season, including 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He also had five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Ferguson is one sack away from becoming the school's all-time leader.
WR Tyrell Shavers, San Diego State
Shavers led the Aztecs with 581 receiving yards on 34 receptions and three touchdowns. His breakout performance came against Hawaii with eight receptions for 149 yards.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Diego State vs. Middle Tenn. Hawaii Bowl: Time, prediction, picks
