North Texas Look to End Bowl Struggles, Texas State Aim for Perfect Bowl Record
North Texas Mean Green vs Texas State Bobcats: 2023 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Preview
The 2023 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday evening will showcase a thrilling matchup between the North Texas Mean Green and the Texas State Bobcats. Set to kick off at 7:00 PM ET at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, this game promises to offer plenty of action as both teams aim to finish their seasons on a high note.
For North Texas (6-6, 3-5 American), it’s a chance to end a lengthy bowl game losing streak, while Texas State (7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt) hopes to continue its bowl-game success. Here’s an in-depth look at the two teams and their keys to success.
North Texas Mean Green: Overcoming a Bowl Struggles Streak
After securing a 24-17 victory over Temple in their season finale, the North Texas Mean Green became bowl-eligible for the third time in four seasons. However, the program has struggled mightily in postseason play, losing its last six bowl games. Can this team reverse its fortune on Friday?
The Mean Green offense, led by quarterback Chandler Morris, is potent, averaging 34 points per game. Morris, a dual-threat signal caller, threw for 3,774 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this season while adding 242 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. His go-to receiver, DT Sheffield, was a standout in the regular season, posting 66 receptions for 822 yards and 11 touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back Shane Porter chipped in with 643 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
On the ground, North Texas is a balanced team, averaging 165.8 yards per game. However, their defense has been a major concern, allowing 34.5 points per game—an area that will need significant improvement to compete in this high-stakes bowl game.
Texas State Bobcats: Looking to Stay Perfect in Bowl Games
Texas State, making its second consecutive bowl appearance, enters the First Responder Bowl full of confidence after a thrilling 45-38 win over South Alabama. The Bobcats not only ended their regular season with a solid victory but also look to build on their historic win in last year’s bowl game, the first in school history.
Under the leadership of quarterback Jordan McCloud, Texas State boasts one of the most potent offenses in college football, averaging 41.6 points per game. McCloud completed 70% of his passes for 2,920 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while also contributing 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Ismail Mahdi was a key contributor to the Bobcats’ success, rushing for 991 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition to a strong passing game, Texas State’s ground attack has been impressive, averaging 208.8 yards per game. The Bobcats’ offensive line will need to maintain their dominance to keep pace with North Texas’ high-scoring offense.
Texas State’s defense, though solid, gave up 38 points in its last outing, and it will need to tighten up against the explosive Mean Green offense. The Bobcats have been stingy overall, allowing just 24.3 points per game, but they will need to step up their performance to contain North Texas’ high-powered attack.
Conclusion
While North Texas has struggled in bowl games over the years, the Mean Green have the offensive firepower to keep this game close. However, Texas State’s ability to control the ball with its run game and the leadership of McCloud may give them the edge. Expect a high-scoring affair, but Texas State’s more balanced approach could see them emerge victorious, continuing their undefeated bowl streak.
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