Texas State Bobcats vs North Texas Mean Green Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Texas State, North Texas face off in First Responder Bowl

The Lone Star State will take center stage on Friday afternoon as Texas State and North Texas square off in the 15th First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. This year’s matchup promises a blend of fierce competition and regional pride, with both teams bringing Texas-heavy rosters and strong offensive firepower to the field.

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A Battle of Texan Talent

The game features a unique Texas flair, with both head coaches—Eric Morris (North Texas) and GJ Kinne (Texas State)—hailing from the state. More than 75% of players across both teams also call Texas home, adding a local rivalry feel to this postseason clash.

While Texas State looks to build on their 2022 bowl victory, North Texas is eager to redeem its previous performances in this contest.

Historical Bowl Context

This year marks Texas State’s second consecutive appearance in the First Responder Bowl. The Bobcats dominated Rice 45-21 in last year’s game, making a statement about their postseason potential.

North Texas, however, has unfinished business. After a thrilling overtime loss to Army (38-31) in 2016 and a victory over UNLV in 2013, the Mean Green are determined to make their return to this stage count.

Offensive Showdown: A Clash of Powerhouses

This game pits two of the most dynamic offenses in college football against each other:

• North Texas (6-6): Ranked third nationally in total offense, the Mean Green average 488.7 yards per game. Despite losing quarterback Chandler Morris to the transfer portal, head coach Eric Morris’ offensive expertise promises to keep the team competitive. Freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker is set to start, bringing an air of unpredictability to the game.
• Texas State (7-5): Fifth in the nation in total offense, the Bobcats average 474.3 yards per game. Quarterback Jordan McCloud is a key player to watch, boasting impressive stats with 2,920 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a 69.6% completion rate this season.

Both teams’ offensive prowess sets the stage for a high-scoring thriller.

Transfer Portal Challenges

The transfer portal has reshaped both rosters, forcing the teams to adapt:

• Texas State lost 11 players, including five starters like running back Ismail Mahdi and wide receiver Kole Wilson.
• North Texas faced even greater turnover, with 16 departures, including Chandler Morris.

Despite these challenges, both teams are focusing on depth and adaptability. “We just did a little bit more good on good (in practice), but that’s part of it,” said Kinne, emphasizing resilience.

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Key Players and Strategies

North Texas: The Wildcard Factor

Drew Mestemaker’s lack of experience could be a double-edged sword. Opposing teams have little tape on him, giving North Texas an element of surprise. Eric Morris highlighted this as an advantage:

“There’s no tape on Drew Mestemaker for anybody to go study right now.”

To counter his inexperience, the Mean Green will likely rely on short passes, a strong ground game, and creative play-calling to keep the Bobcats’ defense guessing.

Texas State: Stability in Leadership

Jordan McCloud’s consistency gives Texas State an edge. His ability to make big plays and manage the offense has been a cornerstone of the Bobcats’ success. The team will look to capitalize on his experience while testing North Texas’ defense with their balanced attack.

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Defense: The Missing Piece

While offense is the headline for both teams, the defenses will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

• Texas State: The Bobcats’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance but must step up to handle North Texas’ creative offensive schemes.
• North Texas: The Mean Green need to contain McCloud and limit explosive plays, especially given Texas State’s versatility in both passing and rushing.

Coaching Showdown

Both coaches bring unique strengths to this matchup:

• Eric Morris (North Texas): Known as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football, Morris will be crafting a game plan to maximize Mestemaker’s potential and exploit Texas State’s defensive gaps.
• GJ Kinne (Texas State): Kinne has guided the Bobcats to a successful season, showing adaptability and leadership despite roster challenges. His focus on depth and preparation gives Texas State a disciplined edge.

What’s at Stake

Beyond the trophy, this game is a matter of pride and momentum:

• For Texas State, it’s about proving their program’s consistency with back-to-back bowl wins.
• For North Texas, it’s a chance to cement their progress under a new quarterback and showcase their resilience after roster turnover.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

With both teams boasting top-tier offenses, fans can expect an explosive, high-scoring affair. The game may hinge on which team’s defense can step up and make critical stops.

Will Texas State’s experience and stability prevail, or can North Texas ride the element of surprise to victory? Either way, the Lone Star State will be watching closely.