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The 5th annual Frisco Bowl features home-state North Texas taking on Boise State. North Texas has made a bowl game in six of the last seven years, but is searching for their first postseason win since 2013. This is Boise State’s first bowl appearance since 2019, last winning a bowl game in 2017.
When: Saturday, December 17th @ 9:15 PM ET
Where: Dallas, Texas
Who: North Texas vs. Boise State
Spread & Total: Boise State -10.5; O/U 59.5
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Tale of the Tape: North Texas Mean Green
When quarterback Austin Aune decided to return to North Texas, his presence wasn’t enough; there had to be growth from from just nine touchdowns on nine interceptions last year. And he did in a major way. While his completion percentage is still not high, he led North Texas to a top-tier offense in Conference USA. The Mean Green averaged 35.5 points per game in conference play, where they made it to the conference championship game.
North Texas decided to move on from head coach Seth Littrell after losing the conference championship game to UTSA. It was announced less than a week ago North Texas would name former Washington State offensive coordinator Eric Morris as the new head coach. Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett will be interim coach for the Frisco Bowl.
Transfer Portal Departures: N/A
Players to Know: QB Austin Aune
Made massive jump from 2021; ranked third in Conference-USA with 3,309 passing yards (17th nationally), second in touchdowns with 32 (8th nationally).
LB KD Davis
Named First Team All-Conference USA and Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. 68 solo tackles ranks 8th nationally. 132 total tackles ranks 5th nationally. Recorded a pass breakup, interception and forced a fumble on the season.
Tale of the Tape: Boise State Broncos
Quarterback Hank Bachmeier played four games, then announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. That left redshirt freshman Taylen Green as the team’s starter. A slow start, including a two-score loss to UTEP, put Boise State behind the eight ball early entering conference play. Yet, Green remained composed and led the Broncos to atop the Mountain West. It helped having a top-tier defense; Boise State allowed just 14.3 PPG in regular season conference play. The only lone blemish in conference came in the championship game, where Jake Haener led Fresno State to a conference championship.
Transfer Portal Departures:
QB Hank Bachmeier
TE Tyneil Hopper
Player to Know: RB George Holani
Tallied over 1,000 rushing yards for second time in his career. Career high 10 rushing touchdowns, along with 22 receptions and three receiving touchdowns.
S JL Skinner
First-Team All Mountain West. Second on the team with 62 tackles. Tied for team lead with four pass breakups and four interceptions.
Bowl Game Trends:
- The 11-point spread is largest in bowl history.
- North Texas: 2-9 all-time in bowl games, losing last five.
Game Synopsis:
While Austin Aune improved leaps and bounds, there are still issues in his game that could hinder North Texas. Aune completed just 56.7% of his attempts (54.5% on his career) and has thrown an interception on 3.4% of his attempts. Boise State’s defense has picked off the opposition 13 times, tied for 19th nationally. Five of those interceptions came in the last two conference games. And while Davis is great for North Texas, the defensive ranks one of the worst among bowl eligible teams. I don’t expect Aune to score against a stout Boise State pass defense.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: Boise State
Bowl Mania Confidence: 42/43
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