Two Texas teams, the North Texas Mean Green and Texas State Bobcats, won’t even have to leave the Lone Star State. They’ll meet in the Servpro First Responder Bowl that Friday, set in Dallas on SMU’s campus. This will be the first meeting between North Texas and Texas State at the FBS level. The College Football Betting programs historically squared off 39 times, with the Mean Green leading the series 29-7-3. North Texas won the latest matchup in 1994 in San Marcos, and the First Responder Bowl will represent the first battle between the programs in 30 years.
First Responder Bowl North Texas Mean Green vs. Texas State Bobcats
| Date and Time: | Friday, January 3, 2025, 4 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Gerald J Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas | +10 -110 | 65 -110 | +290 |  |
| Texas State | -10 -110 | 65 -110 | -360 | |
| ||||
First Responder Bowl Overview
At the onset, the First Responder Bowl, formerly known as the Heart of Dallas Bowl, began in 2011. The matchup has conference tie-ins with the ACC, AAC, Big 12, and CUSA. It occurs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas.
Last year, linebacker Brian Holloway returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and Jahmyl Jeter ran for three scores. Hence, Texas State beat Rice 45-21 in the First Responder Bowl, the Bobcats’ first bowl appearance as an FBS program.
Holloway had a 36-yard pick-6 early in the second quarter.
And then he returned his second interception 48 yards for a TD in the third that made it 38-21. Both picks came against AJ Padgett, who was intercepted three times overall. Shawqi Itraish relieved Padgett in the fourth quarter and threw two more picks as Texas State forced seven turnovers. Namely, Holloway, one of 56 transfers on Texas State’s roster, played his final two seasons for the Bobcats after three for SMU. The game was played at SMU’s home venue, Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
North Texas Mean Green Team Overview
Last game, the North Texas Mean Green won 24-17 against the Temple Owls as 11.5-point road favorites. The game went under the sportsbook total of 63. North Texas has a record of 6-6 straight up, 4-8 against the spread, and 8-4 over/under the total. North Texas ranks 3rd for total offense, 6th for passing, 61st for rushing and 23rd for scoring. Defensively they rank 127th overall, 122nd against the pass, 116th against the rush, and 121st for points allowed. Also, North Texas ranks 92nd for fewest turnovers lost and 67th for takeaways.
Texas State Bobcats Team Overview
Last game, the Texas State Bobcats won 45-38 against the USA Jaguars as 2.5-point road favorites. The game went over the College Football Betting total of 61. Texas State has a record of 7-5 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 8-4 over/under the total. Texas State ranks 5th for total offense, 29th for passing, 15th for rushing and 10th for scoring. Defensively they rank 48th overall, 40th against the pass, 66th against the rush, and 62nd for points allowed. Also, Texas State ranks 111th for fewest turnovers lost and 104th for takeaways.
First Responder Bowl SBG Free Picks
North Texas is bowling for the fourth time in five years and for the seventh time since 2016. Texas State is slated for its second bowl game in program history. In this situation, Texas State has the firepower to deliver.
First Responder Bowl SBG Best Bet: Texas State Bobcats.