Isleta New Mexico Bowl: North Texas Mean Green vs San Diego State Aztecs Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/27

The 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl features a game between the North Texas Mean Green and the San Diego State Aztecs. This game will be held at University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM. Fans can catch the game on ESPN at 5:45 PM on December 27, 2025.

North Texas comes into this game with an 11-2 record, holding an AP rank of #23. The Mean Green have shown strength on the road with a 5-1 record. Meanwhile, the Aztecs finished their regular season with a 9-3 record. They have a perfect 6-0 record at home this season.

North Texas Team Preview

North Texas Mean Green has shown strong offensive play this season. They lead in points scored with 582 and passing yards with 4192. Their quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, stands out with 4119 passing yards and 31 touchdowns in 13 games. However, they need to reduce turnovers, as shown by their three interceptions in the recent loss to Tulane.

On the ground, Caleb Hawkins has been the top running back for North Texas. He has rushed for 1226 yards and scored 23 touchdowns over 12 games. Injuries might impact their rushing game, as both Hawkins and other key running backs are listed as questionable.

North Texas’s defense has room for improvement, ranking 115th in points against. They have been effective in forcing turnovers, with 13 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. As they prepare for their next game, the team’s ability to limit opponent scoring will be crucial for success.

Isleta New Mexico Bowl: North Texas vs San Diego State Game Day Info

• Sport: NCAA Football
• Teams: North Texas Mean Green vs. San Diego State Aztecs
• Venue: University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM
• Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
• Betting Odds: North Texas Moneyline -165, San Diego State Moneyline +137, North Texas Spread -3.5 (-107), San Diego State Spread +3.5 (-114), Total Over/Under 56.0 (-110)

San Diego State Team Preview

San Diego State Aztecs have had an up-and-down season. Their recent game against New Mexico Lobos ended in a 23-17 loss. Despite that, they managed more first downs and passing yards than the Lobos.

The Aztecs showed strong performances in their home games. They secured wins against San Jose State Spartans and Boise State Broncos. In these games, their rushing game stood out with 170 and 280 yards, respectively.

Looking at the team’s season stats, their rushing offense ranks 37th nationally. Lucky Sutton has been a key player with 1,232 rushing yards. Injuries may affect their lineup, with several players uncertain for upcoming games.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread pick, North Texas is favored by 3.5 points. North Texas has a strong offense, ranking first in points scored and passing yards. San Diego State’s defense allows fewer points, but North Texas’s offensive edge makes them likely to cover the spread with a projected score of North Texas 35, San Diego State 28.

For the total points, the line is set at 56.0. North Texas scores a lot, but San Diego State’s defense is solid, ranking 56th in points against. The projected total score is 63, suggesting the game will go over the total.