Why to watch: It’s the first bowl game of the year, and it’ll establish that the de facto HBCU national champion.
Whom to watch: North Carolina A&T defensive end Darryl Johnson became the primary Aggies participant since 1997 to be called MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. He leads the MEAC with 10.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. His strip sack clinched the Aggies’ 20-17 upset of Jacksonville State, and he had seven tackles and one sack at a 28-23 win over FBS foe East Carolina.
Motivating factor for North Carolina A&T: The Aggies can acquire their second straight HBCU nationwide name. They conquered Grambling 21-14 in the Celebration Bowl in 2017.
Motivating factor for Alcorn State: The Braves are seeking their first HBCU national championship since 2014 and their first under coach Fred McNair, the brother of former Alcorn State and NFL quarterback Steve McNair.
Prediction: North Carolina A&T 27, Alcorn State 24
Score: Alcorn State 22, North Carolina A&T 24 New Mexico Bowl Presented by Progressive: North Texas vs. Utah State (Branch Field at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Why to watch: It would have been a matchup of two of the hottest coaches in the Group of 5: North Texas’ Seth Littrell vs. Utah State’s Matt Wells. However, Wells left for Texas Tech, and interim coach Frank Maile will lead the Aggies in their seventh bowl in eight seasons.
Whom to see: Utah State quarterback Jordan Love finished 65.8 percent of the passes for 3,208 yards, 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while operating for six scores.
Motivating variable for North Texas: The Mean Green could win 10 games for the first time in school history and win their first bowl game since 2013.
Motivating factor for Utah State: The Aggies will attempt to keep their high-scoring crime going without Wells. They averaged 47.2 points each game, which was in the FBS and shirts among Team of 5 programs.
Prediction: Utah State 42, North Texas 31
Score: Utah State 52, North Texas 13
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