North Texas vs Texas State Bowl Prediction | College Football Best Bets

On Friday, the North Texas Mean Green are set for a battle with the Texas State Bobcats in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. North Texas enters this matchup with a 6-6 record, looking to get over the .500 mark with a win. Meanwhile, the Bobcats have their sights set on their eighth win of the season. Expect a dogfight between these two Lone Star state programs.

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North Texas vs. Texas State

• Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas, Texas) | SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
• Time: Friday, January 3, 4:00 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: ESPN
• Spread: Texas State -13.5, Moneyline: -600, Total: 61.5

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Opt-Outs

North Texas: Chandler Morris, QB (transfer portal); DT Sheffield, WR (transfer portal); Oscar Hammond, TE (transfer portal); Tyler Mercer, C (transfer portal); Nick Rempert, WR (transfer portal); Makyi Lee, RT (transfer portal); Jayven Anderson, S (transfer portal); Kerry Williams, CB (transfer portal); Jeremiah Aaron, WR (transfer portal); Ikaiaka Ragsdale, RB (transfer portal); Shane Porter, RB (transfer portal)

Texas State: Ismail Mahdi, RB (transfer portal); Alex Harkey, RT (transfer portal), Josh Eaton, CB (transfer portal); Terry Webb, DT (transfer portal); Tavian Coleman, DT (transfer portal); Dominique Ratcliff, DT (transfer portal), Ben Bell, DE (transfer portal)

North Texas vs. Texas State Best Bet: Texas State -13.5

North Texas enters this matchup as underdogs, and understandably so. The Mean Green have struggled with consistency this season, and they’ll be without starting quarterback Chandler Morris, who led the team to six wins. Meanwhile, Texas State will have their starting quarterback, Jordan McCloud, on the field for some of the game, which could lead to them getting a lead early that they can build on.

North Texas vs. Texas State Best Total Bet: Under 61.5

At full strength, North Texas has managed to score with the best of them this season, averaging 34 points per game. On the flip side, Texas State has been dominant offensively, scoring 41.6 points per game. However, with each squad undermanned, it’s hard to imagine either team reaches its average in this showdown. Nonetheless, a final score of 34-23 seems realistic.

North Texas Best Player Bet: Drew Mestemaker 250+ Passing Yards +158

Drew Mestemaker is being thrown into the fire in this one after serving his freshman season as QB2 for the Mean Green. However, the quarterback could use this game as his time to prove he’s the man for the job heading into next year as North Texas navigates who will be under center in 2025. Assuming the Mean Green will be playing for behind, Mestemaker could be in position to throw plenty of passes to give his team a chance to keep pace with the Bobcats.

Texas State Best Player Bet: Lincoln Pare 70+ Rushing Yards +102

Lincoln Pare is another backup who will be given the chance to shine in this battle, considering starting running back Ismail Mahdi has already found a new home in the transfer portal. The running back racked up 411 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the season while rushing for 5.6 yards per carry. In a game where the ground attack could be utilized more, especially if Texas State gets a lead, Pare could use the time to prove he deserves a bigger role moving forward.