Despite a disappointing end to the season, Fresno State will have one more opportunity to end 2023 on a high note.
Sunday, the Bulldogs were selected to play in the New Mexico Bowl against New Mexico State.
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Driving the news: Fresno State’s matchup against New Mexico State pits itself against a team that has had one of its most successful seasons in program history.
- At 10-4, New Mexico State went 7-1 in Conference USA play and lost the conference championship to Liberty last Friday.
- The Aggies shocked the nation a few weeks ago when they went into SEC territory and beat Auburn 31-10.
- New Mexico State head coach Jerry Kill has turned around the fortunes of the program as he has led the Aggies to a winning record in both of his first two seasons.
- This is the third bowl game in a row for Fresno State, who returns to New Mexico after winning the bowl game in 2021 when the ‘Dogs beat UTEP.
- Fresno State has played the Aggies 19 times, only losing once – a 48-45 road loss in 2011. The Bulldogs and Aggies played together in both the Big West and the Western Athletic Conference.
- The Bulldogs will be without head coach Jeff Tedford, who has temporarily stepped away from the program to deal with health issues.
- The New Mexico Bowl will be played on Dec. 16 at 2:45 p.m. in Albuquerque.
What they’re saying: “It’s great to welcome Fresno State back to the Isleta New Mexico Bowl,” said New Mexico Bowl Executive Director Jeff Siembieda. “Having appeared in the national polls this season with wins over the Mountain West champion and runner-up, as well as victories over a Big Ten and PAC-12 team the Bulldogs had an impressive season.”
