Overview
- San Diego State starter Jayden Denegal had shoulder surgery and will miss the game, with Bert Emanuel Jr. taking over at quarterback.
- North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker reversed a transfer-portal move and will play after leading the nation with 4,129 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
- North Texas is without head coach Eric Morris after his move to Oklahoma State, and San Diego State lost defensive coordinator Rob Aurich to Nebraska.
- Oddsmakers make North Texas roughly a 3-point favorite with the over/under in the mid-50s entering kickoff.
- The game kicks off at 5:45 p.m. ET on ESPN at University Stadium, as fans from both schools pack Albuquerque’s Old Town ahead of the matchup.