North Texas (6-6-0) at Texas State (7-5-0)
- When: Jan 3 2025, 4:00 PM
- Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
North Texas @ Texas State
Moneyline
North Texas +400
Texas State -575
North Texas @ Texas State
Point Spread
North Texas 14.0 (-115)
Texas State -14.0 (-105)
North Texas @ Texas State
Total
Over 64.5 (-110)
Under 64.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
North Texas: Drew Mestemaker 69 Yds
Texas State : Jordan McCloud 2915 Yds
Team Stats
| North Texas | Texas State | |
| 6-6 | Record | 7-5 |
| 3-3 | Away | 3-2 |
| 4-8-0 | ATS | 6-6-0 |
| 8-4-0 | O/U | 7-4-1 |
Game Preview
Get ready for an all-Texas showdown as North Texas squares off against Texas State in the First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. This matchup features Lone Star pride on both sides, with over three-fourths of the combined rosters hailing from Texas and both head coaches being native Texans.
Recent History and Bowl Records
This will be Texas State’s second straight appearance in this bowl after dominating Rice 45-21 last season. Meanwhile, North Texas is no stranger to the First Responder Bowl either, with a 2016 overtime loss to Army and a 2013 win over UNLV in their resume.
Roster Shake-Ups and Impact
The transfer portal has hit both squads hard. Texas State has seen 11 players exit, including key starters like running back Ismail Mahdi and defensive anchor Ben Bell. North Texas was even more affected, losing 16 players, including standout quarterback Chandler Morris, who transferred to Virginia. In his absence, freshman Drew Mestemaker will get his first career start. He’s largely untested, completing 4-of-5 passes for 69 yards in limited action this season.
For bettors, the unknown factor surrounding Mestemaker adds a layer of unpredictability. However, head coach Eric Morris remains confident in his offense, stating, “There’s no tape on Drew Mestemaker, and that can work to our advantage.”
Offensive Powerhouses Clash
Both teams feature explosive offenses that can light up the scoreboard:
North Texas: Third in the nation with 488.7 total yards per game.
Texas State: Fifth in FBS, averaging 474.3 yards per game.
Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud has been a key playmaker, passing for 2,920 yards, 29 touchdowns, and completing 69.6% of his throws. Despite losing key players to the portal, head coach GJ Kinne has downplayed the losses, emphasizing his team’s “next-man-up” mentality.
Key Matchup Factors
North Texas Defense: The Mean Green defense has struggled, allowing 37 or more points in five of their last seven games.
Texas State’s Offensive Firepower: McCloud’s ability to spread the ball around, even without Mahdi and Wilson, will test the North Texas secondary.
Prediction
With North Texas breaking in a new quarterback and an already shaky defense, it’s hard to see them keeping pace with Texas State’s high-octane offense. The Bobcats have consistently put up big numbers, scoring 38+ points in four of their last five games.
Betting Angle: Texas State has covered the spread in three of their last four games and is poised to cover the -14 here. With the total set at 64.5, this could turn into a high-scoring affair, but the safer bet leans toward Texas State to cover as they overwhelm a depleted North Texas squad.
First Responder Bowl Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Texas State 45-27
Expert Pick: Texas State -14 (-105) & Over 64½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $373
- First Responder Bowl Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
