NEW MEXICO ST. (6-6) VS. UTAH ST. (6-6)
Site: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz.
Kickoff: Friday, 5:30 p.m. TV: CBS Sports Network.
Line: Utah State by 4.
All-time series: Utah State leads 30-7.
Last meeting: Utah St. 41, New Mexico St. 7 (2012).
NEW MEXICO STATE
Coach: Doug Martin (5th season, 16-44; overall 12th season, 45-97).
All-time postseason: 2-0-1.
Last postseason appearance: Beat Utah State 20-13 in 1960 Sun Bowl.
Draft spotlight: WR Jaleel Scott. The former juco transfer, who has 8 TDs among his 73 catches this year, flashes some traits that remind one of Randy Moss. He has elite length at 6-6, and his body control is reminiscent of Moss. His potential as a deep threat, red-zone threat and 50/50 ball winner is elite.
Other Aggies to watch: QB Tyler Rogers, RB Larry Rose III, LB Dalton Herrington.
Aggie Bits: NMSU’s 57-year bowl drought was easily the longest in the nation. The Aggies hadn’t even been bowl eligible since 2002, when they weren’t selected. … The Aggies rank 4th nationally in passing offense at 352.6 yards per game. QB Tyler Rogers is No.6 in total offense (348.1). … NMSU’s defense set a school record with 41 sacks, including 11 vs. Idaho.
UTAH STATE
Coach: Matt Wells (5th season, 34-31).
All-time postseason: 4-6.
Last postseason appearance: Lost to Akron 23-21 in 2015 Idaho Potato Bowl.
Draft spotlight: CB Jalen Davis. The California native took advantage of the only FBS scholarship offer he received to become an All-American in 2017. Came up with 5 INTs this year, with another 18 passes broken up. Though a bit undersized at 5-10, makes up for it with tenacity and relentless film study.
Other Aggies to watch: WR Braelon Roberts, S Dallin Leavitt.
Aggie Fodder: USU returns from a one-year hiatus to play its sixth bowl game in the past seven seasons. The Aggies are 3-2 in the previous five. … USU created 26 takeaways this year, tied for No.9 nationally. A year ago, the Aggies forced just 10 turnovers. … The Aggies have had a different offensive coordinator each of the past four seasons.
* underclass draft prospect