First Look At Middle Tennessee In The Upcoming Hawaii Bowl

San Diego State-Middle Tennessee Was Previously Announced For The Bowl

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The game will take place on Christmas Eve

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Before all of the other bowls were announced, it was revealed that San Diego State would face Middle Tennessee in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24.

Both teams finished the regular season with 7-5 records and head into the final bowl game before Christmas looking to end the season with an 8-5 record. Here’s a first look at the Blue Raiders for San Diego State:

LOOKING AT THE BLUE RAIDERS 

Middle Tennessee ended the regular season in fourth place in the Conference USA. Middle Tennessee went 4-4 in conference play throughout the season. The most notable win of the season came against Miami on Sept 24. Unfortunately, the Blue Raiders went on a three-game losing streak to UTSA, UAB, and Western Kentucky.

After Week 10, Middle Tennessee had a 4-5 record and needed to win at least two of the last three games to become bowl eligible. The Blue Raiders capped off the season with a three-game winning streak over Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, and Florida International. That winning streak secured a spot in the Hawaii Bowl.

On offense, Middle Tennessee will be led by quarterback Chase Cunningham. In 2022, Cunningham passed for 2,920 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He overcame a season-ending injury in 2021 and had a bounce back season. In MTSU’s Week 12 win over FAU, Cunningham threw for 448 passing yards and 5 touchdowns.

Brady Hoke’s defense will need to prepare for Cunningham’s deep ball and ability to test San Diego State’s secondary. San Diego State will have nearly one month between its last regular season game against Air Force and the bowl game on Dec. 24.

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