The first FBS game of bowl season kicks off on Saturday, and it’s a great one. North Texas takes on Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, N.M.

Both teams came just shy of earning a trip to their respective conference championship games. Utah State lost a late game against a powerful Boise State team. North Texas lost three games, but gave up big leads in each. The Mean Green were the only team in college football to not trail by two scores at any point this season.

The advanced numbers love both of these teams. Utah State is ranked No. 21 in the S&P+, which is best for No. 3 in the Group of Five. North Texas is No. 31 and No. 5 among Group of Five teams. This isn’t just a good bowl game for a Group of Five bowl – it’s one of the best games overall of bowl season.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2018 New Mexico Bowl.

New Mexico Bowl details

When: 1 p.m. on Dec. 15

Where: Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M.

What channel is North Texas vs. Utah State on?

North Texas vs. Utah State will be broadcast on ESPN. It can also be streamed live on WatchESPN.

How can I buy tickets to North Texas vs. Utah State?

Click here to buy tickets to the New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M.

New Mexico Bowl preview

Streaking teams

North Texas came slightly short of lofty expectations this season. However, the Mean Green are still enjoying their most successful two-year stretch since Hayden Fry led the program. UNT can earn its first 10-win season since disco was king by winning the New Mexico Bowl.

Utah State isn’t going to lie down, though. The Aggies won 10 games this season for the third time in program history. All have involved Matt Wells as either head coach or offensive coordinator. Wells led the Aggies to a 10-win season and the New Mexico Bowl in 2014. Utah State easily won that game 21-6 over 7-5 UTEP. A win would tie the best season in USU history.

Staff turnover

Utah State comes into the game with a 10-2 record. However, the Aggies will be without head coach Matt Wells, offensive coordinator David Yost and defensive coordinator Keith Patterson. All three coaches left Logan, Utah, a few weeks ago to take over at Texas Tech.

North Texas coach Seth Littrell also fielded Power Five offers, notably from Kansas State. However, he opted to stay with the program for at least one more year. Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell also decided to stick around for another year after being courted by West Virginia and North Carolina. That could help the Mean Green be just a little more motivated heading into their bowl game.

Quarterback battle

This game features two of the best underclassman signal-callers in the Group of Five.

North Texas quarterback Mason Fine ranks No. 8 nationally with 3,734 passing yards. He’s one of just three Group of Five quarterbacks in the top 10. Fine also has completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Utah State quarterback Jordan Love hasn’t thrown the ball as often, but he’s been just as effective. Love is completing nearly 66 percent of his passes for 3,208 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. For his efforts, Love earned All-Mountain West second team.

Utah State ranks No. 43 in passing S&P+ defense. North Texas is down at 82. Both teams are adept at forcing turnovers, so whichever quarterback is cleaner has a great chance to win the game.

Prediction: Utah State 38, North Texas 35