HAWAII BOWL

Middle Tennessee State (7-5) vs.

San Diego State (7-5), 5 p.m., ESPN

Line: San Diego State by 6½.

Series record: First meeting.

What to know: Middle Tennessee State is seeking its first eight-win season since 2018and a second bowl victory in as many years following last year’s 31-24win over Toledo in the Bahamas Bowl . ... The Blue Raiders have won four of their last five games, including three straight heading into today’s game . ... San Diego State also is trying for its second straight postseason triumph after its 38-24 win over UTSA in the Frisco Bowl capped off an 11-2season a year ago . ... The Aztecs had won three consecutive games and five of their previous six prior to a 13-3loss to Air Force on Nov. 26 . ... The Aztecs have seven different players who have registered at least 39 carries and 150yards rushing this season, led by senior Jordan Byrd (91 carries for 389 yards, three TDs, 4.3 yards per rush). San Diego State averages 150.8 yards rushing per game, while Middle Tennessee State has held opponents to 121.9per contest, which ranks 26th nationally . ... Middle Tennessee State defensive end Jordan Ferguson has a team-high 16tackles behind the line of scrimmage, while his 63total tackles ranks third. The 6-foot-2, 271-pound redshirt senior and first-team All-C-USA selection needs one more sack to become the school’s career leader . ... San Diego State defensive lineman Jonah Tavai posted 57total tackles (30solo), including 12½ for loss, nine sacks, a forced fumble and 13quarterback hurries to earn second-team AP AllAmerican honors. The 6-foot, 290-pound senior and first-team All-Mountain West pick has amassed 22½ sacks and 144total tackles in his career . ... San Diego State is playing in its 12th bowl game since 2010. The Aztecs are 10-9all-time in bowl games and 1-0in the Hawaii Bowl; they beat Cincinnati 42-7 in the 2015 edition of the game . ... Middle Tennessee State played in the 2016Hawaii Bowl and lost to Hawaii 52-35.