New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Odds, Picks, Opt-Out Tracker for the Isleta New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Odds, Picks, Opt-Out Tracker for the Isleta New Mexico Bowl
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Start Time and Where to Watch - Isleta New Mexico Bowl
- Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Start Time: 5:45 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Odds
- Spread: New Mexico State -3.5 (-110), Fresno State +3.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 51.5 (-110), Under 51.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: New Mexico State (-164), Fresno State (+136)
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State
The New Mexico State Aggies will take on the Fresno State Bulldogs in this year's Isleta New Mexico Bowl on the first Saturday of bowl season.
New Mexico State arrives to this game flying high off of a Conference USA Championship game appearance, and a blowout of the Auburn Tigers in mid-November to earn them their first 10-win season since 1960.
Former Minnesota coach Jerry Kill is at the helm of this squad, and his Big Ten experience has left a mark on this program. They are 13th in the country in rushing yards per game at a touch under 200, and will be sure to move the ball on this Fresno defense. Diego Pavia has been a gem under center, carrying the team on an eight-game winning streak from October to December.
It's been the opposite momentum on the other side for the Bulldogs. After a promising 8-1 start, Fresno State has sputtered down the stretch. They ran into the buzz saw that has become San Jose State, who went on a six-game tear to end the season. Quarterback Mikey Keene was hurt in that game with a concussion, and missed the next game after that. Logan Fife stepped in as backup in their subsequent loss, before announcing his name into the transfer portal.
Keene came back for for their final game against San Diego State, but didn't look like himself and only threw for 190 yards and an interception in the double digit loss. Fresno State has been a shell of themselves in the final couple of games, and the deflating defeat will not aid them against this fired up New Mexico State squad.
Fresno State may have struggled in the final few games, but it is important to take history into context. They have won four straight bowl games, including a 29-6 pounding of Washington State in the LA Bowl last year. However, their longtime head coach, Jeff Tedford, will not be with the team for this game after stepping away for health issues. Will his absence motivate the team, or will it cause further distraction for a team in a rough patch? Let's take a look at the latest odds for New Mexico State vs. Fresno State and give a prediction in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl.
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Odds - New Mexico Bowl
| Team | Moneyline Odds | Point Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State | -164 | -3.5 (-110) | Over 51.5 (-105) |
| Fresno State | +136 | +3.5 (-110) | Under 51.5 (-115) |
Click here for New Mexico State vs. Fresno State odds
New Mexico State opened as a slight favorite in this one at -2.5, and has steamed one point further to -3.5 ahead of the game. It reached -4 at its peak, before settling back down another .5. That could make a difference in a field goal game, but the hook is also hung there for a reason.
It is important to note that the public betting percentage is over 75% on the Aggies, which is not a side you want to align with for the most part. However, in the new era of bowl season, the standard rules no longer apply. With opt-outs abound, the public and sharp steam gets polluted together, and everyone is riding with the hot Aggies against the stumbling Bulldogs.
The more important metrics are overall line movement, as well as the team's momentum coming into the game. If they are losing their quarterback or other top talents, the mojo of the team is going to be hurt. Or if they are coming in on a three-game losing streak like Fresno State, it is hard to flip that around after weeks off and part of the team has packed up shop for the year, especially when the coach and leader is away from the program.
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Prediction
We are going to roll with New Mexico State in this one, aligning with the 1.5-point move towards the favorites. Diego Pavia has been stellar for the Aggies, most notably in their shocking road beatdown of the Auburn Tigers. On the other side, Fresno has lost three straight and faces questions at quarterback after bouncing between two options, one of which has entered the portal. It is tough to stop a skid this late in the season, while New Mexico State is fired up for their first 10-win season in over 60 years, and will run the ball all over the Bulldogs.
- Pick: New Mexico State -3.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to collect $100) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
New Mexico State vs. Fresno State Opt-Out Tracker
New Mexico State Opt-Outs
- Reggie Akles, CB (transfer portal)
- Trent Hudson, WR (transfer portal)
- Jordin Parker, WR (transfer portal)
- PJ Johnson III, WR (transfer portal)
- Malachi McLean, S (transfer portal)
- Tyriece Thomas, DL (transfer portal)
- Ta’ir Brooks, WR (transfer portal)
- Jamari Buddin, LB (transfer portal)
- Tyler Devera, TE (transfer portal)
Fresno State Opt-Outs
- Raymond Scott, LB (transfer portal)
- Hayden Pulis, OT (transfer portal)
- Logan Fife, QB (transfer portal)
- Chrishawn Gordon, S (transfer portal)
- Tanner Blount, LB (transfer portal)
College Football Odds
Peter is a sports writer focused on coverage and analysis of college football and basketball, as well as the NFL and other major sports. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he has been writing sports articles for over 8 years.
After working for ClutchPoints, Peter joined OddsChecker in 2023. He is a New York sports superfan and is fluent in the sports betting industry.