Easypost Hawai’i Bowl: Middle Tennessee State vs. San Diego State Game Preview, Predictions, Players to watch

Easypost Hawai’i Bowl: 

The first ever matchup between the Aztecs and Blue raiders will be a Christmas Eve Clash at Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI. Both teams come into the game possessing a (7-5) record with Middle Tennessee state on a 3 game win streak, and SDSU dropping their last to Air Force. Despite never having played each other before, both programs have history in the Hawai’i Bowl. Middle Tennessee lost 52-35 to Hawai’i in the 2016 version of the game while San Diego State beat Cincinnati 42-7 in the 2015 Hawai’i Bowl. Tonight the aztecs look to add to the Mountain West success so far in the bowl championship cup as the conference seeks to improve to (4-1)

San Diego State

Head Coach Brady Hoke is happy to make his third bowl game in 3 years as the Aztecs head coach, however the 2022 season did not follow the success the team had hoped for after 2021’s 12-2 finish and no. 25 ranking. With a below average passing game and overall offensive woes, the team decided to switch offensive coordinators mid season. This, along with defensive back – and former Mississippi State QB – Jalen Mayden taking over under center, things started to improve and click a little on offense. Overall, this team isn’t of the same caliber as last year, but they should be solid enough to have a good chance to come away with a W.

Middle Tennessee St:

This game marks the tenth bowl appearance under Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill, but the results have been underwhelming up until recently, going 3-6, but winning two of the last three including a win over Toledo in last year’s Bahamas. The Blue Raiders’s defense will need to bring their A game and hopefully force turnovers like they know how to do, as they’ve managed two or more takeaways in eight of the twelve games. On offense, veteran quarterback Chase Cunningham will have to be the difference maker in this game in order for Middle Tennessee to come out on top.

Players to watch:

Tyrell Shavers, WR, Sr., San Diego State:

 The 6-6, 210-pound Shavers, who played previously at Alabama and Mississippi State, has 34 receptions for 581 yards and three touchdowns.

DL Jonah Tavai, DL, Sr., San Diego State:

 The 6-foot, 290-pound Tavai has 57 tackles (12.5 for loss) and a team-leading nine sacks. He also has a forced fumble.

Michael Shawcroft, LB, Sr., San Diego State: 

The 6-2, 220-pound Shawcroft has a team-leading 77 tackles (12 for loss), 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Jack Browning, K/P, Sr., San Diego State:

 Browning is averaging 45.9 per punt (including 28 inside the 20) while making 17 of 21 field goals (long 50) and all 28 of his extra points. He has 31 touchbacks on 53 kickoffs.

Chase Cunningham, QB, Sr., Middle Tennessee: 

College football comeback player of the year semifinalist, Chase Cinigham leads his team with 2,920 passing yards, 19 TD’s, and another 143 yards and 6 TD’s on the ground

Tra Fluelen, S, Jr., Middle Tennessee

The 6-2 205 Safety has a team-leading 97 tackles, along with 2 interceptions

Jaylin Lane, WR, So., Middle Tennessee

Lane leads the team with with 59 catches for 829 yards and 4TD’s (14.1 ypc)

TPsportz expert Predictions: 

Trenton: 28-14 San Diego St

Pudge: 19-10 San Diego St

Secret Analyst James Odom: *21-17* San Diego State