SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego State football team has accepted an invitation to play Central Michigan in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Noon MT (11 a.m. PT). The game will be played at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M., and will be broadcast nationally by ESPN.
The Aztecs (9-3) are in a bowl game for the 10th consecutive season, which is the longest streak among FBS schools in the state of California. SDSU is one of just 13 FBS programs to make a bowl game in at least 10 straight seasons and one of only two schools from a Group of 5 conference. It is San Diego State's 18th bowl appearance and 14th in Division I play.
The Aztecs enter the game ranked among the top 10 in the nation in numerous categories, including tied for first in fumbles lost (2), second in rushing defense (72.3) and turnovers lost (7), tied for third in turnover margin (+1.25), fourth in scoring defense (12.8), fifth in total defense (288.7) and first down defense (190), eighth in time of possession (33:28), and ninth in interceptions (15) and kick return defense (16.83).
The Chippewas, meanwhile, are 8-5 on the season after falling to Miami (OH), 26-21, in the MAC Championship game yesterday.
SDSU is playing in the New Mexico Bowl for the first time.
San Diego State and Central Michigan will be playing for the first time. San Diego State is 12-1-1 all-time against MAC schools with its lone setback coming to Ohio in the 2018 DXL Frisco Bowl.
"We are very happy with another really good matchup in the New Mexico Bowl, two outstanding teams in the midst of excellent seasons," said Jeff Siembieda, New Mexico Bowl Executive Director. "San Diego State has one of the nation's best defenses and is playing for double-digit wins for the fourth time in the past six seasons. Central Michigan is in the midst of a special season having gone from 1-11 to playing for the MAC championship with a high-powered offense. This should be a great game and we look forward to New Mexicans along with San Diego State and Central Michigan fans descending on Dreamstyle Stadium in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"We are really excited to host San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl for the first time. The Aztecs have become a premier football program with a spectacular team and a passionate fan base. Congratulations to Coach Rocky Long and the entire program on another tremendous season."
Tickets will be on sale at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 to the general public online (GoAztecs.com), and in person (SDCCU Stadium Window E) and over the phone ((619) 283-7378) beginning on Monday, Dec. 9.
Aztecs to Play CMU in the New Mexico Bowl
