Hawaii Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State Prediction, Odds & Picks (Saturday, Dec. 24)

San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Jalen Mayden (18) throws a pass against the Air Force Falcons during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium.
Image Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the Hawaii Bowl, as Middle Tennessee is set to face San Diego State on Saturday, Dec. 24. The game is scheduled for 8 pm ET while airing on ESPN. San Diego State enters this game as 6.5-point favorites with the total set at 49.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State prediction for the Hawaii Bowl below.

Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State Odds

  • Spread: San Diego State -6.5
  • Total: 49.5

Odds via Betfred. Click here to redeem our exclusive Betfred Promo Code for $250 in free bets!

Game Info

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 24
  • Time: 8 pm ET
  • Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex – Honolulu, Hawaii
  • TV: ESPN

Middle Tennessee Betting Trends

  • Blue Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
  • Over is 5-0 in Blue Raiders last 5 bowl games.
  • Over is 5-0 in Blue Raiders last 5 neutral site games.

San Diego State Betting Trends

  • Aztecs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December.
  • Over is 4-1 in Aztecs last 5 games in December.
  • Aztecs are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS loss.

Middle Tennessee vs. San Diego State Prediction

San Diego State gets the job done with defense, ranking 22nd in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense. There’s a good chance the Aztecs can keep Middle Tennessee’s pass-happy offense at bay, especially considering SDST gets solid pressure on the quarterback (34th in sack rate) while forcing turnovers (15th in interception rate) and holding an overall strong pass defense that ranks 28th in the nation. 

On the other side of the ball, San Diego State likes to run the ball, but it isn’t very efficient in that category. Middle Tennessee has a stingy run defense to boot, ranking 23rd in opponent yards per carry. Needless to say, the Aztecs want to grind this game out and keep the Blue Raiders’ offense off the field.

The Aztecs are capable of executing that gameplan, and it makes under 49.5 total points a very appealing play. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a final score around 24-17.

The Pick: Under 49.5 total points | -110 at Betfred