As the clock ticked down to the final seconds of the 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl, the North Texas Mean Green secured a thrilling 49-47 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs, marking an unforgettable end to the season for both teams. This high-scoring, back-and-forth game showcased some of the best offensive prowess in college football this year, particularly with North Texas setting a new record for rushing yards in a bowl game.
North Texas' freshman running back, Caleb Hawkins, put on a show, rushing for a career-high 298 yards and three touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a future star in the league. His performance was pivotal in the Mean Green's offensive dominance, which saw them amass a total of 368 rushing yards.
The Aztecs, who came into the game with aspirations of securing a 10-win season, fell just short in their attempt. Despite valiant efforts, including a remarkable 458 total yards of offense, the Aztecs ultimately couldn't keep pace with the Mean Green's relentless offensive attack.
The game began with a frenetic pace, setting the stage for a high-scoring affair. North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker showcased his arm strength and accuracy, throwing for 253 passing yards and contributing significantly to the team’s scoring efforts. Meanwhile, the Aztecs struggled with defensive consistency, allowing North Texas to maintain a steady flow of scoring opportunities.
The offensive fireworks extended beyond Hawkins, with Ashton Gray contributing two crucial rushing touchdowns and Cameron Dormer catching two scoring passes. This balanced attack left the Aztecs scrambling to keep up, as they were unable to secure the necessary stops to halt North Texas' momentum.
For San Diego State, the loss was particularly galling considering the season-long efforts to build a winning culture. The Aztecs battled through multiple quarterback injuries and a grueling season, making their 47-point output a testament to their resilience. However, the consistent inability to shut down North Texas' offense proved to be their undoing.
Despite the loss, the Aztecs showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their offensive strategy. The Aztecs' offensive coordinator, working with a talented but injury-riddled roster, managed to keep the game competitive until the final whistle. The experience gained in this high-stakes environment will undoubtedly serve them well in future seasons, even as they face the challenge of rebuilding the defensive unit.
Overall, the 2025 Iselta New Mexico Bowl was a game for the history books, with both teams pushing the limits of what's possible on the gridiron. The victory for North Texas not only capped off a memorable season but also set a new standard for future bowl games. As we look ahead, both teams will be remembered for their tenacity and skill, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season.
