Sizing up the Hawaii Bowl between Fresno State (9-4) and Houston (7-4):
Time, TV: Dec. 24, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Site: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
Analysis
At this time last year, Houston’s Major Applewhite was just beginning his first stint as a head coach while Fresno State’s Jeff Tedford was just starting his second chance.
Both can finish their first full run with their current schools with something to savor.
Applewhite’s Cougars didn’t quite pick up where they left off after Tom Herman left for Texas last season, but the elevation of Applewhite from offensive coordinator provided a continuity boost. Houston’s bagged some impressive victories.
But Houston also left some opportunities on the table, from squandering a big lead against Memphis to a befuddling 45-17 midseason stumble against Tulsa.
The Cougars are likely to find themselves in a low-scoring game against the Bulldogs, as Fresno State rode its defense to a West Division title in the Mountain West.
Fresno State ranks 16th nationally in total yardage allowed (319 per game) and ninth in scoring defense at 17.2 points per contest.
More: College football bowl schedule for 2017-18
The Bulldogs held Boise State to 17 points in back-to-back weeks, one a win, one a loss.
The defeat in the Mountain West title game was a disappointing end to an otherwise magical season for Fresno State, which bottomed out at 1-11 last season. That led to the hire of Tedford, a choice that initially seemed odd given the stagnation at the end of his tenure at California (two of three losing seasons).
But both he and the Bulldogs have been revived.
Players to watch
WR KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State: The second-team all-Mountain West pick had 69 catches for 918 yards and eight TDs for the resurgent Bulldogs.
DL Tobenna Okeke, Fresno State: Another selection to the MWC’s second team, Okeke shared the team lead with five sacks and forced three fumbles.
LB D’Juan Hines, Houston: The senior had a team-high 104 tackles (6 1/2 for loss).
DT Ed Oliver, Houston: The American Athletic Conference’s defensive player of the year led the Cougars in sacks (5 1/2) and tackles for loss (14 1/2) as a sophomore
Who wins?
If Oliver and the Cougars defensive line can apply early pressure, Houston will have an advantage.
Pick: Houston, 21-17
Best of 2017-18 college football bowl season
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Dec. 23: Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the Dollar General Bowl against Toledo at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside sets to pass against Appalachian State in the Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore carries the ball for a touchdown against Toledo during the Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield holds the Dollar General Bowl trophy after the Mountaineers beat Toledo at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobiles, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Army celebrates after beating San Diego State 42-35 to win the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after beating San Diego State to win the Armed Forces Bowl.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates his 27-yard touchdown run during the second half against San Diego State.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Army running back Darnell Woolfolk (33) tries to break free of San Diego State defenders Ron Smith (17) and Tariq Thompson (14) during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny (20) tries to elude Army defenders Elijah Riley (23) and Jaylon McClinton (7) during the second half.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: South Florida celebrates after beating Texas Tech 38-34 to win the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field.
Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: South Florida quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) hits the hole during the first quarter at the Birmingham Bowl.
Adam Hagy, Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: South Florida receiver Tyre McCants (8) hauls in a fourth-quarter touchdown catch against Texas Tech at the Birmingham Bowl.
Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Texas Tech receiver T.J. Vasher (9) fights for yardage between a pair of South Florida defenders during the second half of the Birmingham Bowl.
Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Spuddy Buddy, the mascot for the Idaho Potato Commission, poses with the Famous Idaho Potato before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between Wyoming and Central Michigan at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Wyoming coach Craig Bohl, middle, holds up the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy while quarterback Josh Allen, left, looks on at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen scrambled against Central Michigan during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
Darin Oswald, AP
Dec. 22: Wyoming cornerback Tyler Hall upends Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin, breaking up a pass during the first half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
Darin Oswald, AP
The Temple Owls celebrate with the trophy after defeating the FIU Panthers in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Temple Owls running back Ryquell Armstead (7) runs the ball against the FIU Panthers during the second half in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
FIU Panthers wide receiver Bryce Singleton (9) runs into linebacker Tyree Johnson (31) during a kickoff in the second half against the Temple Owls in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
FIU Panthers linebacker Anthony Wint (53) brings down Temple Owls running back Ryquell Armstead (7) during the first half in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Temple Owls defensive back Delvon Randall (2) attempts to bring down FIU Panthers running back Shawndarrius Phillips (22) during the first half in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Temple Owls quarterback Frank Nutile (18) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against the FIU Panthers during the first half in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 20: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs receivers Teddy Veal (9) and Javonte Woodard (84) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against Southern Methodist in the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech safety Secdrick Cooper returns an interception against Southern Methodist quarterback Ben Hicks, left, during the first quarter in the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech wide receiver Kam McKnight (15) catches a touchdown pass against Southern Methodist safety Mikial Onu in the second quarter of the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
From left to right, Terry Bradshaw, Eric Dickerson, Craig James and Cole Beasley pose before the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech celebrates after winning the Frisco Bowl against Southern Methodist at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz holds up the trophy after winning the Frisco Bowl against the Southern Methodist at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls head coach Lane Kiffin holds up the trophy after defeating the Akron Zips in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Willie Wright (86) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Akron Zips in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls tight end John Raine (30) is tackled by Akron Zips cornerback Kyron Brown (4) and defensive back Jordan George (7) in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Willie Wright (86) carries the ball against Akron Zips cornerback Kyron Brown (4) in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Jason Driskel (16) is pursued by Akron Zips defensive back Jordan George (7) in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders players hoist the trophy after defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at the Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Shane Tucker (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against Arkansas State Red Wolves during the fourth quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Ruben Garnett (27) catches a touchdown pass ahead of Arkansas State Red Wolves offensive lineman B.J. Edmonds (3) during the second quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Bob Rosato, RVR Photos/USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Justin McInnis (18) hurdles over Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders defensive back Reed Blankenship (12) during the second quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders cornerback Mike Minter (6) knocks the ball away from Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Justin McInnis (18) during the first quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Justin Clifton (10) intercepts the ball from Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Shane Tucker (1) during the first quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday celebrates with running back Tony Pittman (23) after the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday celebrates alongside players with the trophy after winning the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Tyre Brady (8) runs down the sideline for a touchdown after making a catch against the Colorado State Rams during the first half in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd running back Keion Davis (24) runs by Colorado State Rams defenders en route to a touchdown during the first half in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Colorado State Rams wide receiver Michael Gallup (4) is unable to make a catch against Marshall Thundering Herd defensive back Rodney Allen (11) during the first half in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd defensive linemen Marquis Couch (6) and Channing Hames (94) sack Colorado State Rams quarterback Nick Stevens (7) during the first half in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Boise Broncos head coach Bryan Harsin hoists the Las Vegas Bowl trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Boise Broncos players celebrate after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Boise Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) is tackled by Boise State Broncos linebacker Tyson Maeva (58) and safety Kekoa Nawahine (10) during the second quarter of the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) loses the football after being hit by Boise State Broncos safety Kekaula Kaniho (28) during the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia State Panthers head coach Sean Elliott celebrates with his team after winning the 2017 Cure Bowl against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key (2) tackles Georgia State Panthers running back Glenn Smith (17) just shy of the goal line during the fourth quarter in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia State Panthers defensive end Hardrick Willis (90) sacks Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Mike White (14) during the second half in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Dionte Ruffin (26) has a pass intended for Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Penny Hart (18) slip through his fingers during the second quarter in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia State Panthers quarterback Conner Manning (7) stiff-arms Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key (2) during the second quarter in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key (2) chases Georgia State Panthers running back Demarcus Kirk (38) during the first quarter in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Troy Trojans defensive tackle Trevon Sanders (90) and defensive end Seth Calloway (94) carry the New Orleans Bowl Trophy after defeating the North Texas Mean Green at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
Troy wide receiver John Johnson (2) scores a touchdown against North Texas during the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
Troy Trojans wide receiver John Johnson (2) breaks away from North Texas Mean Green safety Kishawn McClain (6) during the second half in the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Troy Trojans wide receiver Damion Willis (15) has a pass broken up by North Texas Mean Green defensive back Eric Jenkins (2) during the second quarter in the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
Troy running back Josh Anderson (33) scores a touchdown against North Texas during the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
Troy cornerback Marcus Jones (8) deflects a ball intended for North Texas wide receiver Jalen Guyton (9) during the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
Replay
![Dec. 23: Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore]()
1 of 63![Dec. 23: Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside sets to]()
2 of 63![Dec. 23: Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore]()
3 of 63![Dec. 23: Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield]()
4 of 63![Dec. 23: Army celebrates after beating San Diego State]()
5 of 63![Dec. 23: Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates]()
6 of 63![Dec. 23: Army quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates]()
7 of 63![Dec. 23: Army running back Darnell Woolfolk (33) tries]()
8 of 63![Dec. 23: San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny]()
9 of 63![Dec. 23: South Florida celebrates after beating Texas]()
10 of 63![Dec. 23: South Florida quarterback Quinton Flowers]()
11 of 63![Dec. 23: South Florida receiver Tyre McCants (8) hauls]()
12 of 63![Dec. 23: Texas Tech receiver T.J. Vasher (9) fights]()
13 of 63![Dec. 22: Spuddy Buddy, the mascot for the Idaho Potato]()
14 of 63![Dec. 22: Wyoming coach Craig Bohl, middle, holds up]()
15 of 63![Dec. 22: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen scrambled against]()
16 of 63![Dec. 22: Wyoming cornerback Tyler Hall upends Central]()
17 of 63![The Temple Owls celebrate with the trophy after defeating]()
18 of 63![Temple Owls running back Ryquell Armstead (7) runs]()
19 of 63![FIU Panthers wide receiver Bryce Singleton (9) runs]()
20 of 63![FIU Panthers linebacker Anthony Wint (53) brings down]()
21 of 63![Temple Owls defensive back Delvon Randall (2) attempts]()
22 of 63![Temple Owls quarterback Frank Nutile (18) runs into]()
23 of 63![Dec. 20: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs receivers Teddy Veal]()
24 of 63![Louisiana Tech safety Secdrick Cooper returns an interception]()
25 of 63![Louisiana Tech wide receiver Kam McKnight (15) catches]()
26 of 63![From left to right, Terry Bradshaw, Eric Dickerson,]()
27 of 63![Louisiana Tech celebrates after winning the Frisco]()
28 of 63![Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz holds up the trophy]()
29 of 63![Florida Atlantic Owls head coach Lane Kiffin holds]()
30 of 63![Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Willie Wright (86)]()
31 of 63![Florida Atlantic Owls tight end John Raine (30) is]()
32 of 63![Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Willie Wright (86)]()
33 of 63![Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Jason Driskel (16)]()
34 of 63![Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders players hoist the trophy]()
35 of 63![Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders running back Shane Tucker]()
36 of 63![Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Ruben Garnett]()
37 of 63![Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Justin McInnis]()
38 of 63![Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders cornerback Mike Minter]()
39 of 63![Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Justin Clifton]()
40 of 63![Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday celebrates]()
41 of 63![Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday celebrates]()
42 of 63![Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Tyre Brady (8)]()
43 of 63![Marshall Thundering Herd running back Keion Davis (24)]()
44 of 63![Colorado State Rams wide receiver Michael Gallup (4)]()
45 of 63![Marshall Thundering Herd defensive linemen Marquis]()
46 of 63![Boise Broncos head coach Bryan Harsin hoists the Las]()
47 of 63![Boise Broncos players celebrate after defeating the]()
48 of 63![Boise Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws during]()
49 of 63![Oregon Ducks running back Tony Brooks-James (20) is]()
50 of 63![Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) loses]()
51 of 63![Georgia State Panthers head coach Sean Elliott celebrates]()
52 of 63![Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key]()
53 of 63![Georgia State Panthers defensive end Hardrick Willis]()
54 of 63![Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Dionte]()
55 of 63![Georgia State Panthers quarterback Conner Manning (7)]()
56 of 63![Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key]()
57 of 63![Troy Trojans defensive tackle Trevon Sanders (90) and]()
58 of 63![Troy wide receiver John Johnson (2) scores a touchdown]()
59 of 63![Troy Trojans wide receiver John Johnson (2) breaks]()
60 of 63![Troy Trojans wide receiver Damion Willis (15) has a]()
61 of 63![Troy running back Josh Anderson (33) scores a touchdown]()
62 of 63![Troy cornerback Marcus Jones (8) deflects a ball intended]()
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