The 2025 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl matches the Miami (OH) RedHawks (MAC) against the Fresno State Bulldogs (Mountain West) in a postseason clash between two teams wrapping up solid campaigns. Miami (OH) enters at 7-6 after a resilient MAC run, while Fresno State boasts an 8-4 record with a strong home finish. This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. Below is a comprehensive breakdown.
Venue Location
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona. This outdoor venue, home to the Arizona Wildcats, seats about 50,782 and features a grass surface, hosting the Arizona Bowl since 2015.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT). The game will air on The CW Network.
Note: While the query specifies December 25, all official sources confirm December 27 as the date.
Weather Forecast
As an outdoor game, conditions should be mild for late December in the desert. Tucson’s forecast for December 27, 2025, shows daytime highs around 70°F with nighttime lows near 46°F, a 69% chance of precipitation (possible scattered showers), and light winds at 2 mph. UV index is low at 2—expect comfortable play but monitor for rain impacting footing on grass.
Injury Report
Both teams have managed injuries, with Fresno State hit harder in key positions, potentially affecting depth.
- Miami (OH) RedHawks: Wide receiver Javon Tracy is out for the season with a knee injury. Quarterback Dequan Finn is out for the season (OFS, undisclosed). Wide receiver Antwon Thomas is questionable (undisclosed, est. return Dec 27). Linebacker Corban Hondru and others are healthy, but the QB loss shifts to Henry Hesson, who started multiple games.
- Fresno State Bulldogs: Defensive lineman Sonny Scott III is out for the season (undisclosed). Running back Rayshon Luke is questionable (undisclosed). Wide receivers Josiah Freeman and Jahlil McClain are off the report and expected to play, but tight end depth remains thin from earlier issues.
Key Player Matchups
With Finn out, Miami (OH)’s offense relies on balance against Fresno’s stout defense (top-50 in points allowed), while Fresno’s passing attack tests Miami’s secondary.
- MIA QB Henry Hesson vs. FSU S Camryn Bracha: Hesson threw for 596 yards and 4 TDs in relief duty, facing Bracha, Fresno’s interception leader—could force turnovers if pressured.
- FSU QB Mikey Keene vs. MIA LB Corban Hondru: Keene’s efficiency (over 2,500 yards, 20 TDs) meets Hondru, Miami’s tackle leader, who must disrupt underneath routes.
- MIA RB Keyon Mozee vs. FSU DL Tyler Batty: Mozee’s ground game (800+ yards) challenges Batty’s run-stopping ability to control the line.
- FSU WR Mac Hippenhammer vs. MIA CB Keith Reynolds: Hippenhammer’s speed could exploit Reynolds in coverage mismatches.
Other watch: MIA WR Reggie Virgil vs. FSU secondary for big plays.
Recent Team Forms
- Miami (OH) RedHawks (7-6, 6-2 MAC): Started 1-3 with losses to Rutgers (45-17) and UNLV (41-38), but rebounded in conference play, winning 6 of 8 including Northern Illinois (24-17) and a MAC title game appearance. Averaged 26 points in wins but struggled defensively in losses (allowing 35+).
- Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4, 5-3 MW): Opened 3-1 with wins over Sacramento State and New Mexico State, but split conference games with losses to UNLV (24-21) and Colorado State (28-21). Finished strong, winning 4 of last 6, emphasizing defense (holding foes under 20 in victories).
Conference vs Conference
MAC vs. Mountain West. The MW holds a slight historical edge with a 35-32 all-time record against MAC teams, reflecting stronger depth in recent cross-conference play. In bowl games, MW squads have won 60% of matchups since 2010.
Series History
This is the first-ever matchup between Miami (OH) and Fresno State. No prior games exist in their histories.
Betting Trends
- Miami (OH): 6-7 ATS overall; 4-2 ATS as underdogs; 7-6 O/U. Strong as road dogs (3-1 ATS last 4).
- Fresno State: 7-5 ATS; 4-2 ATS as favorites; 6-6 O/U, trending under in low-total games.
- Game-Specific: Public on Miami +5.5, sharps on Fresno; unders hit in 5 of last 7 Arizona Bowls; MW favorites 4-2 ATS vs. MAC in bowls.
Historical Betting Results
The Arizona Bowl (since 2015) has favorites at 5-4 ATS, with unders hitting in 6 of 9 games. Largest margin: +28 (Boise State 38-10 over Central Michigan, 2021). MW teams are 3-2 ATS in this bowl, while MAC squads are 1-1. Recent: 2024 Miami (FL) covered as -3.5 vs. Iowa State (41-17).
vegasinsider.com +2
Game PredictionFresno State’s defensive edge and home-state familiarity should prevail in a low-scoring grind, but Miami (OH)’s resilience keeps it close. Keene exploits the secondary, while Bulldogs contain Mozee. Prediction: Fresno State 24, Miami (OH) 17 (Bulldogs cover -5.5; under 42.5 hits). Models favor Fresno by 5-7 points.
Game Odds
Miami-Ohio Redhawks 41.5
Fresno State Bulldogs – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 25, 2025
