Albuquerque, Fresno mayors wager on New Mexico Bowl outcome. Here's the bet.

Dec. 15—Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller will be doing the coin toss to determine possession before the New Mexico Bowl kicks off Saturday. Then, he'll be rooting for New Mexico State to beat Fresno State.

That's because Keller and Fresno (Calif.) Mayor Jerry Dyer made a friendly wager on the outcome of the game. The losing mayor will be responsible for sending the winning mayor a basket of goodies.

"I have a lot of respect for Mayor Dyer and his great city," Keller said in a news release. "But I have a strong feeling that this Saturday, his Bulldogs are going to be in the dog house."

Dyer, in response, stated: "I'm happy to accept Mayor Keller's challenge and have full faith in my Bulldogs to take care of business against New Mexico State, a team Fresno State has an 18-1 record against."

This is the first time NMSU will be competing in the New Mexico Bowl, held in University Stadium in Albuquerque. The bowl game has been around since 2006.

The Aggies, based in Las Cruces, are undefeated in other bowl games, 4-0-1.

Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said he will be in attendance at the New Mexico Bowl. In a text message to the Journal, he stated, "That's cool about Mayor Tim backing NMSU! I am not part of (the wager), but obviously rooting for NMSU."

If the Aggies win, Keller will present Dyer with an "ABQ in a Box" gift collection, including tortilla coasters from Seraparito Supply Co., NM Piñon Coffee, honey from Edgewood Honey Farm and more, as well as a bottle from Albuquerque distillery Hollow Spirits.

If the Bulldogs win, Dyer will present Keller with a gift basket that includes Enzo's olive oil, Fresno chiles, beer from the city's local Brewery District, and candied nuts from Fresno State farm market.

The Aggies are 10-4 on the season and Fresno State is 8-4. Kickoff will be at 3:45 p.m. MT and will be aired nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio.