What to know before Rice plays Texas State in the First Responder Bowl

It’s been decades since Rice and Texas State have played each other but that streak will come to an end on Dec. 26 when the two teams clash in the Lone Star state.

The game also features the brother of San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey

Here’s everything fans need to know before these Texas teams collide.

RICE (6-6) vs. TEXAS STATE (7-5)

Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m., ESPN

Location: Dallas

Player to know: Rice: First-team All-AAC Luke McCaffrey, 68 receptions, 963 yards, 12 touchdowns; Texas State: Ismail Mahdi, 1,209 yards, 10 touchdowns

It’s a fact: Rice: The Owls completed their first regular season in the AAC after transitioning from Conference USA going 4-4 in-conference.

Texas State: First-year head coach and former NFL quarterback G. J. Kinne led the Bobcats to a three-way tie for second place in the Sun Belt West.

Last time: Rice 38, Texas State 28 (Sept. 26, 1987)

Bowl history: Rice: First time in the First Responder Bowl, 14th bowl game in school history; Texas State: This will be Texas State’s first bowl game in school history.