ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The 2024 Isleta New Mexico Bowl is set to take place on Saturday, December 28. This year's matchup features Texas Christian (TCU) and Louisiana. The Matchup The Horned Frogs enter the game with an 8-4 record. TCU is the first Big 12 team to appear in the New Mexico Bowl. Louisiana has had one of the best seasons in its program's history. The Ragin Cajuns are coming to Albuquerque with a 10-3 record and an appearance in the Sun Belt Conference championship game. Both the Horned Frogs and Ragin Cajuns feature offenses that are capable of putting up big numbers. TCU and Louisiana are almost identical statistically as both teams average 33 points and 431 yards per game A sit down with the Executive Director New Mexico Bowl executive director Jeff Siembieda joined KRQE Sports Director Van Tate to discuss how much the bowl has evolved since its inception in 2006. Siembieda also spoke on the importance of keeping the bowl up to date with modern improvements, the aspect of maintaining New Mexican culture and community engagement. Looking at Previous Games There former New Mexico Bowl players spoke to the KRQE Sports crew about their experience in the game. Glover Quin ('06, '07), Lamar Jordan ('15, '16) and Jordan Byrd ('19) all said the game was a privilege to play in and one of the highlights for their college careers. The Numbers Dating back to the New Mexico Bowl's inaugural game, there has been a total of 1,037 points scored. That averages out to 57.5 points per game, and once again, it looks to be a high scoring affair in 2024 as TCU and UL both average 33 per game. In the bowl's history, the points scored typically have come in explosive ways. An explosive play is one that goes for at least 20 yards, and there have been 57 explosive touchdowns (three per year) in the 18 editions of the NM Bowl. This season TCU and UL have combined for 54 explosive scores. Individual players have historically shined in the game. So far, 32 players have eclipsed 100 years rushing or receiving in the bowl. This season TCU and UL have combined for 18 such performances. Coaches speak on playing in New Mexico TCU head coach Sonny Dykes actually has some long ties to the Land of Enchantment. His father was on the UNM coaching staff from 1977-1978. Dykes spent his time in Albuquerque at Comanche Elementary and his siblings graduated from Sandia High School. "It's a great city and we are looking forward to spending some time and doing some things with our players that are a little unique and different and things they have probably never done before," Dykes said. "We are fired up about it." Louisiana doesn't have any immediate connections to New Mexico, however they are looking forward to experiencing New Mexican culture for the first time. One of the things the Cajuns are most excited about is the food. "We like spice in our food down here too, so I will try pretty much anything once," UL coach Michael Desormeaux said. "So, I am not scared of it, we have heard nothing by great things about the food and the hospitality in New Mexico. You know, to say that we are excited is really an understatement this is a really cool opportunity for us."