New Mexico Bowl opponents Colorado State and Marshall followed similar trajectories on the way to Saturday's matchup at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque.
Marshall (7-5) opened the season 6-1 before a 1-4 slide to close the campaign. The Thundering Herd lost three games in that stretch by less than a touchdown, including decisions of two points to UTSA and one point to Southern Mississippi in the final two games.
Likewise, Colorado State (7-5) opened 6-2, but went 1/3 down the stretch with losses of three points at Wyoming on Nov. 4, and a 59-52 overtime defeat against Boise State on Nov.