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Entz became a first-year head coach at FCS power North Dakota State and led the Bison to a 60-11 record and two FCS national championships. Entz coached against the UA in a hard-fought loss in Tucson during the 2022 season. 

Entz is in his first season at Fresno State and has the Bulldogs in position to finish a season with nine or more wins for the third time in four seasons when they take the field Saturday at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Since the conclusion of the Pat Hill era (1997-2011), Fresno State has 10 bowl appearances under five head coaches: Tim DeRuyter, Jeff Tedford, Kalen DeBoer, Tim Skipper and Entz. 

Fresno State is second in the Mountain West in total defense and has allowed the second-fewest touchdowns (27) in the conference behind San Diego State. Fresno State leads the league in interceptions and has the third-best rushing defense in the Mountain West. 

Martin, who's been Miami's coach since 2014, could reach a career .500 record at Miami if the Redhawks win. Martin, who is 72-73, is Miami's all-time winningest head coach. Miami is 27-14 in the last two-plus seasons, with two MAC championship appearances. This year will mark the fifth straight bowl appearance for Miami. 

Not only does Miami lead the MAC in takeaways this season, the Redhawks have the third-best rushing defense in the conference, along with the second-most sacks (40). Miami edge rusher Adam Trick has 8.5 sacks, which ranks fourth in the MAC. Cincinnati native and former Ohio State linebacker Jackson Kuwatch, who had 14 tackles in the MAC championship, has five sacks this season.

The winner of the defensive chess match between two head coaches with defensive foundations could determine who receives a Death Row Records chain from Snoop Dogg on Saturday.