Poinsettia Bowl 2015: Boise State vs. Northern Illinois TV Schedule, Time, Odds

Former busters of the now-defunct BCS and two of the past decade's winningest programs collide Wednesday when Boise State and Northern Illinois meet in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Though both teams boast just eight wins this season, the darlings of BCS seasons in years past both tout more than 60 wins since 2010 and combine for quite the interesting chess match out in San Diego.

For Boise State, this encounter's about riding an elite defense and an upstart quarterback. NIU, on the other hand, can only hope it's healthy enough to field the usually stout attack.

Here's a look at everything to know about one of bowl season's more intriguing matchups.

Game Details

When: Wednesday, December 23, at 4:30 p.m. ET

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Television: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

Over/Under: 56

Spread: Boise State (-8)

Team Injury Reports

NAME	POS	STATUS
Austin Cottrell	WR	Ques Wed
Darian Thompson	S	Ques Wed
Donte Deayon	CB	Prob Wed
David Lucero	TE	Out indefinitely
Akilian Butler	WR	Out indefinitely
Shane Williams-Rhodes	WR	Prob Wed
Rees Odhiambo	OL	Out for season
Dylan Sumner-Gardner	S	Out indefinitely
Gabe Perez	UT	Out for season
Ryan Finley	QB	Out indefinitely

NAME	POS	STATUS
Ryan Graham	QB	Prob Wed
Corey Thomas	DT	Out for season
Tommylee Lewis	WR	Ques Wed
Drew Hare	QB	Out for season
Rasheen Lemon	LB	Out indefinitely

Injury reports courtesy of USA Today.

Keeping the Pedal to the Floor

Given NIU's injury woes, Las Vegas has every right to slap the Boise State Broncos as rather lofty favorites.

That said, the Huskies have forced 21 interceptions this year, with corner Shawun Lurry sitting on nine. It's a tough task for Broncos freshman quarterback Brett Rypien, accolades or not.

Rypien has been one of the nation's brighter surprises this year, though, as he's completed 62.6 percent of his passes with 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Many chat about the future when it comes to the talented signal-caller, but for NIU head coach Rod Carey, it's all about the present, according to Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman:

Dangerous as he might be, Rypien does have a talented star running back to lean on thanks to Jeremy McNichols' productive year. The sophomore has a per-carry average of 5.6 thanks to his 221 totes for 1,244 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Don't expect the Broncos to come out lackadaisical, though, given the numbers and NIU's health issues. Head coach Bryan Harsin's team should know better than most what such an approach can do after finishing the season on a sour 1-2 note.

Look for the Broncos to come out firing and never cease.

Next Man Up

David Richard/Associated Press

The normally explosive Huskies offense, which has 38 or more points in six games this year, has stumbled in two consecutive losses before the bowl game, posting just 21 and 14 points. 

It has been a trying season for NIU under center, to say the least. The team lost starting quarterback Drew Hare in November. Backup Ryan Graham suffered an injury a few games later, and Tommy Fiedler then led a sputtering offense the rest of the way.

According to Jay Taft of the Rockford Register Star, Carey will give starting duties back over to Graham for the bowl game, citing change as a motivator for the contest.

“If you’re doing something that ain’t been working, change it. I’m fine with that,” Carey said. “We’re definitely going to try some things differently, and with a different attitude.”

In relief duty, Graham has 653 yards with six touchdowns to three interceptions this year. He'll hope to lean on running back Joel Bouagnon, who has 1,269 yards and 18 scores this season. Lead wideout Kenny Golladay, the owner of 71 catches for 1,122 yards and 10 scores, will have to step up as well.

Again, it's a tall ladder to climb, though, considering the Broncos allow just 21.3 points per game.

Prediction

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The formerly elite NIU offense just hasn't been impressive with the freshman Graham under center this year, a problem amplified by a stout Boise State defense keeping offenses in check and forcing turnovers.

The Broncos can get out to an early lead here behind Rypien's arm and never look back. Doing so can create a snowball effect of sorts as a Broncos defense that has 22 interceptions of its own this season takes advantage of a backup quarterback and neutralizes talented skill players.

So long as Boise State comes out motivated to put a neat topper on a solid season and take care of business against a lesser opponent, the Broncos will roll a team that still managed to put together an impressive season despite a wicked case of the injury bug.

Prediction: Broncos 35, Huskies 28

Statistics courtesy of ESPN unless otherwise specified. All betting information courtesy of Odds Shark.