Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois: Game Time and TV Info for Godaddy.com Bowl

Two mid-major conference champions will square off on Sunday night when the Arkansas State Red Wolves take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

This will be the last game played before the BCS National Championship Game.

Arkansas State enters the game at 10-2, going 8-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. Northern Illinois is 10-3, 7-1 in the Mid-American Conference.

Where: Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.

When: Sunday, Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN. Streamed at ESPN3.

Listen: WLBK AM 1360 at Northern Illinois

Key Storyline

How will Arkansas State handle the coaching changes in preparation for Gus Malzahn? That's a big name going to a small school. A win here would put them in a big spotlight for next season. 

Betting Line

Arkansas State (-1.5), according to Sportsbook.

I give a slight edge to Northern Illinois in this one. It's not that Arkansas State is bad, but a coaching change will often mix things up a little too much in such a short time.

Who Might not Play for Arkansas State

Per USA Today

QB Phillip Butterfield is out.

Who Might not Play for Northern Illinois

Per USA Today

LB Tyrone Clark, LB Devon Butler, DE Sean Progar, and WR Anthony Johnson are out.

DL Frank Boenzi and DL Ron Newcomb are out. 

What it Means for Arkansas State

This is a great opportunity to build the program as a new coach comes in. A win would go a long way in showing that what was done in the past was on the players and not Hugh Freeze.

What it Means for Northern Illinois

This would help establish the Huskies as a power in the Mid-American Conference. This was their first conference title since 1983. Winning the bowl game that comes with it would help make them a top program.

What They're Saying

Mark Schlabach of ESPN quoted interim coach David Gunn, who talked about how his players are adjusting to new coaches, brough in for this game.

"

We wanted to make sure we had every opportunity to win this bowl game...It's been an excellent fit. The kids embraced them right away, and they're very familiar with the program. They're good men and excellent football coaches.

"

Mike Sherry of the Post Crescent quoted Jamison Wells, who is excited to make a big impact for his team in this game.

"

It's supposed to be a great bowl game and we get to play a really good team. Arkansas State is a really good team. It will be interesting but it will be a lot of fun.

"

Arkansas State Player to Watch

Dwayne Frampton had over 1,000 yards receiving this season. If he gets free and catches some passes, he'll make the day a long one for Northern Illinois. 

Northern Illinois Player to Watch

Chandler Harnish. He's the team's leading passer and rusher. Any hope Arkansas State has of winning starts with shutting Harnish down.

Key Matchup

Frampton vs. the Northern Illinois secondary. If they shut him down, Arkansas State's offense is not terribly potent. The winner of this matchup will win the game.

Prediction: Northern Illinois 37, Arkansas State 31

We'll get a lot of points in this one, but I trust Northern Illinois to pull this out out. They have a more diverse offense and overall attack. 

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