GoDaddy.Com Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
By Ty Duffy
It’s college football’s penultimate bowl game. Don’t be the jerk who goes to GoDaddy.com to see more, unless you need to register a domain.
Arkansas State Red Wolves [SRS 54]
Best Wins: FIU (79), Louisiana-Lafayette (85), Western Kentucky (89)
Losses: Virginia Tech (26), Illinois (53)
Famous Alum: Rodger Bumpass
Gus Malzahn should bring a Pitbull-level real good time next season, but this year’s Arkansas State excitement was on defense. The Red Wolves put out an aggressive unit that finished Top 20 in run defense, pass defense and sacks per game. Their quarterback Ryan Alpin can make plays, but also makes mistakes (13 INT).
Northern Illinois Huskies [SRS 55]
Best Wins: Toledo (31), Western Michigan (65), Ohio U (70)
Losses: Wisconsin (7), Kansas (99), Central Michigan (109)
Famous Alum: Joan Allen
Northern Illinois features senior Chandler Harnish, the preeminent MACtion quarterback. He passes accurately (No. 13 in passer rating, 63 percent completions, 2,942 yards, 26-5 TD to INT ratio). He runs with speed and power (1,382 yards and 11 TD on 185 carries). They’ll run a lot of spread formations to set up quick passes or runs for him in space.
For Recreational Purposes: Northern Illinois (+1)