Arkansas State, Northern Illinois meet in Camellia Bowl in clash of two 6-6 teams
Marshall's Sean Sallis (82) makes a catch Arkansas State cornerback Samy Johnson (1) and safety Eddie Smith during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Huntington, W.Va. Credit: AP/Sholten Singer
Arkansas State (6-6, Sun Belt) vs Northern Illinois (6-6, Mid-American Conference), Dec. 23, noon ET.
LOCATION: Montgomery, Alabama
TOP PLAYERS
Arkansas State: QB Jaylen Raynor, the Sun Belt freshman of the year, has 2,293 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, six interceptions, five rushing TDs.
Northern Illinois: RB Antario Brown, first-team All-MAC, has 1,164 yards, 10 touchdowns, 6.2 yards per carry.
NOTABLE
Arkansas State: Bowl eligible for the first time since 2019. Rebounded after getting outscored 110-3 in the first two games against Oklahoma and Memphis. Set Sun Belt record with 77 points in a win over Texas State on Nov. 18.
Northern Illinois: Opened with 27-24 overtime win over Boston College, then lost its next four. Has won five of its last seven games. Ranks sixth nationally in pass defense, allowing 163.9 yards per game.
LAST TIME
Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20 in GoDaddy.com Bowl (Jan. 8, 2012).
BOWL HISTORY
Arkansas State: Is 8-8-1 in bowl games and making third appearance in the Camellia Bowl (1-1).
Northern Illinois: Making 15th bowl trip (4-10) and 12th since 2008. First appearance in the Camellia Bowl.
