Arkansas St. @ Northern Illinois preview

GO DADDY.COM BOWL STORYLINES

1. Arkansas State has a new coach in Gus Malzahn, the former offensive coordinator at Auburn. But Malzahn, who tutored Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and helped the Tigers win the 2010 national championship, will not be on the sidelines. Arkansas State will be led by interim head coach David Gunn, who was recently asked by Malzahn to return and be a part of the staff. Gunn was named interim coach after Hugh Freeze resigned to become head coach at Ole Miss.

2. Arkansas State has won nine straight thanks to a balanced approach. The Red Wolves became the first team in school history to record 5,000 yards of offense, scored 30 or more points in eight games this season and more than 45 in their last two contests. They also rank No. 1 in in the Sun Belt in total defense and scoring defense.

3. Northern Illinois QB Chandler Harnish has been impressive under pressure. He’s coming off perhaps his best performance, leading the Huskies to a 23-20 comeback win against Ohio in the MAC championship game. The four-year starter was voted the MAC’s player of the year and needs only 45 rushing yards to become the third FBS quarterback to rush for 3,000 yards and pass for 8,000 yards in his career.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Arkansas State -1.5

ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE (10-2, 8-0 Sun Belt): The Red Wolves feature the Players of the Year on offense and defense from the Sun Belt Conference. Quarterback Ryan Aplin led the conference in total offense with 320 yard per game. Aplin threw for 269.6 yards per game and 18 touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 10 scores. He became only the second player in conference history to record 3,000 yards of total offense in two different seasons. The defensive leader is lineman Brandon Joiner, who led the league with 12 sacks and had 15.5 tackles for loss. Other first-team all-conference players include receiver Dwayne Frampton (90 catches, 1,125 yards, six TDs), offensive lineman Tom Castilaw, linebacker Demario Davis (65 tackles), and defensive backs Darryl Feemster (five interceptions) and Kelcie McCray (62 tackles, four interceptions).

ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (10-3, 7-1 MAC): The Huskies revolve around QB Chandler Harnish, who led the MAC in rushing (112.6 yards). Harnish rushed for 1,351 yards and threw for 2,692 yards and 23 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. He’s got an outstanding offensive line, led by center Scott Wedige and tackle Trevor Olson, both all-MAC selections. The line hasn’t allowed a sack all season. Running back Jasmin Hopkins ran for 872 yards and scored a team-leading 15 TDs. The young defense is led by linebacker Pat Schiller (108 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), end Sean Progar (11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks) and safety Jimmie Ward (93 tackles). Kicker Mathew Sims hit 18 of 23 field goals and scored a school-record 111 points.

PREDICTION: Northern Illinois 34, Arkansas State 28 – Two-way threat Harnish closes his remarkable career with a bowl victory.