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Boise State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (8-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Boise State by 8 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Boise State seniors want to get their 40th victory. NIU wants to break a two-game losing streak and win for the first time in three Poinsettia Bowl appearances.
KEY MATCHUP
BSU's offensive line against NIU's defensive line. The Broncos will be trying to open holes for Jeremy McNichols, who rushed for 1,244 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Boise State: Wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck had 82 catches for a school single-season record 1,334 yards and eight touchdowns. He needs seven catches to break Matt Miller's 2013 team record of 88.
Northern Illinois: RB Joel Bouagnon was named to the All-Mid-American Conference first team after rushing for 1,269 yards and 18 touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES BSU is playing in its 14th straight bowl while NIU is playing in its eighth straight. ... NIU is in its third Poinsettia Bowl; BSU will make its second apperance. ... The Huskies have played in Boise, Idaho, but never played BSU. They beat Fresno State 40-17 in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl (now the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl). ... Boise State lists 44 players from California on its roster, including three from the San Diego area. ... Boise State will wear white jerseys as the visitors, but otherwise is keeping its uniform combination secret until game day. The Broncos uniform roster includes four different helmets, five jerseys and five pants.
