The Northern Illinois Huskies take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The Huskies started the season 2-3 but have won 8 straight games including the MAC championship against Ohio. Arkansas State started 1-2 and won 9 straight games to finish the season at 10-2. The GoDaddy.com bowl is one of three non-BCS bowls to feature two 10-win teams.
When Arkansas State is on Offense
The Red Wolves’ offense was 26th in the nation in scoring at 33.5 points per game. At 288.7 yards per game through the air Arkansas State had the 18th best passing attack in the country. Quarterback Ryan Aplin completed 65% of his passes fore 3235 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Aplin was also the leading rusher for the Red Wolves with 605 yards and 9 touchdowns. Aplin’s favorite target this season was senior receiver Dwayne Frampton who hauled in 90 passes for 1125 yards.
At 31.1 points allowed per game, Northern Illinois’ defense ranked 89th nationally. The Huskies did not do a very good job of getting to the quarterback with only 21 sacks in 13 games. They also only had 10 interceptions. The Huskies need to find a way to hurry quarterback Ryan Aplin and throw off the rhythm of the Arkansas State passing attack.
When Northern Illinois is on Offense
The Huskies’ offense did a good job of covering up for the lack of defense. Northern Illinois ranked 13th in the country in scoring at 38.3 points per game. The Huskies had the 8th best rushing attack in the nation averaging 247.6 yards per game on the ground. Senior quarterback Chandler Harnish had another outstanding season for the Huskies. Harnish completed 63% of his passes for 2942 yards and 26 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. He was also the leading rusher on the team averaging 7.5 yards per carry on his way to 1382 yards rushing. Running back Jasmin Hopkins ran for 932 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Red Wolves played solid defense this season only allowing 19.3 points per game, 14th best in college football. Defensive end Brandon Joiner was 5th in the nation with 12.0 sacks this season. As a team, Arkansas State had 31 sacks and 16 interceptions. The Red Wolves’ defense will have its hands full trying to contain Chandler Harnish.
2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl Pick Against the Spread
Oddsmakers currently have Arkansas State as a 1.5 point favorite over Northern Illinois. Both teams have great quarterbacks that can beat their opponents through the air and on the ground. However, I give the edge to Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish. He has more experience than Ryan Aplin, is more effective running the ball, and his 26 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions is outstanding. I expect Northern Illinois to get a big game out of Harnish and win the GoDaddy.com Bowl. I’ll take Northern Illinois with the 1.5 points.
2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl Prediction
Northern Illinois – 31
Arkansas State – 28
Source
espn.go.com/college-football/bowls