Poinsettia Bowl First Look: Boise State vs. Northern Illinois

The 2015 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl will feature a matchup between the Boise State Broncos and Northern Illinois Huskies.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Broadcast Info

Date: Wednesday, December 23
Time: 4:30 pm ET
Network: ESPN
Venue: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

Boise State In A Bowl. Be Boise State In A Bowl.

It’s a fall going from the Mountain West champion and Fiesta Bowl winner to also-ran, but that’s exactly what happened in a strange season for the Broncos. Just when it seemed like they were going back to the New Year’s Six, boom – Utah State happened. There weren’t problems against the mediocre Mountain West teams, but there’s no real signature win since surviving a missed kick against Washington in the opener. The offense is still good, the defense is still good, but the team isn’t among the elite this year. Most program, though, would be more than happy with having a disappointing nine-win season. Boise State, go Boise State up and play like you do this time of year.

Northern Illinois Isn’t Dead. It’s Resting.

There’s limping into the bowl season, and there’s being wheeled in on a gurney. Northern Illinois was one a terrific roll beating Toledo on the road, getting by Western Michigan, and loading up with a MAC West title with a six-game winning streak before the injuries kicked in. Down to a fourth-string quarterback, the Huskies lost to Ohio at home, got run over by Bowling Green in the MAC title game, and now come into the post-season with no real expectations coming. However, this is a terrifically-coached team that fights hard, has a better defense than it showed at times against Bowling Green, and has a chip on its shoulder.

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