The Arkansas State Red Wolves are in their first bowl game since 2019 and their 6 wins are more than the 5 they won the last two years combined. The Northern Illinois Huskies won their last two games to become bowl eligible and look for their first bowl win since 2011. Let’s preview this game and give out a Camellia Bowl Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction.

Arkansas State Red Wolves Betting Preview 

The Arkansas State Red Wolves beat Texas State to become bowl eligible, but they most recently lost to Marshall. Jaylen Raynor is completing 58.8 percent of his passes for 2,300 yards, 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Courtney Jackson and Corey Rucker have combined for 1,256 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Jeff Foreman has 25 receptions. The Arkansas State Red Wolves ground game is averaging 152.1 yards per contest, and Ja’Quez Cross leads the way with 688 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Arkansas State is allowing 31.2 points and 445.5 yards per game. Charles Willekes leads the Arkansas State Red Wolves with 88 tackles, Nate Martey has 6 sacks and Eddie Smith has 2 interceptions.

Arkansas State Red Wolves Team Facts

• The underdog has won four of Arkansas State’s last five games.
• The underdog has covered the spread in each of Arkansas State’s last five games.
• Arkansas State has lost the first half in each of its last three games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference.
• Four of Arkansas State’s last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

More College Basketball Picks: James Madison vs Air Force Prediction!

Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview 

The Northern Illinois Huskies beat Western Michigan and Kent State to reach a bowl game. Rocky Lombardi is completing 57.4 percent of his passes for 2,074 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Trayvon Rudolph and Kacper Rutkiewicz have combined for 818 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Grayson Barnes has 8 receptions. The Northern Illinois Huskies ground game is averaging 179.1 yards per contest, and Antario Brown leads the way with 1,164 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Northern Illinois is allowing 21.2 points and 318.5 yards per game. Raishein Thomas leads the Northern Illinois Huskies with 68 tackles, James Ester has 4 sacks and Nate Valcarcel has 3 interceptions.

Northern Illinois Huskies Team Facts

• Northern Illinois has lost each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
• Northern Illinois has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven Bowl games.
• Northern Illinois has lost the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
• Each of Northern Illinois’ last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have gone OVER the total points line.

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Northern Illinois Huskies prediction

You can argue the Arkansas State Red Wolves are the more talented team on paper, but their defense is awful. Arkansas State is ranked 127th in total defense and 107th in scoring defense. A top-50 NIU rushing attack should have some success here. Also, the Northern Illinois Huskies could’ve rolled over after being 4-6 and they manged to win two games to qualify for this spot. Northern Illinois also hasn’t won a bowl game since 2011, losing their last 7 appearances, so I believe there’s some motivation to finish this thing out. I’ll grab the points with the Huskies.