Poinsettia Bowl capsule

Schools: Boise State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (8-5), 1:30 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.