Overview
- ESPN Events has introduced the Xbox Bowl in place of the Bahamas Bowl as part of its 17-game postseason schedule.
- Kickoff is Thursday, Dec. 18 at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT) at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with the broadcast on ESPN2.
- Arkansas State returns to postseason play for a third consecutive year and marks its 13th bowl appearance as an FBS program.
- Missouri State enters at 7–5 in its first FBS season and will make the program’s first bowl appearance.
- Event plans include Xbox-branded fan activations in Frisco and an ESPN character-themed Monsters Funday Football presentation on Dec. 8.