Boca Raton Bowl: Marshall vs. Northern Illinois

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Matchup: Marshall Thundering Herd (12-1, USA) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (11-2, Mid-American)

Site: FAU Stadium (Boca Raton, Fla.)

When: Dec. 23, 6 p.m. ET.

TV: ESPN

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Series: Marshall leads all-time series, 2-0.

Last meeting: Marshall won, 37-15 (Oct. 6, 2001).

Coaches: Doc Holliday (Marshall), Rod Carey (Northern Illinois)

Common opponents: Ohio (Marshall: W 44-14; Northern Illinois: W 21-14)

Players to watch: Marshall QB Rakeem Cato ranked third in the nation with 37 passing touchdowns (plus six rushing) and had 4,079 total yards. Northern Illinois QB Drew Hare threw for 2,097 yards and 17 touchdowns with two interceptions while rushing for 961 yards and another eight scores. 

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