The inaugural Xbox Bowl, a new addition to college football, is scheduled to take place in Frisco, Texas, on December 18. This exciting matchup will showcase Missouri State University facing off against Arkansas State University.
As the Xbox brand steps into the realm of college football, the collaboration has been hailed as a natural fit, especially as announced by ESPN.
Details of the Xbox Bowl
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. Missouri State will be making its first appearance in a bowl game, representing Conference USA, while Arkansas State will aim for its third consecutive bowl game appearance from the Sun Belt Conference.
Fans attending the event can look forward to a variety of Xbox-themed activities and moments throughout the venue, enhancing the overall game-day experience.
Voices Behind the Event
Sean Johnson, Executive Director of the Xbox Bowl, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re proud to welcome Xbox as the title sponsor of this bowl game as their brand aligns perfectly with the excitement and energy of college football and especially the Bowl Season. We are thrilled to host two great football teams for the inaugural Xbox Bowl.”
Chris Lee, Vice President of Xbox Marketing, added, “The Xbox Bowl is where the thrill of game day meets the joy of play. Partnering with ESPN Events allows us to bring fans closer to the action, whether they are cheering from the stands in Frisco, watching from home, or gaming with friends around the world. Together, we celebrate the passion for play, both on the field and in the gaming community, while reimagining the game day experience for both seasoned players and newcomers.”
Viewing Information
Fans across the country can catch the Xbox Bowl live on ESPN2. For ticket details and more information, visit www.XboxBowl.com.
Profiles of the Competing Teams
Arkansas State
Arkansas State is making its third consecutive bowl appearance and has achieved bowl eligibility for the thirteenth time as an FBS institution. The Red Wolves are led by Junior quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who has recorded 49 career touchdown passes, ranking fourth in the program’s history. With 32 completions in his last regular-season game, Raynor set a new single-season record with 316 completions, surpassing Justice Hansen’s previous record of 305 established in 2017.
Missouri State
In its first season competing in Conference USA and the FBS, Missouri State finished with a record of 7-5, placing fourth in the conference with a 5-3 mark. The Bears achieved five consecutive conference victories from early October to mid-November. Senior quarterback Jacob Clark, a local standout from Rockwall, Texas, boasts over 7,500 passing yards and 60 touchdowns throughout his career. He will be pivotal in leading Missouri State as they seek their first bowl victory in program history.
