MOBILE, Ala. — Arkansas State has accepted an invitation to play in the GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium for the third consecutive year, and South Alabama’s regular-season finale against Louisiana-Lafayette could determine whether the Red Wolves arrive in Mobile as Sun Belt Conference co-champions.
The bowl announced Monday that Arkansas State will play in the Jan. 5 game. The Red Wolves’ opponent, which will come from the Mid-American Conference, has not yet been announced.
GoDaddy Bowl and the Sun Belt Title Picture
Arkansas State finished the regular season 7-5 and will place no lower than second in the Sun Belt standings. The Red Wolves can claim a share of the conference championship if Louisiana-Lafayette loses to South Alabama on Saturday night.
Arkansas State’s regular season ended with a loss to Western Kentucky last weekend, snapping a four-game winning streak.
Second Trip to Mobile This Season
The bowl game will be Arkansas State’s second visit to Ladd-Peebles Stadium this season. The Red Wolves defeated South Alabama 17-16 there on Nov. 2.
Third Coach in Three Bowl Trips
Arkansas State will make its third straight GoDaddy Bowl appearance under its third different head coach. Hugh Freeze led the Red Wolves to their first appearance before leaving to become head coach at Ole Miss. Gus Malzahn coached the team to last year’s appearance before departing for the head coaching job at Auburn.
The current head coach, Bryan Harsin, was co-offensive coordinator at Texas before taking over at Arkansas State.
Previous GoDaddy Bowl Results
- 2011 season: Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20
- 2012 season: Arkansas State 17, Kent State 13
Both of Arkansas State’s previous GoDaddy Bowl opponents came from the Mid-American Conference, as will this year’s.
Ladd-Peebles Stadium, which hosts the GoDaddy Bowl each year, is also the home field for South Alabama football.
