Missouri State football is in the first bowl game in program history.Despite reaching the required six wins, the Bears (7-5) didn’t know their bowl fate until the final week of the regular season, when they clinched a spot following Auburn’s loss to playoff-bound Alabama in the Iron Bowl. They’re set to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves.The Red Wolves (6-6) also stole bowl eligibility late. In the last week of the regular season, Arkansas State scored the game-winning touchdown with under a minute to go to beat Appalachian State and clinch its sixth win.Missouri State football vs Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl predictionThe Cardiac Bears will do it again. Missouri State has had a knack for thrilling victories this season, and that won’t change come the Xbox Bowl.Missouri State football vs Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl scoreMikey DiLullo, Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State 21, Arkansas State 17When does Missouri State play Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl?The Bears will face the Red Wolves on Dec. 18 at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas.Missouri State vs Arkansas State ticketsYou can find Xbox Bowl tickets on SeatGeek here.College Football Playoff bracket 2025-26 datesFirst round: Dec. 19 and 20Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 1Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9National championship: Jan. 19More Missouri State Football: Missouri State football drops season finale to Louisiana TechMore Missouri State Football: Missouri State football’s winning streak snapped with loss to KSUThis article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Early Missouri State vs Arkansas State predictions for Xbox Bowl