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This time last year, Kansas State and Michigan were preparing for big time bowl games in January. The Wildcats were headed to the Fiesta Bowl, while the Wolverines were set to play in the Outback Bowl.
Things didn't go quite as well for either program in 2013. That being said, there will still be plenty of talent on the field when they meet in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devils Stadium. And with two passionate fan bases behind them, there should be a great crowd in attendance in Tempe.
Here's everything you need to know to watch the game.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Both schools have 7-5 record. Neither team comes in ranked, and regardless of who wins, the victory won't be enough to move them into the top 25.
Vegas: Kansas State opened as a three-point favorite. The over-under opened at 55.5 points.
Weather: It should be a cool but comfortable night for football in Tempe.
Location: Tempe, Ariz.
Stadium: Sun Devil Stadium (71,706 capacity)
Tickets: Find available seats here.
Last year's score: 17-16, Michigan State over TCU
Last year's attendance: 44,617
Last year's TV rating: 2.7
Last year's payout for each school: No figures were released for the 2012 game, but Oklahoma and Iowa both earned a reported $3.3 million for playing in 2011, when it was still the Insight Bowl.
Team with the most all-time appearances: Minnesota, with three. The Gophers are winless in those three appearances.
Team with the most all-time wins: California, Arizona, Texas Tech and Iowa State all tied with two.
Three names to know
Shane Morris: Devin Gardner runs the show for Michigan. He struggled with consistency throughout the season, but his numbers speak for themselves: 3,443 total yards – 2,960 passing, 483 rushing – and 32 total touchdowns. Unfortunately, he will end up missing the game because of a turf toe injury, meaning the job is former four-star recruit Morris'.
Jeremy Gallon: Arguably the top wide receiver in the Big Ten, Gallon led the Wolverines with 1,284 yards and nine touchdowns on 80 receptions. He's not the biggest guy on the field by any means, but if he gets a step on the defense, he's gone.
Tyler Lockett: Kansas State doesn't throw the football as much as others in the Big 12, but Lockett is still a dangerous weapon down the field. He leads the Cats with 1,146 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 71 receptions.
Two things at stake
It was a tough end to the year for Brady Hoke's bunch following their last-second loss to Ohio State. A win would bring some life back into the program as the offseason arrives.
A win for KSU would give it an 8-5 record to end the season. That may not be great, but for a team that started the season 2-4, it would be quite the turnaround for Bill Snyder's boys.
How to witness
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
Radio: Michigan affiliates | Kansas State affiliates
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Further reading
For more on the game, be sure to check out Maize n Brew and Bring on the Cats.
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