Missouri State football fell short in its first bowl appearance as an FBS member. The Bears will now enter a new era under a new coach.

The Red Wolves emerged victorious in the inaugural Xbox Bowl, taking down first-year FBS program Missouri State 34-28 in the first college football game played at the Ford Center inside The Star — the practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys.

FRISCO — Corey Rucker racked up 166 yards receiving and a score, Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns, and Arkansas State took down Missouri State 34-28 in the inaugural Xbox Bowl on Thursday night.

FRISCO, TX — Missouri State football ended a historic season, in which it qualified for a bowl game in its first season as an FBS program, with a loss in the Xbox Bowl. The Bears made a late push, but came up short in a 34-28 loss to Arkansas State on Thursday, Dec. 18, in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

SportsLine's model has revealed its Missouri State vs. Arkansas State picks for the Xbox Bowl 2025 on Thursday

The Xbox Bowl will make its college football debut this year. Arkansas State will enter its Thursday matchup against Missouri State as a 2.5-point favorite. The

Arkansas State on Thursday won the first Xbox Bowl, which was also the Red Wolves' second consecutive bowl victory, which raised the program's record against Missouri State from 3 wins to 4-0.

Missouri State and Arkansas State square off in the Xbox Bowl from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

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