Northwestern's reward for the program's first nine-win season since 2008 and its second since 1996 will be a New Year's Day appearance in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., the Sun-Times has confirmed.

The Wildcats, who were ranked No. 21 in the final Associated Press Poll, will play Mississippi State (8-4 overall, 4-4 Southeast Conference). The Bulldogs have won five straight bowl games dating back to 1999. The 'Cats haven't won a bowl game since 1949.

The game will kickoff at 11 a.m. and will be televised on ESPN2

Coach Pat Fitzgerald will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. to make the official announcement.