NEW YORK (AP) - A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that Northern Illinois has been selected to play in the Orange Bowl.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the official Bowl Championship Series lineup was to be announced later Sunday. The story was first reported by SI.com.

Northern Illinois (12-1) won the Mid-American Conference championship on Friday, lost its coach (Dave Doeren) to North Carolina State on Saturday, and moved into the top 16 of the final BCS standings on Sunday.

Once the Huskies reached the top 16, they earned an automatic spot in the BCS because they are ranked ahead of the Big Ten (Wisconsin) and Big East (Louisville) champions.

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AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds contributed.