Toledo favored by 2
This is not the most exciting matchup of this bowl season, in my estimation. That being said, it can't be the worst, right? FIU is in the first bowl game of their school's history. That's exciting, right?
Usually I am very pumped about the Sun Belt Conference winner. But for some reason the Golden Panthers aren't doing it for me this year. Maybe it's because they aren't Troy or Middle Tennessee State.
Their paltry 6-6 record includes four early season losses to top conference teams, none too bad (well, 44-17 at Pitt isn't exactly great), yet they did bounce back to win six of their next seven in conference before losing the final game of the season by one point at home to those treacherous Blue Raiders.
Perry and Mallory form a fun double running back tandem for FIU, which compliment their QB Carroll (a 2800 yard passer) well, so don't count out their balanced offense. But perhaps count out their defense.
Toledo has a two QB system going, something I used to hate and now I love (especially for smaller schools). Austin Dantin has seven passing touchdowns and eight rushing. Terrance Owens has 12 TDs to just 2 INTs. Both have passed for over a thousand yards.
The Rockets also have a weapon in receiver Eric Page. He has gained close to 1100 yards receiving, returned three kickoff returns for touchdowns and passed for three touchdowns (on 4 pass attempts). You know they'll get creative with him in this game.
The pick: Toledo - I don't know if FIU can match athleticism in this one.
The line: Toledo to cover. It seems like a bit of a gift line (it opened at just one point, darn!), one I might actually have bet on.
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