Bowl Breakdown: MPC Computers Nevada (8-4) vs. Miami (6-6) Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Bronco Stadium (30,000) Boise, Idaho

SI.com's Gennaro Filice analyzes the matchup.

Breaking down Nevada

Six-foot-8 DE Calais Campbell headlines an overwhelming Miami defense. Joel Auerbach/US PRESSWIRE

In his second year running the "Pistol" offense, Nevada QB Jeff Rowe seems to have a good grasp of Chris Ault's unique system. The offense resembles a spread, except Rowe is lined up in a shortened shotgun position with a running back directly behind him. Subtle differences in the offense make it difficult to defend, especially when Nevada runs play-action, which tends to completely freeze linebackers and defensive backs. Unlike many other spread offenses, Nevada is balanced between run and pass, and the Wolf Pack rank 19th in scoring offense (30.9). Miami's defense should be quite a challenge for Ault's quirky offense; Nevada has yet to face a team with anywhere near as much speed as the 'Canes.

During the regular season, the Nevada defense held five teams to seven points or fewer, though it was torched by Arizona State, Hawaii and most recently Boise State. Luckily, Miami's offense pales in comparison to any team in that trio. Nevada mixes up its front seven between 3-4 and 4-3 alignments. Ezra Butler is a playmaker at outside linebacker. The first team All-WAC senior led the 'Pack with 62 tackles (14 for loss). DE J.J. Milan, also All-WAC, is explosive off the edge and led the conference with 9 1/2 sacks.

Breaking down Miami

With the death of Bryan Pata and the ugly brawl in the Florida International game, it has been a tumultuous season for the 'Canes. And their fall from grace cost Larry Coker his job. But Coker will be on the Miami sideline for one more game before officially handing over head-coaching duties to defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.

Offensively, things couldn't get much worse. The Hurricanes rank 87th in the nation, and offensive coordinator Rich Olson left in early December to take the same position under Dennis Erickson at Arizona State. With Kyle Wright healing from thumb surgery, Kirby Freeman will start at quarterback. Although the sophomore has thrown five interceptions in his three starts, Freeman has shown the guts Miami fans say Wright lacks. Freeman has also developed a nice rapport with his safety net, TE Greg Olsen, who has caught 13 balls for 154 yards in the past three games.

With all the despair in Coral Gables, Canes faithful still have at least one thing to hang their hat on: a devastating defense. Ranked No. 5 in the nation, Miami gives up just 252.1 yards per game. DE Calais Campbell sets the tone up front. The 6-foot-8 sophomore finished second in the ACC in sacks (10) and was first-team All-ACC. In Kenny Phillips and Brandon Meriweather, Miami boasts one of the best safety tandems in the nation.

Final analysis

The Canes' showed tremendous fight in rallying from a 14-3 deficit to beat Boston College in the season finale to become bowl-eligible. Although the weather in Boise may disturb the squad from South Florida, Miami's talented defense will win this game.

The pick: Miami 20, Nevada 17