Bowl Preview 2011

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

NEW MEXICO Dec. 17 | 2 p.m. | Albuquerque

TEMPLE (8--4) versus WYOMING (8--4)

Temple running back Bernard Pierce has a name that sounds presidential, and for the kickoff to the bowl season the Owls junior, whose 25 rushing touchdowns rank third in the nation, will be the commander-in-chief. Wyoming ranks 115th in the nation in rushing defense (230.1 yards allowed per game), while Pierce averages 125.5 yards on the ground. That's a bad combination for the Cowboys. Prediction: Temple 28, Wyoming 17

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO Dec. 17 | 5:30 p.m. | Boise, Idaho

OHIO (9--4) versus UTAH STATE (7--5)

Contrary to popular belief, players in this game don't get spuds as bowl gifts. Instead, they get cold-weather apparel—not that Utah State's red-hot duo of QB Adam Kennedy and running back Robert Turbin, the WAC Offensive Player of the Year, needs it. Beaten out in the preseason by freshman Chuckie Keeton, who injured his neck on Nov. 5, Kennedy has gone 4--0 as the starter. Prediction: Utah State 34, Ohio 32

NEW ORLEANS Dec. 17 | 9 p.m. | New Orleans

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE (8--4) versus SAN DIEGO STATE (8--4)

The Ragin' Cajuns put up 32.3 points a game in coach Mark Hudspeth's first season, but they'll have trouble reaching that number against San Diego State, which can control the clock behind sophomore running back Ronnie Hillman. The nation's third-leading rusher, Hillman has a slight frame (5'10", 190 pounds) and big numbers (138.0 yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry). Prediction: San Diego State 27, Louisiana-Lafayette 21