PapaJohns.com Bowl

Dec. 22, 2007

Prediction: Rutgers vs. SMU

Big East vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

It's hard to believe a team as good as Rutgers could be playing in such a lowly game as the PapaJohns.com Bowl. But with the Big XII possibly taking away a Big East bowl bid in the Gator Bowl, the Big East just isn't left with all that many options remaining. And Rutgers could be really good. It's possible that the Big East could have four teams ranked in the top 25 at the end of the year, maybe even five in a dream situation. Ray Rice and last year's 20 rushing touchdowns return for 2007. And if quarterback Mike Teel can improve on last year's touchdown to interception ratio, Rutgers will have a successful year. Last year, he had 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Look for Southern Methodist to return to post-season action for the first time since 1984. The Mustangs will be dogged by a tough schedule, but they have the talent to overcome it. Take a look at the talent positions. Quarterback Justin Willis threw for 26 touchdowns with only six interceptions and had a 67.4 percent completion rate as a freshman! He also had 354 rushing yards and three touchdows to boot. Last year's leading rusher DeMyron Martin returns for his junior season, but he needs to improve on last year's 369 rushing yards. And last year's leading receiver returns as well with Emmanuel Sanders who had nine receving touchdowns in 2006. That's some offensive firepower!