Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

1 p.m. EST, Charlotte, N.C., ESPN

Prediction: South Florida vs. Maryland

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

Neither of our bowl participants did much of note during the first week of the season. They both beat Championship subdivision opponents, which is more than Michigan can say, though. South Florida beat Elon handily. Quarterback Matt Groethe and the defense will lead the way for more prominent wins as the season continues. Maryland, meanwhile, beat Villanova in another yawner. A win is a win and Ralph Friedgen will need every one to get the Terrapins bowling in the postseason.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: Rutgers vs. Miami

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

The fallout from the Gator Bowl continues as we alter our predictions. Due to our elevation of South Florida to the Sun Bowl, a good Rutgers team also jumps up to the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Miami will remain the opponent from the ACC.

Although the South Florida vs. Miami matchup had certain geographical implications, the new opponent for Miami is even better. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano had been rumored to be the new head coach for Miami before Schiano decided to stick with the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is coming off two consecutive bowl appearances, the best in team history. And his teams are becoming more competitive. Ray Rice will look to do some damage against the Hurricanes, who themselves are looking forward to a better season with less off the field issues than in 2006.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Dec. 29, 2007

Prediction: South Florida vs. Miami

Big East vs. ACC no. 6

Analysis:

It might be the bowl with the worst corporate name, but it might be one of the most underrated bowls there is. Whoever the Big East representative is in this bowl, they're bound to be good. South Florida and their suffocating defense get the nod here, although Rutgers could provide stiff competition. Senior linebacker Ben Moffit leads the team this year, but expect even bigger things from USF in 2008.

Miami will join the Bulls in what will be both a Florida vs. Florida match-up and a defensive showdown. There's always high expectations at Miami, but road games at Oklahoma, Florida State and Virginia Tech will prevent the 'Canes from a high finish in the polls. A bowl game match-up with the no. 3 or no. 4 team from the Big East will be even better than fans will want to admit, though.