Motor City Bowl

Dec. 26, 2007

7:30 p.m., Detroit, Mich., ESPN

Prediction: Indiana vs. Kent State

Big 10 no. 7 vs. MAC

Analysis:

We're sticking with Indiana in the Motor City slot. Iowa will provide stiff competition, but we just think the stars are aligned for the Hoosiers. Iowa didn't exactly sparkle against Northern Illinois. And Indiana will be playing all season long for the memory of Terry Hoeppner.

Kent State showed their meddle by winning a road game in a Big XII stadium. Iowa State might not exactly be a quality opponent, but Bret Meyer and Todd Blythe are quality players. The Golden Flashes will go to their first bowl game for the first time since 1972, which will be sweet for them seeing as they should have gone to one last year.

Motor City Bowl

Dec. 26, 2007

Prediction: Indiana vs. Toledo

Big 10 no. 7 vs. MAC

Analysis:

Welcome back to bowl eligibilty, Indiana. The Hoosiers haven't been to a bowl since 1993, and it won't be easy to return to one this year in an improved Big 10. An easy non-conference will help them on their way to the promised land, though. One loss like last year's debacle to Southern Illinois could spoil the trip. Indiana will take a "Win one for the Gipper" attitude this year in memory of departed head coach Terry Hoeppner. A Kellen Lewis to James Hardy air attack will propel the Hoosiers to Detroit in late December.

Toledo will find its way back to a bowl game after a surprising year of mediocrity in 2006. A tough non-conference schedule with games against Purdue, Kansas and Iowa State won't make things any easier. The defense should be much improved after allowing 27.7 points per game last season. As long as running back Jalen Parmele picks up where he left off last year, Toledo should be a MAC power once again.