International Bowl

Jan. 5, 2008

12 p.m. EST, Toronto, Canada, ESPN 2

Prediction: Notre Dame vs. Toledo

Big East/Notre Dame vs. MAC

Analysis:

If Saturday's performance is any indication, Notre Dame will be lucky to finish with a .500 record this season. And if they do, they better hope no team from the Big East finishes with a winning record. Bowl rules dictate that teams with a winning record are given preference. A team like Pittsburgh could leapfrog the Fighting Irish here.

Central Michigan was the original pick for this game, but they didn't show any fight versus Kansas. Toledo didn't exactly excel against Purdue either, but they showed more than the Chippewas. The Rockets are hoping the Toledo of old starts showing through and it should.

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.