New Orleans Bowl

Dec. 21, 2007

8 p.m. EST, New Orleans, La., ESPN 2

Prediction: Troy vs. UCF

Sun Belt no. 1 vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

With their win over BCS conference foe North Carolina State on Saturday, UCF is rewarded with an elevation in the bowl pecking order. They get to face the Sun Belt champion in the Crescent City. On a side note, is this what Tom O'Brien signed up for at NC State?

Troy might have lost their season opener at Arkansas, but they played admirably. Omar Haugabrook should be able orchestrate Troy to a conference championship. A key game will be against Florida Atlantic in the last game of the regular season. Atlantic showed their might with a win over a 2006 bowl eligible team in Middle Tennessee State in their season opener.

New Orleans Bowl

Dec. 21, 2007

Prediction: Troy vs. Memphis

Sun Belt no. 1 vs. Conference USA

Analysis:

The same Troy who came within a blink of an eye of beating Florida State last season will be the top dog in the Sun Belt Conference once again. They will follow up a dominating New Orleans Bowl win last season by making a return trip to the Crescent City once again. Middle Tennessee State provided stiff competition last year for the conference crown and could do so once again. But with Omar Haugabook running the show this year along with a decent defense, and Troy should rise to the top once again.

Memphis looks to put a disappointing 2006 season behind them in their quest to become bowl eligible. The New Orleans Bowl will be an attractive choice for Memphis who should be able to bring at least 10,000 fans with them for the ride. They'll be hungry for a bowl game after three straight appearances in bowls from '03 to '05. Wide receiver Duke Calhoun will be the focal point of the offense after averaging 16.2 yard per catch with six touchdowns last season.