Bowl-O-Rama: The Papa John's.com Bowl

Time to up the tempo on the 'ole preview machine since the bowl season officially starts...tomorrow! So much work, yet so little time. Anybody got any greenies? Anyway, on to the PJ's.com Bowl and beyond!

Southern Miss & Cincinnati
Location: Legion Field, Birmingham, AL
Miles Traveled By Each Team: Southern Miss(234), Cincinnati(462)
Related Cereal: Frosted Flakes + extra sugar(You're going to need all the sugar you can get if you're getting up on a Saturday morning/early afternoon to watch this one.)

Breakdown: Southern Miss brings their potent rushing attack to the PJ's.com Bowl. It's ranked #22 in the nation, and they average 200yds rushing per game and have scored 29 rushing touchdowns. Their passing offense isn't quite as a potent, though(193yds/gm, 12TD's, ranked #90). Overall, their offensive unit is ranked #62. The Golden Eagles' rush defense is ranked #48(139yds/gm, 15TD's), and their pass defense is ranked #52(223yds/gm, 20TD's). Their total defense is ranked #47, and allows an average of 363yds/gm, and has allowed a total of 35TD's.

Their opponent, Cincinnati, heads to B-Ham with the #56 ranked rush offense(154yds/gm, 20TD's), and the #23 ranked pass offense(282yds/gm, 32TD's). Overall, Cincy's offense is ranked #28. Their rush defense is ranked #15(105yds/gm, 9TD's), and their pass defense is #105(265yds/gm, 23TD's). Their total defense is ranked #51, and allows an average of 370yds/gm and has given up a total of 26TD's.

Signature Wins: Southern Miss-East Carolina? Cincy-South Florida(They're currently the highest ranked BCS team that Cincy beat).

Common Opponents: Marshall. Southern Miss defeated Marshall 33-24. Cincy beat them 40-14.

Prediction: Cincy's strength on defense is stopping the run. They should be able to do that against Southern Miss, and make the Golden Eagles a one dimensional team. Southern Miss just doesn't have the passing attack to get it done through the air, and they will fall behind early in this one. Look for Ben Mauk to have a big day on offense, and Corey Smith to rack up tackles on defense. Cincy wins 31-17.