International Bowl Prediction

International Bowl Prediction: The college football bowl series is well underway. Kickoff for the 2nd annual International Bowl is scheduled for January 5, 2008, 12:00 PM (Eastern) at Rogers Centre, in Toronto Canada. This is the only bowl game played north of the border and will feature teams from the Big East Conference and Mid-American Conference. Rutgers started the season with high hopes and began to fall from the polls as the racked up five losses.

With both teams finishing the season at 7-5, each features a solid performer at quarterback. Leading the Big East in pass defense, difference maker in this game will be the Rutgers defense. Favored by 10.5 points, the Rutgers defense will dictate the tempo against the Ball State Cardinals. Look for the Rutgers Knights to establish the running game with junior running back Ray Rice. At 5'9, Rice lead the team in rushing with 1,732 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, and a solid 5.0 yards per carry average. He runs behind a solid offensive line with a definite size advantage. In his final game before heading off for the NFL look for RB Ray Rice to have a big game.

To stay in this game, the Ball State offense will have to put some points on the board. Against a tough Nebraska they were able to put up 40 points. To do this, quarterback Nate Davis will have to find junior tight end Darius Hill. Hill was a semi-finalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's best tight end. Hill finished the regular season with 837 yards and nine TDs.

Ball State's 3-4-defense will have their hands fully trying to shut down the run. This will create big opportunities for sophomore wide receiver Kenny Britt and junior wide receiver Tiquan Underwood. The dual receiving threats each racked up over 1,000 yards receiving and at 6'4 Kenny Britt average almost 20 yards per catch.

My Prediction: Rutgers 36, Ball State 25