Quote:Eastern Michigan's incredible bowl plea paid off as the Eagles are headed to their second bowl in the past three seasons. Both teams defend well but Georgia Southern's option attack, behind quarterback Shai Werts and running back Wesley Fields, is the difference.

Prediction: Georgia Southern 34, Eastern Michigan 27

Two Group of 5 conference champions meet at the house Lane Kiffin built (well, not exactly). Both defenses are extremely talented, so expect a low-scoring game with highlights from star defenders like UAB's Jamell Garcia-Williams and NIU's Sutton Smith. It's hard to go against the Blazers and coach Bill Clark, especially given NIU's bowl struggles under Rod Carey.

Prediction: UAB 26, Northern Illinois 13

The game pits two older coaches who repeatedly show they haven't lost their touch in San Diego State's Rocky Long (68) and Ohio's Frank Solich (74). While the Aztecs defense is stingy as usual, their poor finish seems tough to ignore, especially when Ohio won five of its final six behind surging running back A.J. Ouellette (739 rush yards, seven touchdowns in the final five games).

Prediction: Ohio 31, San Diego State 20

Toledo burned me in last year's predictions, but I'm a loyal guy. The Rockets scored 45 points or more in four of their last five games, and emerging running back Bryant Koback helps his team outlast James Morgan and FIU in a high-scoring game in the islands.

Prediction: Toledo 42, Florida International 38

The teams have a common opponent in Northern Illinois -- Western Michigan won, BYU lost -- but the Cougars offense showed improvement down the stretch, and I don't buy that the Broncos' defense has turned things around. BYU is more talented and physical, and gets Kalani Sitake his second bowl win.

Prediction: BYU 36, Western Michigan 27

Buffalo didn't have the finish it wanted, squandering a 19-point lead in the second half against Northern Illinois in the MAC title game. I love Lance Leipold the Bulls' talent and experience, but they'll be playing a virtual road game against a Troy team equally well-coached by Neal Brown. Troy's bowl experience under Brown (2-0) pays off in this one.

Prediction: Troy 28, Buffalo 25