Florida Atlantic (7-5) vs. Memphis (7-5)

Conference Matchup: Sun Belt vs. Conference USA
Date: Dec. 21
Location: New Orleans
Spread: Florida Atlantic -2

On the surface, there doesn't seem to be a lot to get excited about for this game, a matchup of two 7-5 teams that most of the nation hasn't heard or seen much of, and a contest that seems like it exists just because there is some rule that any team with seven wins gets to participate in a bowl game. But try telling that to the Florida Atlantic Owls. Picked by most media outlets to finish sixth in their conference, they went 6-1 in the Sun Belt and wrapped up the school's first-ever bowl bid with a 38-32 win at conference frontrunner Troy in the season finale. So while much of the viewing public might see this game as just a walkthrough on the TV set in preparation for the meaningful bowl games, the Owls have other thoughts.

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"If you get to go to the bowl game, we get 15 extra days of practice, we get much more TV coverage, we get mentioned in all the cumulative bowl stories," FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger said after the win over Troy. "With that attention comes more fans and better recruits. It is the first spiral in the upward spiral of success."

However, Memphis is not a lack for motivation, either. The Tigers started 2-4 and appeared headed toward a dismal season, then were dealt a blow when receiver Taylor Bradford was murdered. They, however, regrouped and made a success of their season.

There also is potential intrigue in that the game might be a high-scoring contest. Neither team plays much defense and they both like to throw quite a bit, too, factors contributing to the total coming in at 67.

Florida Atlantic can cover if: If the Owls bring the same type of intensity that they had in the win over Troy and do not show up with a "happy-to-be-here" attitude, they should be just fine. On paper the teams are strikingly similar; each has a quarterback with 3,000 yards (Rusty Smith has 3,352 with 27 touchdowns against just eight interceptions) and both teams have one of the nation's worst statistical defensive squads. The Owls like to spread the ball around, as they have four receivers that have at 375 yards receiving, led by Cortez Gent with 1,030 yards and nine touchdowns. Their leading rusher is Charles Pierre with 733 yards and seven touchdowns. In a match-up of seemingly even teams, you would think the nod would go to the squad from the tougher conference. However, the teams have two common opponents - Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State - and FAU beat them both, while Memphis lost to both clubs. Momentum also appears to favor the Owls.

Memphis can cover if: The Tigers can cover if they get the majority of the defensive stops … two might be enough. Carrying the nation's 103rd ranked defense, the Tigers haven't stopped many teams but they have managed to outscore some. They beat SMU 55-52 in the Nov. 24 season finale to secure a bowl bid. First-year offensive coordinator Clay Helton has the Tigers near the top of several offensive categories nationally, and their 308 yards per game passing ranks 12th. Quarterback Martin Hankins has thrown for 2,939 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his passes. Joseph Doss has 715 yards and five touchdowns to lead the rushing attack.

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General Notes: The over is 7-0 in FAU's last seven games. The Owls are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games on turf. The Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last five as an underdog of three points or fewer. Schnellenberger is the former University of Miami coach.