I’m 3-0 in Bowl Mania for the first time that I can remember, yet the world didn’t end…what’s up?
In all honesty, I’m pleased to be at the top of my group and the only person in the group left with a perfect record. But I know that it has to end soon, and tonight may be the night (I’m sure I’ll be saying that until it actually happens).
Here is a preview for the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg (Friday, 7:30 PM ET)
Ball State vs. Central Florida
Anyone who didn’t like the lack of offense in last night’s bowl game shouldn’t be disappointed again tonight. Both UCF and Ball State have a slew of offensive weapons, which should result in more than just a couple of touchdowns.
Ball State will look to get things going on the ground, as the Cardinals have two capable running backs in Jahwan Edwards and Horactio Banks. Edwards will likely get the bulk of the carries in this game, but Banks also presents a danger because of his speed and ability to change direction quickly. If Ball State can get things going on the ground, expect quarterback Keith Wenning to be able to take advantage of an over-aggressive defense. That is assuming Wenning is playing, of course. The senior suffered an ankle injury in November and hasn’t been officially named the starter for the bowl game. Without Wenning, the Cardinals could have trouble proving to UCF that they are not one-dimensional on offense.
While UCF can also score (averaging 35.2 points per game) and has a stud running back of its own in Latavius Murray, the Knights will need to rely on a few key defensive stops to win this game. George O’Leary’s team has done well when it holds opponents to 20 points or less. In fact, the Knights are 6-0 when doing so, while only 3-4 when allowing more than 20 points. Chances are, UCF will win this game if it can hold the Cardinals to less than three touchdowns.
I don’t know if UCF can hold Ball State to less than three touchdowns unless Wenning doesn’t play. That being said, I have the Cardinals in an upset for 4 points, my lowest confidence so far, in the Bowl Mania game.
My Pick: 34-31 Ball State
Remember, if you’d like to share your opinion on Around The Corn for any of the upcoming bowls, shoot me an email with your thoughts and prediction to kbecks@aroundthecorn.com. Or you can like Around The Corn’s Facebook page or send me a tweet @KBecks_ATC. As long as you send your thoughts at least two games before the game is to be played, I can assure you that your thoughts will show up in an article.
– K. Becks
