Florida International @ Toledo preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2009 ) Toledo 41, Florida International 31

The Skinny: Florida International can run up the points in the passing game and on the ground but have had some trouble stopping teams from time to time. After dropping the first four games of the season to BCS-caliber competition, the Panthers fought back to finish tied for first in the Sun Belt - a position that landed them in the first bowl game in school history.

After a few lean years Toledo went out and brought in long-time college assistant Tim Beckham to be the head coach. So far, so good, as Beckham installed a high-powered offense that averaged 360 yards a game and got the Rockets to eight wins in his second season.
Point Spread: Toledo -1. Over/Under 56.

Florida International’s Edge: Running back by committee. The Panthers figured to take a hit when starter Jeremiah Harden went down after six games but are now giving carries to Darriet Perry, Darian Malloy and Kedrick Rhodes without missing a beat. The three combined for 1,669 yards this season.

Toledo’s Edge: Wide receiver Eric Page made his way onto the Mid-American all-conference team as both a receiver and a kick returner. The former high school quarterback proved to be a dangerous threat in Beckham’s offense, catching eight touchdown passes, throwing for three more and returning three kicks for scores.

The Quarterbacks: FIU’s Wes Carroll Completed nearly 62 percent of his passes this season and was just dangerous enough to keep defenses from keying on the running game. He finished the season with 2,483 yards and 15 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. T.Y. Hilton was on the receiving end of 56 of Carroll’s passes, coming up with a team-high 816 yards.

Toledo will counter with freshman Terrence Owens, who took over at Eastern Michigan on October 30 and refused to give the job back, throwing for 11 touchdowns and two interceptions over the final four games. Owens passed for 1,112 yards and has the help of Page, who finished fifth in the nation with 94 catches.

NFL Prospects: Florida International - CB Anthony Gaitor, OT Cedric Mack, WR Greg Ellingson. Toledo - OC Kevin Kowalski, LB Archie Donald

Bowl History: Florida International - This will be the first bowl game in school history for the Panthers. Toledo - The Rockets are 7-3 all-time in bowl games, most recently earning a 45-13 win over UTEP in the 2005 GMAC Bowl.

Etc.: Toledo sophomore quarterback Austin Dantin, who was injured against Eastern Michigan, is expected to be available as a reserve in the bowl game.

Carroll needs one touchdown pass to set the single-season record for FIU while his center, senior Brad Serini will become the only player in school history to start every game in his collegiate career.

Both teams averaged over 30 points during the last six games of the season.