College football returns Tuesday night with the fourth bowl game of the season. The Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg will matchup Florida International against Marshall. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. start and will be televised nationally on ESPN. The Golden Panthers are currently the odds on favorite in this game at -4.5 points while the total is set right now at 49 points.
Free Analysis: At 8-4, the Golden Panthers have the best record of any school in the state of Florida. Hard to believe, but true, except Florida State also finished at 8-4, but tying for the best record in the state is still pretty sweet. It's also the second straight appearance for the school in a bowl game. To make it even better, the Golden Panthers are coming into this contest winners of three straight football games and their defense has played pretty well. In those three straight wins to end the season they won each by double digits, gaining a lot of momentum heading into this contest. What's even better is that Florida International is still less than 10 years old as a Division I football program. Marshall enters the game much older as a program and is in their second bowl game in three years. A dismal 6-6 record on the year saw the Thundering Herd actually play some pretty rough competition. Their six losses came at the hands of West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia Tech, Central Florida, Houston and Tulsa. Each school but Central Florida is playing in a bowl game this season, so they definitely have an experience advantage when it comes to playing in some bigger games. In fact, the Herd might even be considering themselves lucky to even be in this bowl game. Remember, aside from the six losses they also had to beat Southern Miss and Louisville just to finish with bowl eligibility. I think playing in the same state will pay big dividends for the Golden Panthers tonight. Sure, they're just heading across the state but I do think they will be represented well. I'm looking for T.Y. Hilton to have a big impact on tonight's game. Hilton enters the game as FIU's top receiver, and holds the school career records for catches (221), receiving yards (3,443), touchdowns (24) and overall scores (36). This year he's caught 64 passes for 950 yards with seven TDs. Panther QB Wesley Carroll lost his job midway through the year but has gotten is back and as a senior, that's huge. On offense for Marshall, tailbacks Tron Martinez and Travon Van both should have an impact. The duo ran better toward the end of the season and they could be a big factor against Florida International's run defense, which has improved significantly this season. Both defenses have done well for themselves this year and I anticipate it to continue tonight. A low scoring affair will probably be in the work, and I don't really trust either quarterback enough.
Free Pick: I like Florida International in this game because I think they have a better defense and Hilton on offense is a game-breaker. The three straight wins by double digits to end the season are huge for a team like this heading into a bowl game. Sure, Marshall has played a real tough schedule but I think the Golden Panthers will be more focused. They don't turn the ball over (only once this year did they have more than 2 turnovers in a game) and that will help tonight. The end of this season would be a huge way for Florida International to build its program. A win tonight can cement that and I think they get it done.
Free Picks: Florida International vs Marshall Betting
Marshall starting true freshman QB and Florida Intl is an excellent road team 7-4 ATS last 11 games plus other factors college football bettors need to know about Florida International vs Marshall (Tuesday, December 20, 2011) from Pregame.com - Including predictions from Vegas Runner and analysis from host Marco D'Angelo.