Toledo (8-4) versus Florida International (6-6): LITTLE CAESARS BOWL 8:30 pm

[cowboyjoe]

Toledo (8-4) versus Florida International (6-6): LITTLE CAESARS BOWL, 8:30 PM ET; ESPN
http://www.gbnreport.com/bowlwatch.htm

It is officially named after a pizza chain, but this game is really this year's prototype for the "You'll never ever get to a BCS bowl so here's a bone to keep you at least voting for the BCS system" Bowl as Florida International, which was barely bowl eligible at 6-6 even playing a Sun Belt shedule, travels north to Detroit to take on Toledo. Hands up those that even know the nicknames of both teams. And no its not the Owls and the Mud Hens it the Golden Panthers and the Rockets. And while tonight's bowl game is hardly the motherlode for NFL prospects for the 2011 draft, each team does a player who could get a call as early as the 5-6 round in Toledo C Kevin Kowalski (#69, 6-3, 300) and FIU CB Anthony Gaitor (7, 5-9, 180). Both teams also have an emerging star at WR in Florida International junior T.Y. Hilton (#4, 5-10, 185) and Toledo sophomore Eric Page (#12, 5-9, 180) who made a number of All-America teams as a KO returner after he averaged 31.8 yards per return with 3 scores this fall. For good measure, Page also caught 94 passes for over 1,000 yards, while Hilton 56 receptions and averaged 27.5 on KO returns himself. Meanwhile, other veteran players to watch with free-agent potential this spring include WR Greg Ellingson (#82, 6-3, 200), C Brad Serini (#76, 6-3, 285), OG Cedric Mack (#77, 6-3, 320) and SS Ashlyn Parker (#11, 6-0, 215) of Florida International and CB Desmond Marrow (#3, 6-1, 205) and OLB Archie Donald (#45, 6-1, 245) of Toledo.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Little Caesars Bowl: Florida International vs Toledo
26

Dec
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=3936
......
3 Keys from the Scouts

1. FIU’s rushing game. In looking at the team statistics the only area where there should be a good battle is when FIU tries to run the ball. The two headed attack of Darriet Perry and Darian Mallary average 21 carries and 112 yards per game. Toledo only gives up 130 yards total on average.

2. Turnover margin. Toledo is +14 on the year in turnover margin, including 33 takeaways. FIU is +1 on the year and has only turned the ball over 20 times. 13 of those turnovers were interceptions though. If the Golden Panthers cannot run the ball and have to rely more on the pass it could be a long day against the aggressive defense of Toledo.

3. Who can control themselves the best? Each of these teams leads their conference in penalties. Both of these teams would likely have better records if not for their penalty woes.

Bold Prediction: Give Mario Cristobal all the credit in the world for getting FIU bowl eligible. With plenty of talent in the Miami area to go around Cristobal and company should be able to compete for Sunbelt titles for years to come. Unfortunately just getting here is a win for FIU. Toledo has played much better over the course of the year. It’s tough to see them losing even though the story of FIU would be even better if they finished with the first winning season in school history. Toledo 35 FIU 27.

Pro-Prospects

Florida International

Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
7-FA Anthony Gaitor CB 7 4Sr Quick, physical defensive back who displays a nice feel for coverage. Underrated to this point
FA Kendall Berry WR 19 4Jr Nice sized wide out with reliable hands.
Toledo

Round Full Name Pos Num Yr Comments
6th Kevin Kowalski C 69 5Sr Strong small area blocker who would fit well in a power running offense.
FA Danny Noble TE 86 4Jr Athletic tight end with nice size coming off a disappointing junior campaign.
FA Mike VenDerMeulen T 74 4Jr Showed flashes early in his Toledo career yet never took his game to another level.
FA Archie Donald OLB 42 5Sr Solid linebacker with a good head on his shoulders yet a limited athlete with marginal upside.