2010 Little Caesars Bowl: Toledo vs. Florida International Preview & Prediction

It's not the most thrilling bowl game of the year, nor is Detroit what people picture when they hear "exotic bowl destination". Most people hear the names "Toledo and FIU" and assume this is an FCS playoff game or something.

However, this game should have plenty of emotion for the seniors from both teams, as well as the fact that these two programs will be meeting on the gridiron for the third time in as many years.

Toledo responded well this year after a couple disappointing seasons in 2008 and 2009. Redshirt freshman Terrance Owens threw 12 touchdown passes and only two picks this season in relief of injured starting QB Austin Dantin.

If Toledo wants to win this game, their defense will need to add to the impressive takeaway total this season (33), as they aren't great at keeping opponents off the scoreboard.

Florida International was not expected to be playing in a bowl game this season, as the football program is only nine years old. If you asked the players and coaches, they would tell you the bowl berth is nice, but the sweetest moment of the season up to this point would have to be the beating of Sun Belt powerhouse Troy, 52-35. This allowed FIU to clinch a portion of the conference championship.

Mississippi State transfer quarterback Wesley Carroll is one of the motivational leaders of this team. He threw for 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2010.

Prediction

Notice the above statistics mentioned in this preview, Toledo's defense tied for most takeaways in the nation (Hawaii), and FIU's quarterback is less than careful with the ball in his hands. FIU must keep it on the ground if they want to avoid costly turnovers. I think they fall behind by half, and have to start throwing the football.

Toledo 32 - FIU 20,  Toledo takeaways-three