FIU vs. Marshall: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for Beef O'Brady's Bowl

Florida International and Marshall could be happier to be playing in the Beef "O" Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg this year.

The Thundering Herd needed a late comeback from backup quarterback Rakeem Cato just to become bowl eligible, and the Golden Panthers are playing in only their second bowl game ever.

Far too often do we worry about the big bowl games that take place around and after New Years, but there are many, many more games that still have plenty of meaning for the players involved.

This isn't just a mediocre bowl game, this is a big triumph for bot these teams.

Where: Tropicana Field; St. Petersburg, Florida

When: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 8:00 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN / ESPN 3D / ESPN3

Listen: FIU - 790 The Ticket; Marshall - WJLS-AM.

Betting Line: FIU (-4)

Key Storyline: Progress

FIU is playing in their second bowl game ever, and the Thundering Herd are starting true freshman quarterback Rakeem Cato after an injury to A.J. Graham.

Both schools are going through progressions and hoping to maintain something that they don't always have: success.

The Golden Panthers have made enormous strides under coach Mario Cristobal and need to find a way to keep it that way.

As for Marshall coach Doc Holliday, this is his first coaching gig and his first bowl game. If he can figure things out under center, he might be able to sustain some success with the Herd. 

Who Might Not Play for FIU

No injuries to report.

Who Might Not Play for Marshall

AJ Graham, QB: out for season

What It Means for FIU

This is only the program's second bowl game ever. A year ago they won the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl over Toledo at Ford Field.

If Cristobal truly wants to build this program, he needs to continue winning bowl games and continue making waves each and every season.

A second straight bowl win will go a long way for the Golden Panthers.

What It Means for Marshall

This is only the Thundering Herd's second bowl game in the past seven years. This is only Holliday's second season with Marshall and it is important for him to establish success.

If Marshall is going to gain any momentum in recruiting for future seasons, winning a bowl game is a big help.

What They're Saying

Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazzette-Mail writes:

"

As FIU prepares to face Marshall at 8 p.m. Tuesday at St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field, the 0-12 days have faded in the rear-view mirror. After years of playing in the shadow of Howard Schnellenberger's Florida Atlantic team, the Panthers have surged ahead of the Owls, whipping them 41-7 in November.

If the Panthers beat Marshall (6-6), they will claim their first nine-win season. The school had sold 4,500-plus tickets by midweek, and Garcia said 20 charter buses were scheduled to make the three-and-a-half-hour trip to St. Pete.

"

Player to Watch for FIU: T.Y. Hilton, WR/RS

Plain and simple, Hilton will be the most electrifying player on the field come Tuesday night. He may be slight in size, but he's a playmaker who can a turn a quick slant into a 70-yard touchdown and is an extremely dangerous return man.

The Thundering Herd need to keep the ball away from him as often as possible and do their best to corral him when he touches the ball on offense.

If he gets loose, he'll break this game open.

He's the school's all-time leader in receptions (221), receiving yards (3,443), touchdowns (24) and total touchdowns (36).

Player to Watch for Marshall: Vinny Curry, DE

The defensive end is an extremely disruptive force who can dictate the play of an entire offense if he gets going.

The 6'5", 245-pounder is extremely tall and uses his size to create mismatches on the edge.

He ranks second nationally this season with 21.5 tackles for loss, tied for second nationally with six forced fumbles and tied for fifth with 11 sacks.

Key Matchup: Vinny Curry vs. FIU O-Line

A lot of this matchup falls to Caylin Hauptmann, the FIU left tackle.

If he can control Curry, it will give senior quarterback Wesley Carroll the opportunity to find Hilton.

The Golden Panthers will break things open if Curry can't disrupt Carroll in the backfield.

Prediction: FIU 28, Marshall 14