2011 Bowl Predictions: The X Factors for Florida International vs. Marshall

Florida International and Marshall face off tonight in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg. The game will kickoff at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.

There are two X factors you need to be aware of in this game: FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton and Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry.

Hilton is 50 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season, which would be the second of his career as well as 111 yards rushing. He is a dangerous return man, totaling 512 kickoff return yards and 186 punt return yards, including a 97-yarder that he returned for a touchdown.

Hilton has been on a hot streak as of late, scoring a touchdown in his past three games.

Anytime he touches the ball, he is a danger to score. Just ask Louisville.

His 201 yards and two touchdowns against Louisville earlier this season were both career highs, and were the deciding factor in the 24-17 victory.

Curry is an absolute beast of a defensive end. He ranks second in the country in tackles for a loss and has 11 sacks on the season, which is sixth. He also has three blocked kicks and six forced fumbles.

Curry faces a number of double teams per game because opponents know that he is the only real playmaker on the Thundering Herd’s defense. Stifle him and you can more or less impose your will on the defense.

But good luck trying to stop him.

It’s much easier for a wide receiver and return man to have a major impact on the game, but if either of these players really go off, expect that team to win this bowl.