Liberty Bowl Preview: Kentucky Wildcats Tangle With Pirates of East Carolina

Liberty Bowl
East Carolina Pirates vs Kentucky Wildcats

Jan. 2 - 5 p.m. ESPN
Memphis, TN

Line: East Carolina -3

Overview

The Pirates of East Carolina meet the Wildcats of Kentucky in the 50th Liberty Bowl. Kentucky is playing in their third straight bowl game, a school record. East Carolina capped off a fast start to 2008 by winning six of their final seven.

Keys to the Game

1. Can Michael Hartline Step Back In?

Hartline was Kentucky's starter for most of the year, but was benched in favor of the mobile Randall Cobb for the last three games of the season. Hartline led the Wildcats to all six of their victories.

He doesn't have to win the game for the Wildcats because they have a solid defense; he just can't lose the game.

2. Turnovers

East Carolina has built most of their wins out of twigs and rabbits' feet this year because they have a below-average offense and an average defense.

The Pirates forced seven turnovers in their Conference USA Championship win over Tulsa. East Carolina is sixth nationally in takeaways with 32.

Motivation

Not really an issue since I am sure East Carolina would love to get a win over an SEC team. Kentucky wants to get the bad taste out after losing their last three.

Prediction

I like East Carolina in this game. I think they get some turnovers from Michael Hartline and they also win the special teams battle.

East Carolina 23, Kentucky 17
East Carolina Covers -3

Confidence Ranking (of 34): 11
My confidence ranking of an East Carolina win

Bowls: 7-5 ATS, 6-6 SU
Season: 38-35-3 ATS, 47-29 SU

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