Angle Plays For Toledo-U Conn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toledo vs U Conn in the Motor City Bowl

Toledo comes in at 9-3

U Conn is 7-4

Both of these teams have faced 5 bowl teams this year: UConn was 1-4 SU and ATS and Toledo was 3-2 SU and ATS. But were also outgained by an average of 20 ypg.

This is Toledo's third bowl in the last 4 years. All at Motor City Bowl

This is U Conn's first ever bowl game

Toledo is 3-3 ATS against the Big East

Both teams common opponent this year was Temple. Toledo won 45-17. And U Conn won 45-31.

Surface edge goes to Toledo who just played their MAC championship game on this field.

Expierence edge goes to U Conn who has 10 seniors and 0 frosh starters, while Toledo has 8 seniors but also has 5 frosh starters.

U Conn has the #44 rated offense and #75 defense

Toledo has the #28 rated offense and #86 defense

Toledo has faced the #93 toughest schedule. U Conn #102

the intangibles go to U Conn. This will be like a home game for Toledo while U Conn travels halfway around the country. But Toledo's QB Brad Gradkowski broke his hand and seperated his shoulder in the title game a couple weeks ago, but will try to play. While their top RB Scooter McDougal will miss the game due to knee injury. And to add to their problems Toledo defensive coordinator Lou West will step down to take a head coaching job at Indiana St. And just when they thought matters coudn't get any worse the MAC conference has sanctioned Toledo for unsportsmanlike conduct for not turning over game film for their earlier game against Eastern Michicgan. E. Michigan wants a $25,000 fine from Toledo or says the MAC must call their game a loss or tie. And so possibly losing their MAC title.

PREDICTION: U Conn is just happy to be in a bowl. But they are very excited to be playing in their first ever bowl game. They have an expierenced offensive line going up against a very inexpierenced Toledo defensive line. And U Conn's excellent RB who lead the Big East in rushing this year, should have a big day. I don't anticipate too many problems with the Toledo QB's hand. He's mainly a short 10-15 yard route passer anyway. But Toledo will really miss RB McDougal more than anyone. He's racked up over 400 yards in his last 3 games. And was a big factor down the stretch. He will have a true freshman replacing him at RB. I believe these 2 teams are not very far apart at all. And with the numerous Toledo problems adding up, I believe U Conn is in prime position for a mild upset. PREDICTION U Conn +3